A group led by Patrick Zalupski, CEO of Dream Finders Homes, is attempting to buy the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team for $1.7 billion. This deal, which values the team at roughly $1.7 billion, comes as the team faces uncertainty over its future in St. Petersburg due to a damaged stadium roof. The city and team had agreed on a $1.3 billion stadium development project, but the club withdrew from it in March. With plans for the Rays to return to Tropicana Field in 2026, the city is spending $55 million to repair the stadium. The group’s bid includes Ken Babby, who owns two Minor League Baseball teams, and has a letter of intent signed by Zalupski. However, it remains unclear whether the deal will be completed, and some speculate that the team may move out of Tampa.
Source: https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2025/06/18/jacksonville-area-billionaire-ceo-of-dream-finders-homes-leads-group-trying-to-buy-tampa-bay-rays-for-17b-report