CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Ken Babby was named chief executive officer of the Tampa Bay Rays in October 2025, joining the ownership group led by Patrick Zalupski that acquired the team. A native of Potomac, Md., he was the founder of Fast Forward Sports Group and previous owner of the Akron RubberDucks (Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians) and Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins) until their sale in December 2025. He is recognized for his leadership in sports business innovation and community-focused organizational growth.
Since joining the Rays, Babby has led a significant reinvestment in fan experience at Tropicana Field, overseeing renovations to the ballpark's premium spaces, including The Baldwin Group Club, the DEX Home Plate Club, and the Webull Suite Level, ahead of the team's return to the ballpark in April 2026. He has also spearheaded the pursuit of the Rays Forever Home, leading negotiations on a proposed ballpark and mixed-use development near Tampa's Westshore District, in partnership with Hillsborough College. Scheduled to open in 2029, the proposed ballpark would be a year-round destination for Rays baseball, concerts, graduations, championship sporting events, sports festivals, and large-scale civic and community gatherings.
Before joining the Rays, Babby spent 13 years with The Washington Post, rising from a summer intern to Chief Revenue Officer of Washington Post Media and General Manager of Washington Post Digital. He oversaw $500 million in annual advertising revenue and led the company's transition into the digital era, managing all aspects of its digital, mobile and video operations.
Babby serves as a member of YPO, the Florida Council of 100, the board of trustees for Wheaton (Mass.) College and is on the executive committee of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. He earned his bachelor's degree from Wheaton College and his MBA from Johns Hopkins University. He resides in Tampa with his wife, Liz, and son, Josh.