Tampa and Hillsborough Propose Funding Plan for Rays' Stadium

The county and city's public funding options fall short of the team's initial billion-dollar request.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:07am

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented geometric shapes in bright blues, reds, and yellows, representing the multi-faceted discussions and perspectives around funding a new baseball stadium.A conceptual illustration capturing the complex negotiations and competing interests surrounding the Rays' quest for a new stadium in the Tampa Bay region.Today in Tampa

The Tampa Bay Rays have requested over $1 billion in public funding to build a new stadium, but the current funding proposal from Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa falls about $75 million short of that initial ask. Local officials are working to bridge the gap and secure the necessary funds to keep the Rays in the Tampa Bay area.

Why it matters

The Rays have threatened to leave the Tampa Bay region if they don't receive significant public funding for a new stadium, which would be a major blow to the local economy and sports culture. Keeping the team in the area is a top priority for both Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa.

The details

The current funding proposal includes $575 million from Hillsborough County and $350 million from the city of Tampa, totaling $925 million in public funds. However, the Rays' initial request was for over $1 billion in public support. Local officials are exploring additional revenue sources, such as tourist taxes and stadium-generated revenue, to try to close the remaining $75 million gap.

  • The Rays' initial request for over $1 billion in public funding was made in early 2026.
  • Hillsborough County and Tampa city officials unveiled their $925 million funding proposal in April 2026.

The players

Tampa Bay Rays

The professional baseball team that currently plays in the Tampa Bay area and is seeking over $1 billion in public funding for a new stadium.

Hillsborough County

The county in Florida that is proposing $575 million in public funding for a new Rays stadium.

City of Tampa

The city in Florida that is proposing $350 million in public funding for a new Rays stadium.

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What they’re saying

“We're committed to keeping the Rays in Tampa Bay, but we also have to be responsible with taxpayer dollars. This proposal is a good starting point, but we'll need to find additional revenue sources to fully meet the team's request.”

— Jane Castor, Mayor of Tampa

“A new stadium is critical for the long-term viability of the Rays franchise in this region. We're hopeful that local leaders can work with us to secure the necessary funding to make this project a reality.”

— Brian Auld, President, Tampa Bay Rays

What’s next

Hillsborough County and Tampa officials will continue negotiating with the Rays to try to reach a final funding agreement. The Rays have indicated they need a deal in place by the end of 2026 in order to move forward with plans for a new stadium.

The takeaway

The Rays' request for over $1 billion in public funding for a new stadium has put local leaders in a difficult position, as they try to balance the team's needs with responsible use of taxpayer dollars. The current $925 million proposal is a starting point, but additional revenue sources will likely be needed to fully satisfy the Rays' demands and keep the team in the Tampa Bay area.