ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The push to transform Central Florida into a sports destination continues.
According to WKMG, Orange County commissioners on Tuesday voted 6-1 to approve investing millions of dollars to attract WWE, UFC and the Jacksonville Jaguars to Central Florida.
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The Tourist Development Tax Sports Incentive Committee recommended that the board approve an $18 million agreement with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GOSC) to offset bid fees for a series of four World Wrestling Entertainment and Ultimate Fighting Championships. They also recommend an $11 million agreement with Florida Citrus Sports for bid fees for the 2027 Jacksonville Jaguars home football season.
The NFL team is shopping for a temporary home while EverBank Stadium undergoes renovations, and they are considering calling Camping World Stadium home while the work is done. The venue’s recent $400 million upgrades could make it a top choice.
“We are blessed that TDT is here, that we can do some of these things on the back of the visitation as opposed as from our local residence so that we are not taking from the resources you have as commissioners in our general funds to take care of our population,” Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan said Tuesday.
The dissenting vote came from County Commissioner Kelly Semrad.
“There is looming concern of an economic recession and our job is to look for low-risk investments that will protect our economy, and we are looking for events that have high inelastic demand to withstand market shocks to our system,” Semrad said.
As presented, the following were the TDT Sports Incentive Committee’s recommendations for funding:
- $25,000 to the Kindred Pride Foundation to be used for marketing The Pride Cup - 2025.
- $40,000 to the GOSC to offset bid fees for the 2026 USA Fencing October North America Cup.
- $400,000 to the GOSC to offset bid fees for the 2025 AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships.
- $18 million to the GOSC to offset bid fees for a series of four WWE and UFC events to be held between 2026 and 2031.
- Up to $11 million to Florida Citrus Sports for bid fees for the 2027 Jacksonville Jaguars Home Football Season.
The $18 million agreement with Visit Orlando would be to host WWE and UFC championship events at Camping World Stadium and/or the Kia Center between 2026 and 2031. The proposed events include WWE Royal Rumble, WWE WrestleMania, UFC Fall Marquee Pay-Per-View, and either a WWE Survivor Series or a WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.
According to the UFC, April 2023’s UFC 287: PEREIRA vs ADESANYA 2, which marked UFC’s return to Miami for the first time in almost 20 years, generated $47.7 million in economic impact for the Miami metropolitan area.
“Orlando is a proven destination for hosting national and international events that deliver substantial benefits to our community. Opportunities like this offer key media exposure, help drive overnight visits by encouraging travelers to come for the game and for the fun, and add to the entertainment choices locals can enjoy,” Visit Orlando said in a statement.
GOSC President and CEO Jason Siegel thanked the commissioners in a statement following the vote.
“Thank you to the Orange County Commissioners for supporting our funding application to secure four WWE and UFC events from 2026-2031. Having worked alongside the commissioners for the last several years, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and strategic thinking they bring to attracting impactful events to Central Florida. Orlando has previously hosted WrestleMania twice at Camping World Stadium, most recently in 2017, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to build on that legacy. Our region’s ability to consistently deliver unforgettable experiences speaks volumes about our collective commitment to excellence. In addition to driving economic impact, we look forward to collaborating with the commissioners and many other local partners to create moments that elevate Orlando on the global stage and enhance the quality of life for our residents,” Siegel said.
Orlando isn’t the only option for the Jaguars; Gainesville is also on the table, and the organization could make its decision as early as next month.
In Tallahassee, a proposed House tax amendment could allow counties to use tourism development tax funds for general purposes. The House Budget Committee on Tuesday debated the proposal — an amendment to the House tax package (HB 7033) — which would override existing statutes and enable counties to access TDT funds for general use rather than strictly for tourism-related projects.
Commissioner Mayra Uribe on Tuesday raised the question of how counties would be able to fulfill their current financial obligations if TDT funds were allowed for more uses. Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond responded.
“I think that is very hard to answer, except one thing I would say is I commend you all on supporting us and having good reserves, because if something does happen that’s unanticipated, that gives us some ability to do that,” Diamond said.
