Orlando Dreamers Aim to Bring Major League Baseball to Florida

Washington DC, United States Aug 13, 2026 ALN: When you think of Orlando, Florida, your mind immediately goes to theme parks. This vibrant city is synonymous with attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, which have collectively transformed Orlando into one of the most-visited cities in the world, drawing tens of millions of tourists each year. However, amidst the bustling tourism industry and family-friendly attractions, a new initiative is gaining momentum: the Orlando Dreamers aim to bring Major League Baseball (MLB) to Central Florida.

The Dreamers, a group advocating for the establishment of a professional baseball team in Orlando, believe the city possesses unique attributes that make it an ideal candidate for MLB expansion. While cities like Nashville and Charlotte frequently appear at the forefront of discussions surrounding MLB expansion, Jim Schnorf, co-founder and COO of the Dreamers, argues that Orlando has compelling reasons to be considered a strong contender for a franchise.

“We have no Major League Baseball here. We don't have minor league, and we don't have spring training,” Schnorf stated. “Every other competing city except one has Triple-A, and the one that doesn't have Triple-A has Double-A. So there's an anomalous absence of professional baseball from the Orlando market.” This lack of professional baseball creates a unique opportunity for the Dreamers to fill a void that has persisted for years, allowing the city to tap into a new source of entertainment and community pride.

In addition to the absence of professional baseball, Orlando is the largest media market in the United States without an MLB presence. This statistic highlights a significant gap in the sports landscape, suggesting that there is room for growth and development in the local sports scene. Furthermore, the tourism factor cannot be overlooked. Orlando is projected to welcome over 80 million tourists this year alone, making it the most visited destination in the Western Hemisphere. Schnorf emphasizes the importance of tourism in supporting sports franchises, drawing parallels to the success of Las Vegas, which has rapidly transformed from a city without major professional sports teams to one on the verge of hosting franchises in all four major leagues—NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB.

“Tourism matters immensely when it comes to the success of sports,” Schnorf explained. The financial influx from tourism can significantly contribute to the viability of a new MLB team. The Dreamers have proposed a state-of-the-art stadium to be built on land near SeaWorld, conveniently located off Interstate 4, the main thoroughfare through the Orlando area. The organization envisions utilizing a portion of the tourism resort tax revenue generated by Orange County to finance the stadium. Schnorf noted, “Orlando generates the most tourism resort tax of any metro area in the country, which can be used for tourism, sports facilities, convention centers, and so forth.” This funding model, if successful, could provide the necessary financial support for both the construction of the stadium and the operation of the team.

However, the path to securing a Major League Baseball team is not without its challenges. Recently, a task force was assembled to evaluate proposals for various projects, including the proposed stadium. Despite the Dreamers’ enthusiasm and preparation, the task force ultimately did not recommend moving forward with the stadium project. Schnorf expressed disappointment but acknowledged that the timing of the proposal, coinciding with an election cycle, may have influenced the decision. He also pointed out that the Dreamers had only a brief fifteen-minute window to present their comprehensive financial package, which included a request for $975 million. “To put that in perspective, we got only 15 minutes to present that package. Normally, you would spend a minimum of a day, following months and months of work and research on our financial model and metrics,” Schnorf remarked.

Despite the setback, Schnorf remains optimistic about the future of the Dreamers and their pursuit of a Major League Baseball team. He indicated that they have secured substantial financial backing for their initiative, stating, “We've got well in excess of $2 billion towards stadium financing and team acquisition in place under letters of intent.” This level of financial commitment suggests that there is significant interest and support for bringing MLB to Orlando, even if the initial proposal faced obstacles.

Nevertheless, the presence of existing MLB franchises in Florida, such as the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins, raises questions about the feasibility of adding a third team to the state. Both the Rays and Marlins have struggled with attendance and financial stability, leading some to wonder whether Florida can support another Major League team. Schnorf counters this concern by referencing historical precedents in baseball. He noted, “People ask about the other two teams in the state, 'How can Florida possibly support a third team here?' Well, in 1969, California had five teams with a significantly lower population than the state of Florida has today.” He emphasized that Orlando is currently the fastest-growing metro area in the fastest-growing state in the country, suggesting that the region has the potential to sustain a new MLB franchise.

Moreover, the implications of bringing a Major League Baseball team to Orlando extend beyond just the realm of sports. The establishment of a professional baseball franchise could foster community engagement, create job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in the area. Local businesses could benefit from increased foot traffic, and the presence of a major sports team could enhance the city’s profile as a destination for both tourists and residents alike. Schnorf and the Dreamers envision a future where Orlando is not only a hub for theme parks but also a vibrant sports city that attracts fans from across the nation.

In conclusion, while the journey to secure a Major League Baseball team in Orlando is fraught with challenges, the Dreamers remain committed to their vision. With a combination of a strong financial backing, a strategic location, and a growing population, they believe that Orlando has the potential to become a thriving home for MLB. As the conversation surrounding MLB expansion continues, the Dreamers aim to position Orlando as a frontrunner in the race for a franchise, hoping to create a legacy that intertwines the excitement of professional baseball with the rich tapestry of Orlando’s culture and community.