Orlando Dreamers secure additional $2 billion in financing to pursue MLB franchise

Orlando, Fla. — In a bold move that could reshape the baseball landscape in Florida, the Orlando Dreamers, a consortium of local entrepreneurs and national investors, announced today that it has secured an additional $2 billion in financing to pursue a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise. The deal, a blend of public bonds, private equity, and municipal contributions, marks a significant milestone in the Dreamers’ decade‑long effort to bring professional baseball to the Sunshine State’s largest metropolitan area.

The Dream Begins

The Orlando Dreamers were founded in 2014 by a group of seasoned sports business leaders, most notably former MLB executive Greg Bissonnette and real‑estate mogul Katherine L. “Kate” Rivera. Their mission: to bring an MLB franchise to Orlando, a market that, while home to the Miami Marlins and the Tampa Bay Rays, has long been devoid of a major‑league baseball team.

The group’s vision has always been rooted in community engagement, economic development, and the creation of a state‑of‑the‑art stadium that would serve as a catalyst for downtown revitalization. In 2019, they filed a formal proposal with MLB, outlining a plan to build a 45,000‑seat stadium in the Winter Park corridor—an area that boasts robust transportation links and proximity to major corporate headquarters.

“Orlando has the infrastructure, the fan base, and the civic pride to support a team,” said Bissonnette in an interview with Fox 35 Orlando. “This financing package is proof that the community believes in that vision.”

Financing the Dream

The new $2 billion financing package is structured as follows:

Source	Amount	Description
State of Florida bonds	$750 million	A 20‑year municipal bond program financed by a statewide tax initiative on sports‑related revenue.
Orange County Development Authority	$500 million	County‑level investment aimed at supporting local economic growth.
City of Orlando lease incentives	$300 million	Lease subsidies and tax abatements for stadium construction and operation.
Private equity partnership	$450 million	Contributions from high‑net‑worth individuals and venture capital funds.
Corporate sponsorships & naming rights	$200 million	Early revenue from naming rights agreements and corporate sponsorships.
Total	$2 billion

The state bond component, the largest portion of the package, was approved by the Florida Legislature after a comprehensive review by the Florida Public Service Commission. The bonds are structured to be repaid over 25 years through a combination of ticket sales, concession revenue, and a small portion of the team’s merchandise sales.

“Having state support gives us the financial backbone we need to move forward,” Rivera said. “The county and city have already shown their commitment, and the private investors are excited about the long‑term return on investment.”

Stadium: A Downtown Anchor

The proposed stadium, named the “Orlando Freedom Field”, will be located on a 25‑acre parcel at the intersection of I‑4 and the historic University of Central Florida campus. The design, led by the architecture firm Hansen & Associates, includes a 45,000‑seat capacity with 70% of seats in premium club sections. The field will feature a state‑of‑the‑art turf system, a 360‑degree LED scoreboard, and a retractable roof that will allow for year‑round use.

Beyond its sporting function, the stadium will be an economic engine. The Dreamers estimate that the complex will generate over 5,000 construction jobs during the build phase and 2,000 permanent jobs in operations, maintenance, and concessions once the team is operational. According to a preliminary economic impact study conducted by Orlando Economic Development Corp., the project is projected to inject $600 million into the local economy over the first decade.

“Sports facilities are more than just venues,” said Mayor John Harrell. “They’re hubs of community activity that spur development, create jobs, and put Orlando on the map.”

MLB’s Expansion Landscape

MLB has not added a new franchise in 30 years, and the league’s expansion criteria are notoriously stringent. In a memo released by MLB’s President Chris Antonetti to the Dreamers’ board, the league confirmed that it is “open to exploring expansion and relocation” but has not set a definitive timeline.

The Dreamers have already secured a 25‑year lease agreement with the city of Orlando for the stadium site, which is a critical step in meeting MLB’s stadium quality standards. MLB also requires that a prospective franchise demonstrates a robust fan base, media market viability, and the ability to produce sustainable revenue streams.

“The Orlando market is attractive because of its demographic diversity, corporate presence, and strong sports culture,” Antonetti noted. “We appreciate the Dreamers’ comprehensive plan and look forward to reviewing their financials and community engagement strategies.”

Next Steps

With financing in place, the Dreamers’ next milestone is to secure MLB’s formal approval. The group will present its case at the MLB Board of Governors meeting in May 2025, where they will outline their financial model, community outreach initiatives, and stadium design. Simultaneously, the Dreamers are conducting a $100 million fundraising drive to cover initial operational costs, including player salaries and marketing.

Local residents will have the opportunity to weigh in through a public forum scheduled for early July, where the Dreamers will detail the community benefits, including youth sports programs, local high‑school partnerships, and public access to the stadium for community events.

A New Era for Orlando Baseball

The $2 billion financing package marks a turning point for the Orlando Dreamers and signals a broader shift toward bringing major‑league sports to underserved markets. If approved, the team could begin play as early as 2027, making Orlando one of the first cities in the U.S. to have an MLB team in more than a decade.

The Dreamers’ ambition extends beyond the ballpark. “We want to be a community staple,” Rivera said. “From our youth baseball academies to our partnership with the University of Central Florida’s athletic department, we’re building a baseball culture that will thrive for generations.”

For fans who have watched the Miami Marlins and the Tampa Bay Rays from a distance, the Dreamers offer a home field of their own. With the backing of state, county, city, and private investors, Orlando now stands on the cusp of a baseball renaissance that could reverberate across Florida and the broader Southeast region.

Read the Full WOFL Article at:
[ https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/orlando-dreamers-secure-additional-2-billion-financing-pursue-mlb-franchise ]

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