Commissioner Demands Full Disclosure of Rays Stadium Financing...

A Hillsborough County commissioner is urging the release of documents tied to a significant deal involving the Tampa Bay Rays, aiming to shed light on the financial implications.

Speaking at Café Con Tampa on Friday, Rays CEO Ken Babby addressed attendees, mentioning his commitment to ongoing discussions with both county and city officials. His goal is to finalize a memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning the Rays’ future.

“We’re working diligently to complete an MOU, which we expect to unveil early next week,” Babby assured.

Meanwhile, concerns are growing among county officials about the financial details surrounding the agreement, prompting calls for greater transparency.

Commissioner Joshua Wostal filed an item for the April 1 board meeting, to have all draft documents and personal notes from county staff, attorneys, and the Tampa Sports Authority, about the deal released by 5 p.m. that day.

“People deserve radical transparency on what will be the single largest taxpayer burden item in the history of Hillsborough County,” Wostal said.

Wostal mentioned concerns about the use of community investment taxes or CIT. He said commissioners in 2024 agreed the funds would be ineligible for a professional sports stadium. But said it seems now some leaders are trying to create a workaround to use it.

“I believe the administration has finally told the Rays that they agree with me on that, and that is why they don’t want the documents released,” Wostal said.

Tampa City Council and Tampa Sports Authority member Alan Clendenin responded to Wostal’s comments.

“You can score political points with the public by fanning flames of mis- or partial information. But the reality is county, city staff and the Rays owners are in the middle of good faith negotiations. Nowhere does anybody show their hand in the middle of a good faith negotiation,” Clendenin said. “The county has to put together a financial plan, and a piece of it is CIT. Where the city funding is based on anticipated revenue growth and other diverse taxes.”

Wostal said if finance information comes out before April 1, he will table the item so it won’t be voted on. Wostal said he wants transparency.

“It doesn’t need to be this way. It’s, what’s the deal? How much money do you need? Do we have the money? Let’s have the public have a conversation. Why can’t it be that way?” Wostal said.

The county still isn’t slated to vote on the proposal until April 15. The city would vote after that. 8 On Your Side reached out to the Rays for a comment. This story will be updated when they respond.

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Commissioner Demands Full Disclosure of Rays Stadium Financing: Advocates for ‘Radical Transparency’ to Empower Voters

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