Orlando Could be Step Closer to $105 Million Taxpayer-Funded Soccer Stadium

The Orlando City Lions' bid to enter Major League Soccer got a boost Monday with the entry of a major financial backer from Brazil to the club's ownership group -- a move that could push the team closer to getting its new 18,000-seat, $105 million soccer stadium.

Flio Augusto da Silva was announced by the Orlando soccer club as its newest owner Monday. According to the team, the Brazilian businessman's investment will be used for the clubs share of a public/private-funded, multi-purpose soccer stadium in downtown Orlando and future acquisition of an MLS franchise.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Brazilians visit Orlando, said da Silva, in a release by Orlando City SC. It's our No. 1 destination in the U.S. and Brazilians, besides being famous for our friendliness and willingness to buy at the outlets and malls, we are also a nation that loves soccer. More than that, we are a country of 200 million fanatics for soccer! It is a great honor that I now become a part of this vibrant soccer club, Orlando City, which is being built with boldness to make history in this country and will give much pride to this city.

The USL Pro team has been vying for a bid to enter the MLS and, as such, the team requires a smaller stadium designed for soccer. Talks have been ongoing for two years between the Lions and MLS officials, according to the team. One of the terms of entry into the MLS is a stadium of 18,000 to 25,000 seats.

Orlando City SCcommissioned a study that found the team could have an economic impact of $1.3 billion over the next 30 years if they were an MLS team playing in a downtown stadium. The club's president and part owner, Phil Rawlins, has been meeting withOrlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and County Mayor Teresa Jacobsregarding the $105 million stadium, which could be partially funded by taxpayers.

SB 358 filed by Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, and HB 219 by Rep. Bryan Nelson, R-Apopka, could benefit the Lions if they were to be granted entry to the MLS.The bills allow for the certification of two Major League Soccer franchise facilities by the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) as new professional sports franchises. The two franchises that meet eligibility criteria would be eligible to receive a sales tax distribution payment of approximately $2 million per year for 30 years.

As for the new ownership structure, the club said the existing ownership group will remain in place and will continue running the operations. Other owners of the club include John Bonner as well as Scott Bates of Morgan & Morgan.