Despite Tampa Bay Rays owner Stu Sternberg’s insistence on remaining the majority owner, offers to acquire the MLB team continue to emerge. Tampa businessman Dan Doyle Jr., who recently expressed interest in acquiring the Rays, is reportedly collaborating with Trip Miller, the founder of Gullane Capital hedge fund, to put together a bid for the club.
According to Forbes, Miller and Doyle are preparing a $1.85 billion offer, representing a 48% premium on the team’s estimated value by Forbes earlier this year. However, Sternberg has consistently dismissed previous sale rumors and stated his commitment to building a new ballpark in Tampa to ensure the team remains in the area for future generations.
The news of Miller’s reported interest in the Rays has surprised the team’s senior-level source, who claimed not to be aware of it until informed by Front Office Sports. The Rays have been grappling with the challenge of developing a new stadium to replace the outdated Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Amidst the ongoing franchise turmoil, the Rays continue to excel on the field and are currently the top-performing team in MLB. Although their attendance figures still rank 27th in the league, the team has experienced a 24% increase compared to the previous year, reflecting a broader upward trend in MLB’s overall attendance.