Tropicana Field

The Rays said more information about the sale and the new ownership group will be shared after the deal is completed. It is expected to close within two weeks.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said he wants the team to stay in the Tampa Bay area and sees potential for a successful future there.

It's an ambitious target, although roof repairs are well underway. St. Petersburg, which is responsible for repairs, says installation of the fabric roof panels is on track to finish in December.

The Orlando group said it has a lender for the largest and safest portion of the money needed to buy a baseball franchise. Known as senior debt, it makes it easier and cheaper for the Dreamers to borrow.

The city and businesses have benefitted from the regular influx of baseball fans since the Rays began play in 1998, Lawmakers say plans to replace that revenue require immediate attention.

The city must fix the stadium under its 30-year contract with the Rays that runs through 2028. Council members voiced concerns about the price spikes, with the cost reaching just under$60 million.

A deal that would have built a ballpark as part of a redevelopment plan for the Historic Gas Plant District is no more. According to Mayor Ken Welch, the push to rebuild the site continues.

Roof panel installation is estimated to run from August to December, marking the completion of the first major fix to the stadium.

Some St. Petersburg businesses relied on Rays fans visiting during the season. Others said they don’t miss the traffic. But in Tampa, business owners are happy to see the extra customers.

With a $1.7 billion agreement in principle with Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski, the sale could be completed as early as September, according to The Athletic. The new ownership's preference is to play in Tampa.

The city and county will conduct a feasibility study that will help determine if there's a market demand for convention space, as well as the impact it would have on the economy and tourism.

With the team negotiating a deal that would make relocation unlikely, the lawyer and investor in the Orlando Dreamers says "the Tampa area does not compare with Orange County" for baseball.