Florida Governor Approves Land Transfer for New Rays Stadium in Tampa

The deal paves the way for the Tampa Bay Rays to build a new ballpark on the campus of Hillsborough College.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:23pm

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the state's Cabinet have agreed to transfer a 22-acre plot of state-owned land to Hillsborough College, which will allow the Tampa Bay Rays to build a new stadium and mixed-use entertainment district on the college campus. The land transfer is a key step in the Rays' plans to construct a new ballpark within the next three years.

Why it matters

The new Rays stadium is seen as a major development for the Tampa Bay region, providing a modern home for the baseball team and potentially spurring additional economic activity and development around the site. The land transfer from the state to the college was a necessary precursor to the Rays' stadium plans moving forward.

The details

Under the agreement, the state will transfer the 22-acre plot of land adjacent to the New York Yankees' spring training facility to Hillsborough College. The Rays have entered a memorandum of understanding with the college to build the new stadium and mixed-use development on the site. The state retains the right to take back the land if the stadium components are not completed within five years of the transfer.

  • On February 24, 2026, the Florida Cabinet and Governor Ron DeSantis approved the land transfer.
  • The Rays have said they hope to have the new stadium built within three years.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who approved the land transfer for the new Rays stadium.

Ken Babby

The Chief Executive Officer of the Tampa Bay Rays, who stated the team is fully committed to bringing this vision to life and serving the region for generations to come.

Rob Manfred

The Commissioner of Major League Baseball, who held a news conference in Tampa earlier this month to support the Rays stadium effort.

Hillsborough College

The college that will receive the 22-acre plot of state-owned land to facilitate the construction of the new Rays stadium and mixed-use development.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The approval of the land transfer represents a significant milestone in the Rays' efforts to build a new stadium in Tampa, which could serve as a catalyst for further economic development and growth in the region. The project's success will depend on the team's ability to complete construction within the five-year timeline set by the state.