The Orlando Dreamers, a coalition of local investors and sports advocates, have unveiled a comprehensive plan to bring a Major League Baseball franchise to the city, positioning the initiative as a catalyst for regional growth.
Economic Promise of an Orlando MLB Franchise
A recent study conducted by JLL projects that the construction phase alone will generate more than 38,000 jobs, while the permanent operation of a team and stadium could sustain over 52,000 positions for decades.
Over a 30‑year horizon, the initiative is expected to deliver in excess of $72 billion in economic activity to Orange County, driven by heightened tourism, increased tax collections and broader private investment.
The analysis also forecasts an additional $32 million per year in Tourist Development Tax revenue, a figure that has already set records for 14 consecutive months across the region.
Financing the Dream
Backers of the project have secured more than $2 billion in combined capital earmarked for franchise acquisition and stadium development. The proposed venue would be a 45,000‑seat domed stadium situated on a 35.5‑acre site, designed to host year‑round events.
Revenue streams from ticket sales, concessions and broadcasting rights are slated to fund transportation upgrades, workforce housing projects and the construction of lighted youth baseball and softball fields throughout the county, aiming to nurture the next generation of athletes.
Leadership and Community Support
Barry Larkin, a Baseball Hall‑of‑Famer, serves as the MLB ambassador for the Dreamers, lending the effort high‑profile credibility. The organization was co‑founded by Jim Schnorf and the late Pat Williams, whose vision continues to guide the group’s strategy.
In the coming weeks, Dreamers representatives will present their findings to the Tourist Development Tax Citizen Advisory Task Force, seeking formal endorsement from local officials to accelerate the pursuit of an MLB franchise.
Orlando’s status as the 15th‑largest media market and its recent record of nearly 80 million visitors in 2025 underscore the city’s strategic appeal for Major League Baseball.