Rays' commitment to cover all cost overruns is a rare deal for stadiums

The Rays’ plan for a $2.3 billion stadium at Hillsborough Community College anchors a rare financing arrangement that places nearly all risk on the team. In a May 2026 agreement with Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa, ownership commits to covering 100% of construction cost overruns and contributing $1.27 billion in private funding, about 57% of the total project. The deal also assigns long-term maintenance and operations for 30+ years, plus full insurance and repair costs to the Rays. Public funds total roughly $1 billion, with Hillsborough contributing $750 million and Tampa $251 million, and no overruns liability for the government.