The Tampa Bay Rays control one of the largest territorial footprints in Major League Baseball. The team reaches nearly all of North Florida, Central Florida, and Southwest Florida. Cities such as Jacksonville, Orlando, Ocala, Tallahassee, Sarasota, and Fort Myers sit inside the Rays broadcast zone. Fans in these regions cannot stream Rays games on MLB TV. They receive local broadcasts through regional stations or over the air partners. This structure gives the Rays a rare statewide reach that few clubs enjoy.
The Rays understand the value of this territory. The team uses it when planning media deals and building distribution plans. The Rays also target Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers during every broadcast cycle. These cities sit outside the Tampa Bay metro area but remain important parts of Rays country.
Only South Florida sits outside the Rays footprint. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach belong to the Miami Marlins. Every other major Florida market belongs to the Rays.
Tegna and Scripps emerge as strong contenders
The Rays continue to search for a new local television partner. Tegna, Scripps and Nexstar stand out as strong options. Tegna owns stations in major Florida markets and offers strong sports production resources. The group also reaches viewers across Orlando, Jacksonville, and the Gulf Coast. Scripps brings a proven sports strategy through its national sports division. The company already handles NHL and WNBA rights in several markets. Scripps also owns stations that reach Tampa Bay and Central Florida. Both groups can support a statewide Rays plan.
The Rays want a partner that can handle a large schedule and reach fans across a wide region. Tegna and Scripps can deliver that reach. Both groups also support over the air distribution. That approach helps fans who cut the cord and want free access to games.
Gray Television strengthens the over the air plan
Gray Television also plays a key role in the Rays strategy. The group owns stations across Florida and supports local sports. WWSB in Sarasota offers a strong option for the Rays. The station operates with more freedom than major network outlets. It serves the Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice region with a local focus. That approach fits the Rays plan for deeper community reach.
Fox 4 in Fort Myers also gives the Rays a strong foothold in Southwest Florida. The station reaches a fast growing region that supports the team. The Rays want a partner that can deliver consistent coverage across the Gulf Coast. Gray Television can help build that plan.
Rays seek a unified statewide network
The Rays want a partner that can deliver games across every part of their territory. Tegna, Scripps, and Gray Television can help build a unified statewide network. The Rays want strong production, wide reach, and reliable over the air access. The team also wants a partner that understands the value of a large Florida footprint. The search continues but the Rays hold strong leverage. Their territory covers nearly the entire state and offers unmatched reach for any media group.
