ORLANDO, Fla. – Could the NBA All-Star Game and Olympic qualifying events be coming to Orlando? The Greater Orlando Sports Commission is trying to make that happen. They just asked county leaders for millions in tourist tax money to make it happen.
Jason Siegel with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission says Orlando plans to make a strong pitch to the NBA.
“This is an opportunity for it to possibly come here in 2029 or 2030. We’re going to use every competitive advantage that we have and demonstrate to the NBA that we can do a spectacular job,” Siegel said.
GO Sports is asking Orange County to use tourist tax money to pursue two major events. They want $500,000 to bid for the NBA All-Star Game and $20 million for the NBA if Orlando lands it.
They’re also seeking $150,000 to bid for Olympic qualifying events like flag football, which would be held at Camping World Stadium ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, plus $15 million if selected.
Siegel says hosting those qualifiers would essentially make Orlando part of the Olympic experience.
“Orlando would be a part of the LA Olympics, and the rings would be here in Orlando. We would have five sports and a festival that would take place. Over 600 athletes would compete, and 150 will qualify for the LA Olympics,” Siegel said.
Siegel also says the $400 million renovations underway at Camping World Stadium are helping strengthen Orlando’s bid.
The Orange County Tourist Development Council unanimously approved to endorse both proposals Thursday. County leaders are set to discuss the plans next week.
Siegel says they plan to submit their bid for Olympic qualifying events in a few weeks and their bid for the NBA All-Star Game later this year.
Orlando has already held the NBA All-Star game twice, in 1992 in in 2012.