ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - St. Petersburg city leaders are preparing to have a frank conversation about the future and the finances if the Tampa Bay Rays leave town after the 2028 season. Rays ownership is currently in talks to potentially sell the team.

What we know:

The question came up during Thursday’s City Council meeting, where council members agreed it was time to assess the team’s true economic impact and develop a game plan in case Major League Baseball in St. Pete became a thing of the past.

"Our businesses on Central Avenue are hurting," said Councilman Corey Givens.

With the Rays playing in Tampa while Tropicana Field is repaired, it's showing businesses what it could be like after 2028, if the team leaves.

"I don’t want to see them go, but should they leave, I don’t want

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