Orlando Set for MLS Franchise After Stadium Funding Secured

Orlando moved a step closer to becoming the home of the latest Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise after funding for a new stadium was approved by the city’s county commission.

The commission approved $20m of funding towards a new $84m stadium, medical which will come from tourism taxes.

The rest of the money needed will be provided by the club, with the stadium set for an 18,000-seater capacity.

MLS President Mark Abbott had earlier confirmed that a new franchise in Orlando would be designed if the stadium funding was approved.

Abbott also claimed to be confident the new team would be a success, despite other MLS failures in the state, such as the Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny.

The Fusion was founded in 1997 but was dissolved in 2001.

The Mutiny suffered a similar fate, having been founded in 1995 but became inactive in 2001.