PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM
In November 2013, Orlando City Soccer Club was awarded a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, becoming the league’s 21st franchise. The team began play in March 2015, with 62,510 fans packing the Orlando Citrus Bowl for the club’s MLS debut. In 2017, the team moved into its privately-owned, soccer-specific venue – INTER&Co Stadium – located in the heart of downtown Orlando, which also serves as the home to Orlando Pride (NWSL).
The 2024 season will mark the Club’s 10th as a member of MLS, with the team having reached the postseason in four-consecutive seasons. In 2022, Orlando City won its first championship of its MLS era, lifting the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy, which also marked the first championship by any professional team in the City Beautiful.
In July 2021, the Club – which includes Orlando City SC, the Orlando Pride, Orlando City B (MLS NEXT Pro) and INTER&Co Stadium – was purchased by the Wilf Family, who also own the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.
In October 2015, the Orlando Pride was announced as the 10th team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), bringing professional women’s soccer to Florida for the first time. The team began play in April 2016, setting a then-league single-game attendance record in its first-ever home game, with 23,403 fans witnessing the Club’s first win.
The Pride features a star-studded roster of domestic and international talent, captained by Brazilian legend Marta, a six-time Women’s World Player of the Year and the all-time leader in Women’s World Cup goals.