Tampa Sports Authority

Commissioner Ken Hagan tells WDAE existing restricted revenues can fund most of the county's share, but critics of the plan say taxpayers are still exposed through reserves and emergency dollars.

The proposal comes after weeks of negotiations with local officials but has not been vetted by public boards. It lays out ambitious economic projections to recoup the upfront investment.

Discussions about needs and costs come as the NFL team nears a 2027 decision on extending its lease, and the Rays are seeking about $1.15 billion in public money for a new ballpark across the street.