Sporting Club Jacksonville
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| Full name | Sporting Club Jacksonville | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short name | Sporting JAX | |||
| Founded | August 30, 2022 | |||
| Stadium | Hodges Stadium | |||
| Capacity | 12,000 | |||
| Owners | Ricky Caplin (majority) Tony Allegretti Steve Livingstone Tim Tebow Fred Taylor Magnolia Hill Partners | |||
| CEO | Steve Livingstone | |||
| Head coach | Liam Fox | |||
| League | USL Championship | |||
| 2026 | TBD | |||
| Website | https://www.SportingJAX.com | |||
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| Departments of Sporting Club Jacksonville | ||||||||||||
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Sporting Club Jacksonville, commonly known as Sporting JAX, is an upcoming American professional sports club based in Jacksonville, Florida. The soccer team competes in USL Championship (USLC).
Founded in 2022, the club began playing in 2026.
History
Founding
A USL Championship franchise in Jacksonville was announced on August 30, 2022, led by venture capitalist Ricky Caplin and former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow. The group partnered with Florida Elite Soccer Academy, rebranding it as the Sporting JAX Soccer Academy, to form a full development pathway.[1][2][3]
The club expanded its leadership team on November 30—coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the NFL awarding Jacksonville its franchise—by adding former Jacksonville Jaguars star Fred Taylor to the ownership group.[4][5]
Sporting Club Jacksonville, branded as Sporting JAX, was officially unveiled on December 12, 2023, along with its logo and team colors.[6]
USL Championship era
Mark Warburton, best known for leading post-liquidation Rangers FC to the Scottish Premiership in 2016, was named Sporting Director and Head of Soccer on March 20, 2025. He oversees both the men’s and women’s teams.[7]
On November 4, 2025, Sporting JAX appointed former Dundee United manager Liam Fox as the first head coach in men's team history. The role marked his first coaching position outside Scotland. Fox signed a two-year contract, with an option for a third year. Upon his appointment, he described the opportunity as “a brilliant challenge to build a club from the bottom up,” noting that Sporting JAX had no signed players and no permanent stadium at the time of his arrival.[8][9]
The USL Championship announced on December 11, 2025, that Sporting JAX would play its inaugural home match on March 7, 2026 against Hartford Athletic at Hodges Stadium on the campus of the University of North Florida (UNF).[10]
On December 15, 2025, Sporting JAX announced the first two signings to its inaugural roster: defender Dida Armstrong and forward Luc Granitur.[11][12]
Women's team
On May 16, 2023, the JAXUSL group was awarded a conditional franchise in the USL Super League, contingent upon completing their soccer-specific stadium.[13][14]
The club's women's team debuted in 2025. They are coached by Stacey Balaam, former Associate Head Coach of Vanderbilt Commodores women's soccer.[15]
Ownership and staff
Ownership
- As of April 22, 2025[16]
Minority Owner
Minority Owner
Head of Soccer, Sporting Director
| Ownership | |
|---|---|
| Majority owner | Ricky Caplin |
| Minority owner | Steve Livingstone |
| Minority owner | Tony Allegretti |
| Minority owner | Tim Tebow |
| Minority owner | Fred Taylor |
- As of February 5, 2026[17]
| Executive | |
|---|---|
| Club President and CEO | Steve Livingstone |
| Executive Vice President of Business Management | J.J. Keitzer |
| Chief Community Officer | Tony Allegretti |
| Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service | Tim Hensley |
| Special Advisor to the President | Bob Ohrablo |
| Director of Marketing and Brand | David Phillips |
| Director of Broadcasting and Digital Content | Cole Pepper |
| Director of Ticket Sales and Services | Jack Gonzalez |
| Senior Manager, Business Operations and Development | Sara Garcia-Malone |
| Head of Operations | Marshall Happer |
| Merchandise Manager | Anthony Ortiz |
Technical staff
- As of February 5, 2026[18]
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Head of Soccer, Sporting Director |  Mark Warburton
|
| Head Coach |  Liam Fox
|
| Assistant Coach |  Mike McGinty
|
| Goalkeeper Coach | Gary Maley
|
| Head Athletic Trainer | Eric Roman
|
| Assistant Athletic Trainer |  Kota Takahashi
|
| Head of Sports Performance | Steve Fell
|
Stadium
Until the completion of their permanent home venue, Sporting JAX will play its home matches at Hodges Stadium on the campus of the University of North Florida. The stadium, which seats approximately 9,400 spectators, will serve as the club's temporary home beginning with its inaugural USL Super League season in 2025. The stadium's capacity can reach up to 12,000.
The club has announced plans to construct a new soccer-specific stadium in Jacksonville, with a target opening date in 2026 or 2027, subject to final approvals and construction timelines. The new facility is expected to accommodate approximately 15,000 spectators and serve as the long-term home for both the men's and women's teams.[19][20][3]
On September 10, 2025, in a press release, it was announced that Orlando-based Momentous Sports, a private investment firm involved in sports and real estate development, is supporting the development of a mixed-use district surrounding a proposed Sporting JAX stadium, which is planned to include residential, retail, and community spaces. Its investor group includes former professional athletes such as John Elway, Blake Bortles, and Sporting JAX co-owner Tim Tebow, as well as business figures including Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy.[21]
As of September 17, 2025, Zoe Haugen, president of Haugen Holdings—the public relations and marketing firm representing the club—confirmed that a previously reported site at the former Sears space in Regency Square Mall was no longer under consideration for the stadium location.[22]
In December 2025, Sporting JAX president and CEO Steve Livingstone provided further details on the club's stadium plans in an interview with the Jacksonville Daily Record. While no stadium location had been announced as of January 8, 2026, he confirmed the proposed 15,000-seat stadium would be paired with a mixed-use development including retail, dining, hotel, and community spaces, and could include practice facilities for the club's youth academies. Livingstone also stated that the stadium is intended to serve as a year-round community venue capable of hosting high school championships, NCAA tournaments, markets, and other events.[23]
Current roster
- As of January 27, 2026[24]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Uniforms
Sporting JAX unveiled its inaugural home kit for the 2025–26 season during a public launch event and Fan Fest at Friendship Fountain on May 13, 2025. Designed in collaboration with Adidas, the kit features a custom light blue jersey accented with bold orange Adidas three-stripe detailing. Caplin Ventures, owned by majority owner Ricky Caplin, appears as the primary shirt sponsor. The launch marked a major milestone for the club as it enters USL competition and aimed to unify its professional, pre-professional, and academy teams under a single visual identity.
| Period | Kit Manufacturer | Shirt Sponsor | Back Sponsor | Sleeve Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–present | Adidas | Caplin Ventures | N/A | N/A |
The home kit will be worn across all Sporting JAX teams, including those in USL League Two, USL W League, and the Sporting JAX Academy. The event also showcased goalkeeper kits, alternate and youth academy kits, as well as training wear and equipment. Players from the club's men's and women’s pre-professional teams modeled the kits, with the event drawing hundreds of fans and featuring appearances from club executives, coaching staff, and adidas representatives.[25]
Media
Sporting JAX maintains a growing presence in local media through strategic partnerships with television, radio, and digital platforms in the Jacksonville area. These outlets provide fans with comprehensive coverage of Sporting JAX, the USL Championship, the USL Super League, and global soccer news.
| Media Coverage | |
|---|---|
| WJXX/WTLV[26] | Sporting JAX Report |
| WJXL (1010 AM)[27] | The Coaches Show |
| WFXJ (930 AM)[28] | The Sporting JAX Soccer Hour |
In addition to traditional media coverage, the club produces a podcast titled, The Sporting Pod, hosted by Cole Pepper and featuring regular appearances from team officials and players. It's available through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Emerson Burris serves as the club’s official team reporter.
On April 25, 2025, Sporting JAX expanded its outreach by partnering with Norsan Media to deliver Spanish-language broadcasts. As the club’s exclusive Spanish-language media partner, Norsan Media offers coverage via La Raza 92.9 FM, Kaliente 94.1 FM, and Hola News, aiming to engage and grow the local Hispanic fan base.[29]
Mascot
Rex, a 20-foot-tall T-Rex statue, is the official mascot of Sporting JAX and was unveiled in April 2025. It is an iconic local landmark located on Beach Boulevard.
The mascot features a steel frame covered with stucco, glowing red eyes, and a fierce jaw. He debuted during the club’s inaugural season in August 2025.
Rex embodies the club’s connection to the Jacksonville community and its local culture, appearing prominently at games and community events through inflatable T-Rex costumes. Fans often participate in “Dino Dashes,” races held during matches in which they wear the suits, similar in spirit to the popular T-Rex races held elsewhere.[30]
Community
In October 2025, Sporting JAX partnered with Gainbridge, the Gainbridge Super League and the Baxter E. Luther Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida to install a soccer mini-pitch in Florida. This initiative is part of their ongoing efforts to provide accessible soccer facilities and foster youth development in underserved communities.[31]
Sporting JAX hosts an annual high school soccer media day at the Riverside YMCA, bringing together local student-athletes and coaches ahead of the upcoming season. The event features team and individual photos, interviews, and opportunities for local media coverage, promoting the sport and fostering community engagement.[32]
Swimming
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Sporting JAX Aquatic Club is the competitive swimming arm of Sporting Club Jacksonville, operating under the Sporting JAX umbrella in Northeast Florida. The club serves swimmers and triathletes, offering training and competition opportunities at various levels and participating in regional and national events.[33]
In October 2025, Olympic gold‑medalist swimmer Caeleb Dressel joined Sporting JAX Aquatic Club to prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games, reuniting with his longtime coach, Steve Jungbluth.[33]
References
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b Freeman, Clayton (August 30, 2022). "Pro soccer returning to Jacksonville with Tim Tebow-backed USL franchise". Florida Times-Union. 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". SportingJAX.com. Sporting JAX. December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
- ^ Hanratty, Robbie (March 20, 2025). "Former Rangers boss Mark Warburton accepts unique new overseas role". Glasgow Times. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
- ^ Freeman, Clayton. "Sporting Club Jacksonville hires its first head coach for men's soccer. Meet the new boss". Jacksonville.com. The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- ^ Wilson, Fraser. "Liam Fox on exciting Sporting JAX plans, taking over team with no signed players and pride at high-flying Hearts". DailyRecord.co.uk. Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
- ^ USLChampionship.com Staff. "USL Championship Reveals 2026 Home Openers". USLChampionship.com. USL Championship. Retrieved December 12, 2025.
- ^ "Sporting Club Jacksonville unveils Dida Armstrong, Luc Granitur as first signings". USL Championship. December 20, 2025. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
- ^ Freeman, Clayton (December 15, 2025). "Sporting Jax men begin with UNF striker, second-generation defender". Jacksonville.com. The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Ashley, Kyle. "Sporting JAX names Stacey Balaam first head coach of USL Super League women's team". News4Jax.com. News 4 Jax. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
- ^ "About Sporting JAX". SportingJAX.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
- ^ "Sporting JAX appoints veteran sales leader Tim Hensley as Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service". SportingJAX.com. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ^ "You've seen them individually, now it's time to see them as a TEAM. Introducing the 2026 Sporting JAX Men's @uslchampionship roster and technical Staff! 🔥 #ProSoccerProJAX". Instagram.com. sporting_jax. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Bortles, Tebow, Chick-fil-A CEO plan mixed-use district around future Sporting JAX stadium. But where will it be?". News4Jax.com. Graham Media Group. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
- ^ Anderson, Ric. "Sporting JAX media rep: Sears site at Regency 'not a possibility' for stadium". JaxDailyRecord.com. Jacksonville Daily Record. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
- ^ Lister, Joe (January 12, 2026). "Sporting JAX wants to make billion-dollar impact on Northeast Florida". JaxDailyRecord.com. Jacksonville Daily Record. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
- ^ Sporting JAX Staff (January 27, 2026). "Sporting JAX USL Championship Men's Team Makes Three New Roster Additions". SportingJAX.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved January 27, 2026.
- ^ Porter, Chris. "Sporting Jax unveils inaugural kits". FirstCoastNews.com. WTLV-TV. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
- ^ Krishnaiyer, Kartik. "Sporting JAX enters into three-year partnership with First Coast News stations - includes weekly Sporting JAX Report". BeyondThe90.Substack.com. Beyond the 90'. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
- ^ "Sporting JAX has teamed up with leading local sports radio broadcaster 1010XL". SportingJAX.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ Macdonald, Dan. "Sporting JAX continues making partnership alliances as team's first season nears". JaxDailyRecord.com. Jax Daily Record. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
- ^ "Sporting JAX and Norsan Media join forces to amplify soccer in local Hispanic communities". JaxChamber.com. Jax Chamber. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
- ^ "Sporting JAX Announces Historic First Signing of Rex – the iconic Beach Boulevard Dinosaur – as Center Forward and Club Mascot". SportingJAX.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
- ^ Freeman, Clayton. "This Jacksonville Boys & Girls Club is adding a new sports feature. What's on the way?". Jacksonville.com. The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
- ^ Barney, Justin. "Photo gallery: Scenes from high school soccer media day". News4Jax.com. Graham Media Group. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
- ^ a b Harvey, Malcolm (October 2, 2025). "9-time Olympic gold medalist Caeleb Dressel joining Sporting JAX Aquatic Club". FirstCoastNews.com. WTLV-TV. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
