Rays CEO Ken Babby said that the team’s “priority is securing a non-binding commitment by the end of the month” with Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa for a ballpark deal, according to Nicolas Villamil of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. Last month, the Rays released a draft memorandum of understanding for a ballpark deal with the county and city, detailing the team’s “request for a billion dollar public contribution” and setting June 1 as the deadline for all sides to approve definitive agreements. But Babby said, “We’re focused on a May MOU. It will be non-binding.” Villamil notes the Florida Legislature has a special session scheduled to start May 12 to approve the state budget, which could include $150M to “help rebuild Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry’s campus,” where the Rays are looking to build their $2.3B ballpark. It is “unclear if a non-binding memorandum of understanding would be enough for the state to approve funding for Hillsborough College, but it would at minimum signal a step in a positive direction for the stadium proposal.” Babby said, “The state needs to know that the county, the city and the Rays are committed to this partnership.” Hillsborough has told the team that it is unlikely to meet the June 1 deadline for definitive agreements (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 5/6).
Rays prioritizing non-binding commitments for ballpark deal by end of May
