The city of Orlando is home to an NBA team, an MLS team, an NWSL team and the NFL's Pro Bowl, but could the city soon have baseball too?
At a press conference Wednesday morning, Orlando Magic co-founder Pat Williams unveiled his pitch for an expansion MLB team he wants to call the Orlando Dreamers.
Williams reportedly called the MLB commissioner's office Wednesday and left a message about his plan.
BREAKING: @OrlandoMagic co-founder @OrlandoMagicPat planning a "Major Announcement" tomorrow.@WFTV has learned it will be a push to bring @MLB to Orlando. #MLBExpansion
— Joe Kepner (@JKepnerWFTV) November 19, 2019
The station says it has learned the announcement will be a push for an expansion baseball team in central Florida.
"Guys, the best spot for a baseball team is right here in Central Florida," Williams told WFTV.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has also expressed support for a team to the station. He has said he would push for another downtown stadium.
WFTV also clarified that WIlliams is not necessarily trying to lure the Tampa Bay Rays to Orlando.
While the Rays have had ongoing talks about a split season in Montreal or moving the team's stadium, this push seems to be more about an expansion team.
It's no secret the Rays and Miami Marlins have had attendance problems, but it remains to be seen how an Orlando MLB franchise would do.
Williams said even if 2% of the region's tourists watch the games, the team would draw 1.6 million people per year. He said he thinks the team could eventually draw 3 million people per year.
This year the Orlando Magic are 20th in the league in attendance.
Tampa Bay Rays released a statement of support for the Dreamers:
“We are proud of our strong fan support in Orlando, and we’re pleased to see their enthusiasm about Major League Baseball.”
