Orlando’s “ongoing effort to lure” the Rays or an MLB expansion team took a step forward with the announcement that $1.5B in funding has been “pledged to attract an MLB team and build a new” ballpark, according to Mike Bianchi of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. Sources said that the Orlando Dreamers organization has “apparently gotten the attention” of Rays ownership, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and local politicians. Bianchi noted the funding announcement follows last month’s news that the Dreamers “have an Orlando-based ‘anchor investor’ ready to buy all or part of a major league team.” The group has said that they “don’t want to identify the potential owner until the plan becomes more solidified.” DeSantis last month said that Manfred has “made it clear that he wants to keep the Rays in Florida.” He added that he “has spoken with Manfred and Manfred is committed to having two teams in the Sunshine State.” Bianchi noted if the Rays were to move to Orlando, they would “potentially play” in a proposed $1.7B domed ballpark on a 35.5-acre plot of Orange County land (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 4/24). In Tampa, Marc Topkin wrote the $1.5B commitment “might not cover even half of the cost of the effort,” which would include the $1.7B ballpark, plus the Rays -- if sold -- or another MLB franchise or expansion team “could cost up to” $2B. Several Tampa Bay area-based groups also have expressed interest in buying the Rays and keeping the club “in the area” (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 4/24).
Orlando group pledges $1.5B in push for MLB team
