Part 4/9:
The timing coincided with unfortunate weather events, notably Hurricanes that some analysts saw as inadvertent blessings. These storms allowed Sternberg an escape from an unpopular effort to build a stadium in St. Petersburg, a project that faced significant local opposition. The hurricanes facilitated the termination of that plan and provided an opportunity to find a buyer willing to pay a premium, further increasing the franchise value.
The excitement surrounding the potential new stadium—expected to be located in Tampa or nearby areas like Ebor—has fueled high valuation expectations. The promise of a modern, filled stadium has driven demand, with some local officials expressing cautious optimism that the team’s future is secure, even though formal approvals are still pending.