A Major League City in Waiting
Orlando is the largest U.S. media market without an MLB team — and it’s growing faster than any competing city. Ranked #15 nationally (soon to be #14), Orlando towers over Nashville (#26), Raleigh (#22), Charlotte (#21), and Austin (#34). To further underscore this point, Orlando’s Combined Statistical Area population of nearly 4.7 million people is nearly double that of both Raleigh (approx. 2.44 million people) and Nashville (2.4 million people). Orlando is the second fastest growing metro population among the top 30 markets and outpaces all potential expansion cities.
No other market comes remotely close to Orlando’s population size, growth trajectory, and proven passion for baseball.
Tourism: Orlando's X Factor
Orlando is North America’s #1 travel destination, welcoming approximately 80 million visitors annually. That’s nearly double Las Vegas’s tourist numbers, the model MLB followed when moving the A’s. Tourism ensures full ballparks, creates a stable tax base to fund stadiums, and guarantees Orlando’s team will be a national attraction from day one.
The U.S’s 6th busiest airport by average daily flights connects fans from everywhere.
Orlando’s largest tourism development tax is the largest in the U.S., already earmarked for stadium-ready projects.
Peak tourist season = peak baseball season.
Orlando has answers, unlike other cities still debating.
Financing secured: $1B+ in LOIs from qualified private partners, reflecting strong market confidence.
Public–Private Balance: Stadium prioritizes private investment, with tax investment subject to public process and input.
One of Top Tourism Tax Revenues in U.S.: Only expansion city able to fund the public portion of stadium costs without unpopular taxing gimmicks like “jock taxes.”
Prime Stadium Location Identified: In the heart of the tourism corridor directly contributing back into tourism tax revenue.
Orlando’s projected annual attendance exceeds competitors by 1 million fans, generating $100M+ more per year in local revenue. That means larger contributions to MLB’s revenue pool, reducing subsidies for weaker markets.
Unlike other cities, Orlando doesn’t need ancillary development deals to survive. Here, baseball itself is the business.
The stadium design in Orlando is for 45,000 fans each game because this market will generate that type of interest. Other markets are focusing on smaller, “more intimate” stadium design which caps potential revenue generation.
Backed by Baseball Greatness
BARRY LARKIN
Hall of Famer Barry Larkin isn’t just lending his name, he’s lending his passion, his credibility, and his commitment to the Orlando community. A local legend in his hometown of Cincinnati, Barry fell in love with Orlando during his 19 Spring Trainings in the Grapefruit League and decided this is where he wanted to raise his family. In Larkin Orlando has one of baseball’s most respected leaders making the case.
JOHNNY DAMON
Two-time World Series champion Johnny Damon is an Orlando legend. Growing up a soft toss away from the preferred stadium site, Damon starred at local Dr. Phillips High School and was rated the #1 high school prospect in the country by Baseball America. Damon's infectiously positive personality and passion for the Orlando community fuels the Dreamers' connection to the local fan base.
