Story perspectives

Rays Secure $976M Public Funding for $2.3B Stadium

5/15/2026

Summary

Rays Sign MOU

The Rays and local officials signed a nonbinding MOU to build a new ballpark.
Hillsborough County pledged $796 million and the City of Tampa $180 million, totaling $976 million in public funds.
The $2.3 billion project limits public spending to $1.065 billion, with the Rays paying $1.235 billion.
County Commission will vote May 20 and City Council May 21 after a one-month delay, while Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state will not fund the stadium.

Summary

Wostal Criticizes MOU

Hillsborough College will vote next week on a ground-lease agreement approved only as a non-binding memorandum in January.
The agenda omitted lease details, leaving stakeholders without information on site usage or rent terms.
Joshua Wostal said the memorandum of understanding has severe deficiencies and the Rays have not explained the $2.3 billion cost.
County and city officials will meet next week to discuss the memorandum, with no timeline disclosed.

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Rays Sign MOU

The Rays and local officials signed a nonbinding MOU to build a new ballpark.
Hillsborough County pledged $796 million and the City of Tampa $180 million, totaling $976 million in public funds.
The $2.3 billion project limits public spending to $1.065 billion, with the Rays paying $1.235 billion.
County Commission will vote May 20 and City Council May 21 after a one-month delay, while Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state will not fund the stadium.

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