The article highlights the unusual scenario surrounding Tampa Bay Rays owner Stu Sternberg, who faces pressure from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred to sell the team amidst complicated stadium negotiations. The Rays have sought a new venue due to issues with Tropicana Field, worsened by Hurricane Milton. Sternberg is expected to defy a March 31 deadline regarding stadium issues, potentially leveraging the situation to relocate the team. This raises questions about the dynamics of ownership and commissioner authority in Major League Baseball, as pressure from Manfred appears paradoxical in the capitalist sports environment.
The idea that Rob Manfred, or any commissioner, would pressure any owner to do anything, ever, is unfathomable. The first law of capitalist relationships is in force here.
The Rays have wanted a new stadium to replace Tropicana Field, but negotiations have been thorny, especially after Hurricane Milton destroyed the roof of the Trop.
Sternberg was supposed to come up with $700 million for a new stadium, but claims increased costs due to delays in the county vote are unreasonable.
Sternberg's deadline for the stadium decision, March 31, is anticipated to be ignored as part of his strategy to leverage his position for relocation.
Collection
[
|
...
]