The Orlando Dreamers is an initiative led by Orlando City Baseball Dreamers, LLC, aimed at bringing a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise to Orlando, Florida. Here’s a concise overview of the proposal based on recent developments:
Key Details of the Orlando Dreamers Baseball Proposal
1. Leadership and Vision:
• The initiative was spearheaded by Pat Williams, co-founder of the NBA’s Orlando Magic, who passed away in July 2024. His vision was to make Orlando a “big league” city by securing an MLB team, and the effort continues in his honor.
• Barry Larkin, a Baseball Hall-of-Famer and former Cincinnati Reds star, serves as the MLB Ambassador, focusing on community engagement and pitching Orlando to MLB officials.
• Jim Schnorf, co-founder and Chief Operations Officer, oversees financing and ownership structuring.
2. Proposed Stadium:
• The group plans to build a state-of-the-art, 45,000-seat domed stadium on a 35.5-acre county-owned parcel near International Drive, adjacent to SeaWorld and the Orange County Convention Center.
• The stadium, estimated to cost $1.7 billion, would feature a translucent roof, retail shops, restaurants, office space, 1,000 hotel rooms, and parking for 6,700 vehicles. A pedestrian bridge to a potential SunRail station is also proposed.
• Initial plans called for $975 million in public funding through Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax (TDT), but after pushback, the group shifted to emphasize private investment, securing a letter of intent for over $1 billion in stadium financing from a major institutional partner.
3. Financing:
• The Dreamers have secured commitments totaling $2.5 billion: $1.5 billion in equity for team acquisition and $1 billion for stadium construction.
• Key investors include Rick Workman, founder of Heartland Dental, as the anchor investor, and John Morgan, founder of Morgan & Morgan Law Firm.
• The financing structure is designed to be attractive to Orange County, team ownership, and MLB, with confidence in securing additional debt financing if needed.
4. Economic Impact:
• A 2023 independent study estimates the project would create 25,000 permanent jobs and generate over $40 billion in economic impact over 30 years, plus $26 million annually in TDT revenue.
• Orlando’s status as the largest U.S. media market without an MLB team (#15 nationally, expected to reach #14 in 2025) and its 80 million annual tourists are highlighted as key market strengths.
5. Team Acquisition Strategy:
• The Dreamers aim to either secure an MLB expansion team or relocate an existing franchise, with the Tampa Bay Rays frequently mentioned due to their ongoing stadium issues in St. Petersburg.
• The Rays’ recent cancellation of a $1.3 billion stadium deal in St. Petersburg, exacerbated by damage to Tropicana Field from Hurricane Milton, has fueled speculation about relocation.
• However, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed a preference for keeping the Rays in Tampa Bay, though no firm resolution has been reached.
6. Community and Political Support:
• Orange County Commissioner Mike Scott endorsed the project in May 2025, stating, “Baseball is coming soon!” signaling potential local government support.
• However, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings noted that previous proposals for baseball stadiums have not progressed to definitive agreements, and a 2022 TDT advisory committee rejected the Dreamers’ initial public funding request.
• Critics argue that TDT funds should prioritize local needs like housing and education, though state law limits their use. Recent legislative changes (e.g., HB7033, HB1221) may offer more flexibility.
7. Challenges and Criticism:
• Skeptics question Orlando’s ability to support an MLB team, citing low attendance for Florida’s existing teams (Rays and Marlins) and the region’s transient population.
• A 2019 commentary dismissed the proposal as “laughable,” criticizing the team name and logo as unprofessional and doubting fan support.
• The project’s reliance on tourism and competition with other expansion candidates (e.g., Nashville, Charlotte) pose challenges.
8. Recent Developments:
• In March 2025, the Dreamers announced an anchor investor and a letter of intent for stadium financing, marking significant milestones.
• In April 2025, the group revealed Workman and Morgan as major investors and secured $2.5 billion in commitments.
• On June 16, 2025, the Dreamers’ principals presented at the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce, reinforcing their commitment to the stadium site near Aquatica.
• The group is moving to a downtown Orlando office to boost visibility and community outreach.
9. MLB Expansion Context:
• MLB has discussed expanding by two teams, with cities like Nashville, Charlotte, and Montreal also in contention. Orlando’s proposal emphasizes its tourism-driven market and stadium location as competitive advantages.
• The Rays’ uncertain future has kept Orlando’s bid relevant, though no formal MLB expansion process has been initiated due to the Rays’ situation.
Current Status
The Orlando Dreamers have made significant strides in financing and planning but have not secured an MLB team or final stadium approval. The project hinges on MLB’s expansion decisions or the Rays’ potential relocation, with ongoing efforts to build community and league support. While the proposal has strong backers and a compelling economic case, it faces skepticism about fan support and competition from other markets.
For the latest updates, visit the Orlando Dreamers’ official website (orlandodreamers.com) or follow their announcements on social media platforms like X (@OrlandoDreamers).
It is important to note, commisoner Mike Scott endorsed the project in May 2025, stating ‘ Baseball is coming soon!” signaling potential local government support.