The current agreement runs through 2028. The Rays are still looking at multiple sites.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla — St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch’s office confirmed he is open to possibly extending the Tampa Bay Rays’ lease agreement at Tropicana Field.

“Mayor Welch has previously stated that he looks forward to engaging in conversations with the new Rays owners regarding the team’s future in the Tampa Bay Region, which could include extending the current use agreement past 2028, and that he anticipates having ongoing conversations with the new owners as we learn more about their plans for the team,” a spokesperson stated.

The city is currently not engaged in any discussions with the new owners regarding the lease extension. That, combined with the team returning to the stadium for the upcoming season, repairs for the dome nearing completion, and tickets going on sale, were welcoming news for fans.

Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill owner Mark Ferguson said he’s optimistic the new owners will eventually agree to stay in St. Pete. Ferguson said without the team here in the last season, business was down about 30%.

“I believe we have everything they want right here,” Ferguson said.

When asked about the future of the team, its new CEO Ken Babby said during an event on Wednesday, “We’re doing feasibility analysis on a lot of sites throughout the region, and right now, we’re focused on getting ready on opening day.”

Councilmember Richie Floyd said the city cannot be “jerked around” by uncertainty over the Rays’ long-term future. 

“We need to be making a plan for what’s going to happen at Tropicana Field long term and starting to execute that plan as soon as possible,” he said. 

While he’s open to discussing a longer lease, he said any new deal must benefit the city, including no more development rights and no large public subsidies.

Proposals to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District were also pushed back to give more potential developers time to provide ideas. 

“As we focus on the future of the entire Historic Gas Plant District, Mayor’s priority remains clear – to pursue outcomes that reflect the needs and aspirations of our residents and to honor the promises made to the Historic Gas Plant Community,” a spokesperson for the mayor wrote.Â