The Tampa Bay Rays are a professional baseball team based in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. They were established in 1998 as an expansion team and are a member of the American League East division in Major League Baseball (MLB). Originally called the "Devil Rays," the team underwent a rebranding in 2008 and are now simply known as the "Rays."
The Rays share the state of Florida with another MLB team, the Miami Marlins, who play in the National League. Since their inception, the Rays have played their home games at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. This domed stadium is known for its unique features such as the catwalks and artificial turf. The Rays had a breakthrough season in 2008, achieving their first winning record, winning their first AL East championship, and ultimately reaching the World Series, although they did not win. They also won the AL pennant in 2020 but were again unsuccessful in winning the World Series.
Who owns the Tampa Bay Rays?
Stuart Sternberg serves as the principal shareholder of the ownership group for the Tampa Bay Rays. He acquired a 48% plurality share in the franchise, previously known as the Devil Rays, in May 2004 from Vince Naimoli and subsequently assumed the role of principal owner and managing general partner in October 2005. He is the largest individual stakeholder of the Tampa Bay Rays.
An accomplished American investor with a background on Wall Street, Sternberg began his professional career in 1978 trading equity options part-time at the American Stock Exchange. Following his college education, he joined Spear, Leeds & Kellogg, where he advanced to become a partner. Eventually, he transitioned to Goldman Sachs and retired from there as a partner in 2002.
Stuart Sternberg’s role as the principal owner of the Tampa Bay Rays?
Stuart Sternberg serves as the principal owner of the Tampa Bay Rays. Under his leadership, the franchise underwent a rebranding in 2008, transitioning from its previous name, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, to the current Tampa Bay Rays. Over the subsequent 15 seasons, the team has achieved an impressive record of 1,267 wins and 1,062 losses (.544), ranking fourth best in Major League Baseball. During this period, they have qualified for postseason play on eight occasions and secured four American League East division titles (2021, 2020, 2010, and 2008), along with two World Series appearances in 2020 and 2008.
In addition to these sporting achievements, Sternberg and his partners have made significant investments exceeding $25 million towards capital improvements at Tropicana Field.
Tampa Bay Rays Valuation
As per Forbes in March 2024, the Tampa Bay Rays' valuation is $1.25 billion.
List of Tampa Bay Rays
Here is the list of all owners of the Tampa Bay Rays throughout its history:
| Name | Years |
| Vincent J. Naimoli – 15%, Bill Griffin, Dan Doyle Sr., Mark Bostick, Robert Basham, Chris Sullivan – 48%, Limited Partners – 37% | 1998–2004 |
| Stuart Sternberg – 48%, Vincent J. Naimoli (his estate after August 2019)– 15%, Limited Partners – 37% | 2005–present |
FAQs on Tampa Bay Rays Owner
A. The Tampa Bay Rays were established in 1998.
A. The Rays play in the American League East division.
A. The team was originally called the "Tampa Bay Devil Rays."
A. The Rays first reached the World Series in 2008.
A. The Rays play their home games at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
