Sporting Club Jacksonville
 | |
| Short name | Sporting JAX |
|---|---|
| Founded | May 16, 2023 |
| Stadium | TBD |
| Capacity | TBD |
| Owners | Ricky Caplin (majority) Tony Allegretti Steve Livingstone Tim Tebow Fred Taylor |
| League | USL Championship |
| 2026 | Pre-inaugural season |
| Website | https://www.sportingjax.com/ |
Sporting Club Jacksonville is an upcoming American professional soccer club located in Jacksonville, Florida. The club is planning to debut in the USL Championship in 2026.
History
[edit]A 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, which coincidentally, was the 30th anniversary of the NFL awarding Jacksonville the 30th NFL franchise.[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]
On March 20, 2025, Sporting Club Jacksonville named Mark Warburton as Sporting Director and Head of Soccer.[9] He oversees both the men's and women's teams.
Ownership and staff
[edit]- As of April 22, 2025[10]
Ownership
[edit]
Minority Owner
Minority Owner
Head of Soccer, Sporting Director
| Ownership | |
|---|---|
| Majority owner | Ricky Caplin |
| Minority owner | Tim Tebow |
| Minority owner | Fred Taylor |
| Executive | |
|---|---|
| Club President and CEO | Steve Livingstone |
| Executive Vice President of Business Management | J.J. Keitzer |
| Chief Community Officer | Tony Allegretti |
| Special Advisor to the President | Bob Ohrablo |
| Technical & Business Development Manager | Mauricio Ruiz |
| Director of Marketing and Brand | David Phillips |
| Director of Broadcasting and Digital Content | Cole Pepper |
| Director of Ticket Sales and Services | Madison Holesko |
| Senior Manager, Business Operations and Development | Sara Garcia-Malone |
| Head of Operations | Marshall Happer |
| Merchandise Manager | Anthony Ortiz |
Technical staff
[edit]- As of April 22, 2025[11]
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Head of Soccer, Sporting Director |  Mark Warburton
|
| Head of Sports Performance |  Steve Fell
|
Women's team
[edit]The club also has a women's team that will debut in 2025 in the USL Super League. They are coached by Stacey Balaam, former Associate Head Coach of Vanderbilt Commodores women's soccer.[12]
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.
- ^ Hanratty, Robbie (20 March 2025). "Former Rangers boss Mark Warburton accepts unique new overseas role". Glasgow Times. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
- ^ "About Sporting JAX". SportingJax.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
- ^ "About Sporting JAX". SportingJax.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
- ^ "Sporting JAX names Stacey Balaam as first head coach of USL Super League women's team". SportingJax.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
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