Jacksonville, Florida, is currently home to two professional soccer organizations: the Jacksonville Armada FC and Sporting Club Jacksonville (Sporting JAX). Both clubs have plans for future professional play, with the Armada FC set to join MLS Next Pro in 2026 and Sporting JAX planning to debut in the USL Championship and USL Super League in 2026 and 2025, respectively [1] [2].

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The Jacksonville Armada FC, founded in 2013, initially played in the North American Soccer League (NASL) until the league ceased operations in 2018. Following this, they moved to the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), an amateur league, before going on hiatus [1]. On November 2, 2023, the club announced its intention to join MLS Next Pro, the reserve and development league for Major League Soccer, with play resuming in the 2026 season. The Armada FC plans to construct a new stadium with an initial capacity of 2,500 to 3,000 seats [1]. The team has a history of playing at various venues, including the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville (later Community First Park) and Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida [1].

Sporting Club Jacksonville, also known as Sporting JAX, was announced on August 30, 2022, with venture capitalist Ricky Caplin and former NFL player Tim Tebow leading the ownership group [2] [3]. The club officially unveiled its name, logo, and colors on December 12, 2023 [2]. Sporting JAX plans to debut its women's team in the USL Super League in 2025 and its men's team in the USL Championship in 2026 [2] [4]. Mark Warburton was named Sporting Director and Head of Soccer on March 20, 2025, overseeing both men's and women's teams [2]. The club intends to play its home matches at Hodges Stadium temporarily, with plans to construct a new soccer-specific stadium with an estimated capacity of 15,000 spectators by 2026 or 2027 [2] [3]. The ownership group for Sporting JAX also includes former Jacksonville Jaguars star Fred Taylor and experienced soccer executive Steve Livingstone [2] [4]. The club's motto is "Lift Every Voice," inspired by the hymn "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" [5]. Sporting JAX has also partnered with Gainbridge, the Gainbridge Super League, and the Baxter E. Luther Boys & Girls Club to install a soccer mini-pitch in Florida, promoting youth development [2].

Jacksonville has a history of professional soccer, including the Jacksonville Tea Men (1980-1984), Jacksonville Cyclones (1997-1999), and the first iteration of the Jacksonville Armada FC [3]. The city's soccer scene also includes lower-level clubs such as Florida Elite Soccer Academy, Jacksonville FC, and Oceanway FC [3].