When the Sox, which is owned by Yawkey family trusts, was put up for sale it was assumed that the new majority owner would be known by now. It is unclear why Sox executives insist on waiting until after the season to meet with potential bidders, but unconfirmed reports state that the team executives do not want the players to be distracted if they are able to make it to the playoffs.

The slow pace of the team's sale has implications for the building of a new Fenway Park. The team's ballpark project was adopted by the state legislature last July and the state has pledged $100 million for road and infrastructure work. The plan had initially been to build a new Fenway Park right next to the old one but the Red Sox had difficulty in finding financing for the project and the struggle prompted calls for the team to look at other sites.

The team is reportedly facing a potential $60-million land cost overrun for the land here, which could make the project too costly for the team to finance. The state has indicated to the team that it is not prepared to pledge additional funds and under the legislation, the Red Sox are responsible for all cost overruns associated with the project. The team has emphasized all along that it is committed to remaining in Fenway, and team officials have stated that they will ensure that the team is in Fenway before the Red Sox are sold to new owners. The team did not return calls before presstime and it is unclear whether that remains a priority. With the financing of the $665-million ballpark yet to be secured, it seems more and more likely that the new ballpark will be the decision of the team's new owners.