ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida billionaire attorney John Morgan confirmed to News 6 he has pulled out as an investor in the proposed Orlando Dreamers ownership group — a move that deals a serious blow to the franchise bid.
The Dreamers’ hopes for landing a big-league club suffered another setback months ago, when the Tampa Bay Rays announced they were entering exclusive negotiations on a sale to another buyer group. That competing group has made clear it plans to keep the Rays in the Tampa Bay area — a development that dims the possibility of an MLB relocation to Orlando.
The Athletic reported on Monday that the buyer group in exclusive talks includes Windermere resident Rick Workman, who had been identified previously as the anchor investor for the Dreamers effort. If confirmed, Workman’s involvement with the competing group would further complicate Orlando’s bid.
A Dreamers spokesperson told News 6 the organization plans to provide an update on its efforts within the next 24 hours.
Why Morgan’s withdrawal matters
John Morgan was one of the most visible local backers promoting an MLB presence in Central Florida. His exit removes both financial resources and political clout from the Dreamers’ campaign, raising questions about whether the group can sustain momentum — especially while a rival buyer works to keep the Rays in the Tampa Bay region.
What’s next
The Dreamers say they will update their plans soon; until then, the future of a major league team in Orlando remains uncertain. MLB’s franchise and relocation decisions typically involve lengthy negotiations, league approval, and behind-the-scenes talks with multiple stakeholders — meaning any final outcome likely remains weeks or months away.