The Tampa Sports Authority is urging Hillsborough County leaders to prioritize negotiations with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over future improvements to Raymond James Stadium as discussions continue surrounding a proposed new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays.

During a meeting on Monday, the authority voted to draft a letter to county officials expressing concern that limited public funding sources could be stretched between the Buccaneers’ stadium renovation plans and the Rays’ proposed ballpark project in Tampa.

The Buccaneers are expected to seek between $700 million and $1.3 billion for renovations to Raymond James Stadium, which opened in 1998 and is approaching its 30th anniversary. Team officials face a January 2027 deadline to reach a new lease agreement for the facility.

At the same time, local governments are considering a proposal for a new $2.3 billion stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays near Raymond James Stadium. The plan could involve hundreds of millions of dollars in public funding from some of the same revenue sources that may be needed for stadium improvements the Buccaneers seek.

Tampa Sports Authority officials said maintaining Raymond James Stadium remains important to preserving the region’s ability to host major events such as Super Bowls, college football games, and other large-scale entertainment events.

No final decisions have been made regarding funding for either project, and discussions among county leaders, city officials, and the teams are expected to continue in the coming months.

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