Greater Orlando Sports Commission Extends Partnership With Lake County Through 2030

The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is proud to announce a five-year contract extension with Lake County, continuing the successful partnership that began in 1996. The agreement extends the collaboration through 2030, reinforcing a shared commitment to growing sports tourism in the region.

Over the past five years, the partnership has driven a significant number of hotel room night stays annually, underscoring Lake County’s status as a premier destination for championship-caliber events. The collaboration has brought a diverse lineup of competitions to the area, including multiple Bassmaster Elite Series events, the 2021 and 2023 IWWF World Waterski Championships, 2021 UANA Tokyo Olympic Swimming Qualifier, 2024 NCAA Women’s Triathlon Championships, and multiple NCAA Golf Championships.

“The partnership with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission is an investment in Lake County’s economy,” said Lake County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Leslie Campione. “Sports tourism generates revenue for small businesses, supports local jobs, and fills hotels and restaurants, all of which allows us to reinvest in the quality-of-life services our residents rely on. It’s a win not just for our economy, but for every family and business that calls Lake County home.”

“Our five-year extension with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission ensures that we continue to keep Real Florida, Real Close,” said Commissioner Kirby Smith. “Hosting major sporting events in Lake County grows our local economy, supports small businesses, and brings national attention to our facilities. Partnering with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission helps us remain a premier sports destination.”

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission,” said Discover Lake Director Ryan Richie. “This renewal shows our shared commitment to growing sports tourism in Lake County and supporting our local economy.”

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Lake County and continue building on the strong collaboration that has brought tremendous value to our region,” said Caesar Lopez, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission Board of Directors. “Together, we’ve helped grow sports tourism, attract world-class events, and generate meaningful economic impact for our community partners. We look forward to the continued success of this partnership and all that we will accomplish in the years ahead.”

“I am thrilled that the Lake County Board of County Commissioners has approved the Greater Orlando Sports Commission agreement,” said Paul Johns, Assistant Vice President of Orlando Health and Past Chairman of the GO Sports Board of Directors. “As both a resident of Lake County and a representative of the sports commission, I am excited about the continued top-tier sports events that will be brought to our community.”

“Thank you to the Lake County Board of County Commissioners, Discover Lake County Florida led by Ryan Ritchie, and the Lake County Tourism Development Council for trusting our organization to continue to drive economic impact through sports,” said Jason Siegel, President & CEO, Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership into the next decade and are confident this will set the stage for an even brighter future for Lake County as a premier sports destination.”

Here’s what our partners and event rightsholders are saying:

N.C.A.A. — Antonio Cannavaro, Coordinator, Championships and Alliances

“Throughout my years working on championship events, I have truly enjoyed every tournament I’ve had the privilege of running alongside the Greater Orlando Sports Commission in Lake County. Their team’s diligence in every aspect of event hosting sets the gold standard for excellence, ensuring no detail is ever overlooked. In particular, Lindsey McBride stands out as one of the best tournament directors in the country. She is among the select few I would entrust any event to, knowing not only will it be executed flawlessly, but it will exceed expectations. GO Sports is a true leader in the industry, and their reputation is well deserved. No event is too big or too small for their team, and any event operator can feel secure and confident in trusting them to deliver a world-class experience.”

Major League Fishing — Chris Hoover, Sales Manager

“We are proud to partner with Discover Lake County Florida and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, leveraging their reach as a regional sports commission to enhance MLF events and foster engagement and collaboration among local organizations. This partnership with MLF is even more impactful thanks to one of Lake County’s crown jewels, the Harris Chain of Lakes—one of the nation’s premier fisheries, renowned for its world-class bass fishing and stunning scenery.”

Mission Resort + Club — Art Fasano, Director of Sales

“GO Sports has been instrumental in elevating Mission Resort + Club’s presence and reputation within the sports world. We deeply appreciate the significant business GO Sports consistently brings to Mission Resort + Club, including the FHSAA Golf State Finals for 15 years, Horizon League Golf Championships for 14 years, and NCAA Golf Championships for 28 years. On behalf of our team, thank you for your invaluable support and partnership. We eagerly anticipate many more years of successful collaboration”

B.A.S.S. — Eric Lopez, Director of Event Operations

“B.A.S.S. has had the pleasure of working with GO Sports for several years. Lake County and the city of Leesburg has hosted our events in many capacities, from our junior events to our professionals, they are all handled with care and precision. This is due in part to having Lindsey McBride by our side. Her professionalism and support have been instrumental in the success of our events. Our ongoing partnership with GO Sports, Lake County and the City of Leesburg has further strengthened our presence in the region, creating unforgettable experiences for our anglers and fans alike. Beyond our events, their vibrant community regularly hosts a wide range of sporting and recreational events, making it a premier destination for athletes and spectators from all over. Together, these collaborations have helped elevate the sport of bass fishing and showcase the exceptional hospitality and resources of Central Florida.”

Horizon League — Chris Neuman, Chief Operating Officer

“The Horizon League Golf Championship has been held at Mission Resort in Lake County for 14 years in partnership with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. Hosting our golf championship at Mission Resort provides our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, spectators and staff a first-class championship experience. The organization, hospitality, incredible volunteers and hard work of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission and Mission Resort staff are what makes our championship a huge success! Our League is very fortunate for our long-standing partnership and providing our student-athletes an incredible experience.”

Fishers of Men — Bobby Eads, Senior Vice President

“Over the past eleven years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, the City of Leesburg, and Lake County on six championship events hosted on the Harris Chain of Lakes—with more to come. Each collaboration with GO Sports has been consistently positive and well-executed. For the majority of these events, our primary point of contact has been Lindsey McBride. Along with the dedicated teams at Leesburg and Lake County, Lindsey has played a pivotal role in ensuring every aspect of our event was thoughtfully supported and expertly managed. I have full confidence in returning for future events, knowing we’ll continue to receive exceptional care and partnership.”

ABOUT THE GREATER ORLANDO SPORTS COMMISSION

The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is a private, non-profit organization established to attract and manage sports-related events, conferences and activities that drive positive economic development in the City of Orlando, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County. Founded in 1992-93, the organization has hosted or co-hosted more than 1,700 events in the Greater Orlando area with a total economic impact exceeding $3.86 billion in spending within the community. For more information, visitwww.GreaterOrlandoSports.com.