What Tampa area leaders are saying about the Rays' announcement

St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster: The St. Petersburg mayor said he fully expects the Rays to honor their contract and remain playing in downtown St. Petersburg until 2027. "Like it or not, we are married and joined at the hip until 2027.''

Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan: He called Sternberg's comments a logical step toward a "comprehensive process that involves the entire region,'' but noted Hillsborough commissioners wanted to make sure they weren't seen as interfering in St. Petersburg's contract with the Rays. "I've been advised by the county attorney to walk gingerly for fear of 'tortious interference.' My belief is unless St. Pete gives direction that they are willing to entertain a regional discussion, I do not know if that type of dialogue can occur."

ABC Coalition member Alan Bomstein: He said Sternberg's announcement today was significant because the contract the team has with the City of St. Petersburg says Rays officials can't talk to other parties about a new ballpark. "Stu came out and said he's going to ignore that. I expect a strong comment from the legal team of St. Petersburg."

The contract between the Rays and St. Petersburg: Rays officials are not allowed to "enter into, initiate or conduct any agreement or negotiations (directly or indirectly) for the use of any facility" other than Tropicana Field for home games.

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio: She wants to make sure people "explore all possibilities within Pinellas County first. I think we need to look regionally. The last thing we want to do is pit counties against counties."

Eric Hart, executive director of the Tampa Sports Authority: He said the group is ready to be part of any conversation about a future stadium site but doesn't want to be tangled in any legal dispute. "I think the team would have to help initiate those discussions. I think we need to have them say what their ideas are."

Former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco: "Everyone needs to come together and work on what sites could suit their needs, with the right location and amenities," said Greco, who is helping with a proposed stadium site at the Florida State Fairgrounds. "This is going to start a race of people trying to do just that."

Geoffrey Rapp, a sports law expert at the University of Toledo: "There are a lot of cities that certainly think they can support a major league team ... Now, knowing one is willing to move could be shark bait in the water for people to put together packages to attract that team."

Michael McCann, Vermont Law School professor and contributor to Sports Illustrated: In one sense, "they're testing the waters to see how receptive the various government bodies will be to financing or facilitating a new facility ... But the Rays may not have the same leverage in making overtures to other cities. This isn't a good time to be making requests of taxpayer."