TAMPA, Fla. — With a new ownership group about to take over the Tampa Bay Rays in a few weeks, the team made a surprising announcement on Wednesday that presidents Matt Silverman and Brian Auld have decided to step down from their roles.
Silverman has been with the team for two decades, and will now have a limited role in representing current principal owner Stuart Sternberg on an executive advisory board that the new ownership group is setting up. Sternberg is retaining a 10 percent ownership stake at the sale.
Auld will stay around to help with the transition before stepping away.
Here is the complete statement from the team:
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Tampa Bay Rays have announced that Presidents Matt Silverman and Brian Auld have chosen to step down from their roles in connection with the franchise’s sale, which is expected to close within the next two weeks pending final approvals.
Upon closing of the transaction, Silverman will conclude his tenure with the organization after more than two decades of service. While he will not have a formal role with the club moving forward, he will represent current principal owner Stuart Sternberg and his partners on an executive advisory board being established by the new ownership group.
Auld has also elected to step down as president but will remain with the Rays as a senior advisor to ownership and the leadership team during the transition and beyond.
Silverman reflected on his tenure with the organization:
“It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to serve the Rays and help make a lasting impact on the Tampa Bay region. What makes me proudest is seeing how the Rays have become woven into the region’s identity, with a true generational fan base taking shape. Children who once came to games are now bringing their own families, and that sense of connection will continue to grow for decades to come. Under Stu’s leadership, we have fulfilled our mission to energize the community through the magic of Rays baseball. I leave with deep gratitude for our players, staff, and supporters, and with great excitement for all that lies ahead for the Rays and for Tampa Bay.”
Auld praised the organization’s employees and reflected on his career with the franchise:
“This organization has never only been about the wins and losses, it’s been about heart, purpose, and community. I’m deeply proud of all we’ve built together, and that pride comes from sharing this journey with some of the most dedicated, talented, and creative people I’ve ever known. As I prepare to step down as president, I’m thankful to remain part of the Rays as a senior advisor, continuing to support the incredible team that makes this place so special.”
Information about the sale and new ownership group will be shared after the transaction is completed.
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