The planned Tampa Bay Rays stadium at Hillsborough College added two prominent backers on Tuesday: Gov. Ron DeSantis and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. Why it matters: As the plan's momentum grows, Tuesday's joint appearance in Tampa by the leaders of the state and the sport was more than just a symbolic boost.

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, right, speaks during a new baseball stadium news conference as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis looks, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at Hillsborough College in Tampa,...