ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- A group led by Florida-based real estate developer Patrick Zalupski closed on its purchase of the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, finalizing the sale of the team from former owner Stuart Sternberg.

Major League Baseball owners unanimously approved the transaction last week. The price was not disclosed.

"It's an incredible honor to become the stewards of the Tampa Bay Rays, a franchise with a proud history and a bright future," Zalupski said in a statement. "We're all energized by the responsibility to serve Rays fans everywhere and this great game. ... We will work hard to earn the respect and confidence of our fans and new MLB partners, and we are excited about the upcoming challenge to deliver a world-class experience on and off the field."

Zalupski's group, whi

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