Sporting Club Jacksonville is a proposed American professional soccer club located in Jacksonville, Florida. The club is planning to debut a women's side in the USL Super League and a men's side in the USL Championship in 2026.
 | |
| Short name | Sporting JAX |
|---|---|
| Founded | May 16, 2023 |
| Stadium | 121 Financial Ballpark |
| Capacity | 8500 |
| Owners | Ricky Caplin (majority) Tony Allegretti Steve Livingstone Fred Taylor Tim Tebow |
| League | USL Championship (men) USL Super League (women) |
| 2025 | Inaugural season |
| Website | https://www.sportingjax.com/ |
History
editA USL Championship franchise for Jacksonville was awarded to an investment group led by venture capitalist Ricky Caplin on August 30, 2022. Former Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow is also one of the investors. The team has established a partnership with USL League Two and USL W League team Florida Elite Soccer Academy to offer a complete pathway from youth to pro for men and women. A 15,000-seat Soccer-specific stadium is also being planned.[1][2][3]
On May 16, 2023, the JAXUSL group was awarded a conditional franchise in the USL Super League, contingent upon completing their soccer-specific stadium.[4][5]
Former Jacksonville Jaguars star Fred Taylor joined the ownership group on November 30, 2023.[6][7]
On December 12, 2023, the team was officially named "Sporting Club Jacksonville" (shortened to Sporting JAX), and introduced its logo and team colors.[8]
References
edit- ^ "United Soccer League announces expansion plans for Jacksonville". USL Championship. August 30, 2022. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "Jacksonville pro soccer returns with Tebow-backed USL men's, women's squads". Soccer Stadium Digest. August 30, 2022. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ Freeman, Clayton (August 30, 2022). "Pro soccer returning to Jacksonville with Tim Tebow-backed USL franchise". Florida Times-Union. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ "USL Super League Announces Initial Markets". USL Super League. May 16, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ Bunker, Chase (May 16, 2023). "Professional women's soccer coming to Jacksonville". Action News Jax. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ "Legendary Jacksonville Jaguar Fred Taylor joins JAXUSL ownership group". USL Championship. November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ Freeman, Clayton (November 30, 2023). "JAXUSL soccer club adds former Jacksonville Jaguars RB Fred Taylor to ownership group". Florida Times-Union. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ "JAXUSL Ownership Group Unveils New Club's Name, Colors, Crest and Motto Reflecting its Bold, Inclusive Community". Sporting Club Jacksonville. December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
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