The Orlando Economic Partnership has officially extended its support to the Orlando Dreamers in their efforts to bring Major League Baseball to the Central Florida region. The move by the economic and community development organization follows endorsements from several other groups, including the African American Chamber, the Asian America Chamber, and Visit Orlando.
The project has garnered support from various regional leaders, including Orange County Commissioner Michael Scott and State Representative Anna Eskamani. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has also voiced support for professional baseball in the area. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Barry Larkin, serving as an ambassador for the Dreamers, noted that the partnership’s support signals to government leaders that the region is prepared for a Major League franchise.
According to economic impact data provided by consulting firm JLL, the arrival of Major League Baseball and the construction of a dedicated stadium could significantly alter the economic landscape of Orange County. The study projects the creation of more than 38,000 jobs during the construction phase and more than 52,000 permanent positions. The total economic impact is estimated to exceed $72 billion over a 30-year period, alongside an average annual increase of $32 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues.
The push for professional baseball comes as Orlando experiences a period of rapid expansion. The Orlando metropolitan area welcomed nearly 80 million tourists in 2025, bolstered by the opening of the Epic Universe theme park. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Orlando currently leads the 30 most populous U.S. regions in job growth, population growth, and nominal GDP growth.
As the 15th largest media market in the United States, Orlando has recently surpassed several major cities, including Miami and Denver. The region is expected to eventually overtake Detroit to become the 14th largest media market, which would represent the largest market in the country without a Major League Baseball team.
Dreamers leadership emphasized that the project is designed to function as a year-round attraction intended to drive visitor spending and create jobs. The initiative also aims to leverage sports assets to help address regional issues such as housing and transportation while contributing to community pride.
