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Morning Edition

November 19, 2024

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Tropicana Field was widely considered one of MLB’s worst stadiums long before Hurricane Milton ravaged it in October. The Rays planned to move into a new stadium in 2028 and had public funding approved, but new county commissioners could cut that off in a Tuesday meeting.

If they do, the Rays face a wide-ranging series of questions—foremost among them, whether they have a future in Florida.

— Eric Fisher [[link removed]], Colin Salao [[link removed]], and David Rumsey [[link removed]]

Rays’ $1.3B Ballpark Hangs in the Balance During County Bond Vote [[link removed]]

Will Vragovic-Tampa Bay Rays

An ugly offseason for the Rays could grow even worse Tuesday if the Pinellas County, Fla., commission blocks the issuance of bonds toward a new $1.3 billion ballpark—a move that could again make the club a relocation possibility.

The MLB franchise is already grappling with the effects of Hurricane Milton on Tropicana Field, which is forcing a full-year move [[link removed]] to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, also the home of the Yankees’ spring training home and a minor league team. But newly elected opposition to the stadium [[link removed]] on the county commission raises the serious prospect that bonds covering a sizable portion of the project cost will not happen.

A vote to approve the county bonds, paying $312.5 million toward the stadium project, has already been delayed once. The measure is on the agenda for a commission meeting on Tuesday, but another postponement is possible—a move that would already threaten a groundbreaking targeted for early next year toward a ballpark opening in 2028.

Pushing back that timetable would inevitably raise the costs of the new ballpark, which will be borne entirely by private sources as the taxpayer contribution is capped. The Rays’ revenue prospects are also impaired after recent adjustments to its local media rights with Diamond Sports Group [[link removed]], and the recent deal to play at the 11,000-seat Steinbrenner Field.

Over the weekend, Rays owner Stu Sternberg told the Tampa Bay Times [[link removed]] the initial delay in the bond approval “sent a clear message that we had lost the county as a partner.”

“The future of baseball in Tampa Bay became less certain after that [prior] vote,” Sternberg said.

Even Worse Damage

The Rays, meanwhile, released a set of photographs [[link removed]] further detailing just how extensive the hurricane damage is to Tropicana Field. Though the city of St. Petersburg has already received an initial repair assessment— pointing to nearly $56 million and about a year that will be required [[link removed]]—the latest pictures show something of an apocalyptic scene inside the facility.

Pieces of the roof have been strewn about all over the ballpark interior, water damage is extensive, and some fourth-floor team offices have now become open to the elements after the roof was ripped apart, similar to the main dome at the stadium.

Undefeated Cavs Chase History in NBA Cup Showdown vs. Celtics [[link removed]]

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Cavaliers are off to one of the greatest starts to an NBA season with 15 wins in a row, tied for the second-longest undefeated streak to open a campaign. But with nearly 20% of the season already done, most of the country has yet to see Cleveland play.

The Cavs have played just one of their eight nationally televised games (not including NBA TV) so far this season—an ESPN game against the Magic on Nov. 1. The undefeated storyline was not yet a big deal at the time, since it was Cleveland’s sixth game of the season, and the game drew only 912,000 viewers, 30% less than ESPN’s average to start the year.

However, NBA fans will get a clear look at the Cavs on Tuesday when they visit the defending-champion Celtics on TNT in an Emirates NBA Cup 2024 showdown between the Eastern Conference’s top two teams.

The matchup allows the league to continue clawing back from a rough ratings start to the year [[link removed]]. TNT viewership is down about 3% versus this time last year, while ESPN viewership has declined by 28%.

The NBA has faced some hurdles, including injuries to stars like Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard [[link removed]], and having to compete with the World Series and the election. But there have been some positive signs over the last two weeks, as the national TV debut of Steph Curry [[link removed]] and the NBA Cup openers [[link removed]] have seen big viewership bumps.

The league can build on that momentum entering Tuesday’s games, especially since its biggest TV competition for the night is an NCAA men’s basketball doubleheader on FS1.

Chasing History

Before the beginning of the year, the Cavaliers would not be one of the top teams selected to start the year 15–0. While Cleveland did advance to the second round last season, it didn’t make any major roster changes and was projected to win under 50 games [[link removed]].

The Cavaliers executed three critical moves in the offseason. They signed Donovan Mitchell [[link removed]] to a three-year, $150.3 million extension, putting an end to a circus of uncertainty around the five-time All-Star’s future. They also extended Evan Mobley [[link removed]] to a five-year, $224 million deal. But perhaps the most consequential was to replace head coach J.B. Bickerstaff with former Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson—a catalyst for the team’s hot start as it has the No. 1 offense in the league after finishing 16th last year [[link removed]]. Bickerstaff is now coaching the Pistons, who are 7–8.

“This is a selfless team and has been since we got together,” Mitchell said. “Kenny has been phenomenal with us on it, and he’s continuing to trust us.”

Due to the winning streak, the Cavs are up 52% in local viewership, the highest year-over-year increase on a regional sports network this season for any NBA team. NBA League Pass subscriptions are also up 162% in the state of Ohio.

A win Tuesday would give the Cavs sole possession of the second-longest undefeated start to a season, and they would be two-thirds of the way to tying the all-time record: 24–0 by the Warriors in 2015–2016.

Cleveland is also set up for long-term success with its current core. Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley are all 28 or younger—and signed until at least the 2027–2028 season.

The Cavs are far from the dreaded second-apron salary cap threshold [[link removed]] and its wide-ranging penalties, and they are even below the first apron this season [[link removed]]. On the other hand, the Celtics, while the favorites to win back-to-back titles, are projected for a $500 million payroll next year and are well above the second apron, which could completely hamper their success in the long term.

SPONSORED BY UBS

George Russell on Crafting a Winning Mindset

Formula One is coming to the U.S. this weekend for the Grand Prix in Las Vegas on Nov. 21–23.

In a recent UBS “Craftmakers” video [[link removed]], Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team driver and UBS brand ambassador George Russell gives viewers a peek into what goes on mentally in those crucial moments before a race. Tune in to learn more about George’s journey in motorsports as he reflects on the highlights, setbacks, and moments of inspiration that have shaped his career. Hear directly from the F1 Grand Prix victor as he speaks about the craft of racing, driven by perseverance and unwavering dedication.

Watch the video here [[link removed]].

ONE BIG FIG Buffalo’s Bill

Buffalo Bills

$560 million

The cost of projected overruns for the Bills’ new stadium, which is under construction and set to open in 2026. The venue will now carry a price tag of at least $2.1 billion [[link removed]], according to the Associated Press. Team owners Terry and Kim Pegula are responsible for picking up the additional costs. The venue was originally projected to cost $1.54 billion when funding was approved in 2023 [[link removed]]. The state of New York agreed to pay $600 million, with Erie County contributing $250 million. The NFL is expected to add $200 million—the maximum amount under the league’s G-4 loan program—with the Bills paying for the rest.

FRONT OFFICE SPORTS TODAY Does Anyone Care About the NBA Cup?

FOS illustration

The 15–0 Cavaliers’ matchup with the reigning champion Celtics on Tuesday night will be a litmus test for the Emirates NBA Cup’s gravitas in terms of TV viewership, says writer Front Office Sports reporter Colin Salao, who joins the show to discuss.

Plus, the Lions are Super Bowl favorites for the first time. We hear from cornerback Kerby Joseph on the team’s season so far and how it is navigating the NFC North, the toughest division in football.

Watch, listen, and subscribe on Apple [[link removed]], Spotify [[link removed]], and YouTube [[link removed]].

FRONT OFFICE SPORTS AWARDS

Most Impactful Award Winners Announced

Congratulations to the Front Office Sports Most Impactful Award [[link removed]] winners: World Surf League, BSE Global, LIV Golf, San Francisco 49ers, National Hockey League, New York Jets, Athletes Unlimited, Stack Sports, Detroit Pistons, and The VOICEINSPORT Foundation.

This year’s winners were determined by Sports Innovation Lab through their data-driven methodology. Organizations across sports submitted applications and responded to questions about their DEI initiatives, youth sports programs, education programs, community involvement, and more.

Learn more [[link removed]] about the winners and the award.

Conversation Starters Beyoncé will be the halftime performer [[link removed]] for the Christmas Day game between the Ravens and Texans, which will stream live on Netflix. The Astros agreed to a 15-year stadium naming-rights deal with Daikin [[link removed]], a Japanese HVAC company. The stadium is now called Daikin Park. The Colorado Buffaloes shared the design of the official cover letter they send to incoming athletes. Take a look [[link removed]]. Editors’ Picks Giants Hit Rock Bottom, Demote QB Daniel Jones With $23 Million Injury Guarantee [[link removed]]by Alex Schiffer [[link removed]]Jones signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension in March 2023. Netflix Exec Calls Tyson-Paul Stream ‘Huge Success’ Despite ‘Technical Challenges’ [[link removed]]by Alex Schiffer [[link removed]]Netflix had streaming issues last year during the season finale of “Love Is Blind.” The WBD-NBA Settlement’s Ripple Effect on College Sports [[link removed]]by Amanda Christovich [[link removed]]WBD’s networks will air Big 12 football and men’s basketball games. Question of the Day

Will public funding for a new Rays stadium be supported in Tuesday’s hearing?

Yes [[link removed]] No [[link removed]]

Monday’s result: 84% of respondents experienced issues with their Netflix stream of the Tyson-Paul fight.

Advertise [[link removed]] Awards [[link removed]] Learning [[link removed]] Events [[link removed]] Video [[link removed]] Podcast [[link removed]] Written by Eric Fisher [[link removed]], Colin Salao [[link removed]], David Rumsey [[link removed]] Edited by Matthew Tabeek [[link removed]], Or Moyal [[link removed]], Catherine Chen [[link removed]]

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