Tampa Bay Rays Co-Presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman are stepping down from their roles with the MLB team in anticipation of a pending sale.
The Rays sale is expected to close within the next two weeks, pending final approvals.
Auld will remain with the Rays as a Senior Advisor to the new ownership and leadership team during the transition and beyond, the team announcedy.
“This organization has never only been about the wins and losses, it’s been about heart, purpose, and community. I’m deeply proud of all we’ve built together, and that pride comes from sharing this journey with some of the most dedicated, talented, and creative people I’ve ever known,” Auld said.
“As I prepare to step down as President, I’m thankful to remain part of the Rays as a senior advisor, continuing to support the incredible team that makes this place so special.”
Silverman, meanwhile, will not maintain an official role with the ball club, but will represent Rays current principal owner Stuart Sternberg and his partners on an executive advisory board being established by the new ownership group.
“It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to serve the Rays and help make a lasting impact on the Tampa Bay region. What makes me proudest is seeing how the Rays have become woven into the region’s identity, with a true generational fan base taking shape,” Silverman said.
“Children who once came to games are now bringing their own families, and that sense of connection will continue to grow for decades to come. Under Stu’s leadership, we have fulfilled our mission to energize the community through the magic of Rays baseball. I leave with deep gratitude for our players, staff, and supporters, and with great excitement for all that lies ahead for the Rays and for Tampa Bay.”
Not mentioned in the Rays announcement are plans for Chief Development Officer Melanie Lenz.
The sale[1], led by Jacksonville home developer Patrick Zalupski, is a $1.7 billion transaction. New ownership is expected to keep the team in the Tampa Bay area, but prefers a location in Tampa. Among the partners in Zalupski’s group is Ken Babby[2], owner of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, a Triple-A team and the Double-A Akron RubberDucks.
A stadium search for the Rays will begin after the sale is final, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal[3].
St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch has said he’s willing to negotiate[4] with Zalupski’s ownership group on a new stadium deal using the one he had previously brokered with current Rays leadership, which fell through following damage to Tropicana Field from Hurricane Milton last year, as a jumping-off point for negotiations.
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References
- ^ The sale (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ Ken Babby (www.milb.com)
- ^ according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal (www.bizjournals.com)
- ^ willing to negotiate (floridapolitics.com)