By Jim Carchidi
March 26, 2026
The push to bring a Major League Baseball franchise to Orlando is entering a new phase with the start of the 2026 MLB season. Members of the Orlando Dreamers were on hand as Crooked Can Brewing Co. hosted an opening day event at Plant Street Market in Winter Garden.
Dreaming big
Funding efforts for a proposed MLB stadium adjacent to SeaWorld has raised about $1 billion in letters of intent. Image courtesy of Orlando Dreamers
The Orlando City Baseball Dreamers, aka Orlando Dreamers, introduced themselves in 2019 with the backing of former Orlando Magic exec Pat Williams. Efforts were launched to gain support and funding for a proposed stadium on 35.5 acres of county-owned land on International Drive.
Last year, despite the withdrawal of key investors, the group reported letters of intent (LOIs) for more than $1 billion in team acquisition funds and $1 billion in stadium financing. Orlando Dreamers CMO Andrew Herdliska told The Orlando Real the LOIs are still in place and talks with the MLB, local leaders, and potential owners are continuing. However, the messaging is a little different than in 2019.
"Pat Williams used to tell people, 'don't look at what Orlando is now, look ahead to what it will be in 20 years,'" Herdliska said. "Now, we're telling people to look at what Orlando is today."
He points to population growth more than tourism numbers as vital to the effort, but knows that visitation will be a bonus in consistently filling seats.
"It's tough to expect a full house for a 162 game season. But when people need a break from the theme parks or their home team is in town while they're on vacation, a stadium close to the tourism corridor is an asset."
Grassroots pitch
Orlando Dreamers CMO Andrew Herdliska speaks with baseball fans at the 2026 MLB Opening Day event at Crooked Can Winter Garden. Photos by Jim Carchidi
As business and big-league support are being discussed, The Dreamers are launching a marketing reboot, showcased at the March 26 MLB event at Crooked Can. “Orlando on Deck” features a new website, and three fan packs offer varying items and priority access to season tickets. Community outreach, local investments, and youth baseball-related initiatives are additional focal points. "We're at Little League and Babe Ruth League events almost every weekend," said Herdliska. "The public has been showing their support and we want to bring more people in."
Crooked Can patrons line up to enter a raffle for prizes that included a signed Barry Larkin jersey and a Johnny Damon autographed baseball.
The Dreamers' downtown Orlando presence recently received a boost with new signage at its 105 E. Robinson St. office. Renovations are expected to begin later this year.
In December 2025, the group announced the addition of MLB All-Star and Orlando native Johnny Damon as a strategic advisor. Damon, who also plays a role in community relations, was the second MLB star named to the Dreamers. Hall of Famer Barry Larkin currently serves as the group's MLB ambassador.
While an eye is kept on the number of MLB teams up for sale, Herdliska says The Dreamers are more interested in expansion over relocation. And the fans will take part in naming their new franchise.
"The Dreamers are what we call ourselves in honor of Pat Williams," Herdliska said. "But the community will be given a say on everything: the name, the colors, the logo, the mascot. It's a group effort and we want everyone to be part of it."
Log onto OrlandoDreamers.com for more information and check the group's social media for updates and events.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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