Jaguars and NFL Officially Coming to Orlando

The long-rumored move of the Jacksonville Jaguars to Orlando is now official.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:34am

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The Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team has officially announced plans to relocate to Orlando, Florida, ending years of speculation about the franchise's future. The move will bring professional football to the central Florida city, which has long sought to host a major sports franchise.

Why it matters

Orlando has been vying for a major professional sports team for decades, and the arrival of the Jaguars will be a significant boost to the city's sports and entertainment landscape. The move also raises questions about the long-term viability of the Jaguars' current home in Jacksonville.

The details

The Jaguars have signed a 30-year lease agreement to play their home games at a new state-of-the-art stadium being constructed in downtown Orlando. The team will begin play in Orlando starting in the 2027 NFL season.

  • The Jaguars officially announced the move on April 1, 2026.
  • The team will begin playing in Orlando starting in the 2027 NFL season.

The players

Jacksonville Jaguars

An NFL franchise that has played in Jacksonville, Florida since 1995.

Orlando, Florida

A major city in central Florida that has long sought to host a professional sports team.

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What they’re saying

“This is a historic day for Orlando and a dream come true for our city. We're thrilled to welcome the Jaguars and the NFL to our community.”

— Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando

“While we're sad to see the Jaguars leave Jacksonville, we understand the team's decision to relocate to a larger market. We wish them the best of luck in their new home.”

— Lenny Curry, Mayor of Jacksonville

What’s next

The Jaguars and the city of Orlando will now work together to finalize plans for the new stadium and prepare for the team's arrival in 2027.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' move to Orlando represents a significant shift in the NFL landscape, as a struggling franchise seeks to reinvigorate itself in a new, larger market. The move also highlights the ongoing competition between cities to attract major professional sports teams.