Overview

• Patrick Zalupski’s group closed a $1.7 billion purchase and named Zalupski MLB control person and co-chair, Bill Cosgrove co-chair, and Ken Babby CEO.
• Tropicana Field repairs are slated to return the team to St. Petersburg in 2026, with half of the 24 roof panels expected to be installed by week’s end and additional fan upgrades planned.
• The envisioned ballpark would have a fully enclosed, fixed roof designed for year-round events, with the ownership citing The Battery as the gold standard for the surrounding development.
• No stadium site has been chosen and both sides of the bay remain under consideration, with the owners signaling a likely public‑private financing partnership but providing no terms.
• Ownership pledged to keep the franchise in the region, affirmed support for baseball operations under Erik Neander, and confirmed the purchase includes the Tampa Bay Rowdies.