Sporting JAX today announced a major milestone for women’s professional soccer on the First Coast as the team will kick off its inaugural season at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium in August 2025. As part of the Division 1 USL Super League, Sporting JAX will redefine North Florida’s sports landscape, making history as Jacksonville’s first women’s pro soccer team. This groundbreaking partnership brings elite-level soccer to North Florida while creating the first local pathway for young athletes to achieve their professional dreams in their hometown.
“We are excited to partner with the University of North Florida and bring our inaugural women’s professional season to Hodges Stadium,” said Steve Livingstone, Sporting JAX President and CEO. “Our Sporting JAX women’s team will make history as the first-ever major league women’s professional sports team for Jacksonville and the First Coast. Our club motto is ‘Lift Every Voice’ and we are dedicated to shining a spotlight on talented female athletes as they represent our hometown and play at the major league level in women’s professional soccer in the United States.”
While plans are underway for a permanent stadium location for the Sporting JAX women’s and men’s teams, UNF’s Hodges Stadium will serve as the interim home for the women’s team from Fall 2025 through Spring 2026, inclusive of regular season matches and friendlies.
“I am incredibly excited to welcome Sporting JAX into the Super League for the 2025/26 season,” said Amanda Vandervort, USL Super League President. “The club’s leadership group is committed to breaking barriers and creating more professional playing opportunities for the women on the First Coast and beyond. Sporting JAX will be a wonderful addition to the league, and we look forward to seeing them take the field at UNF next fall.”
“We are proud to host the first women’s professional soccer team at the University of North Florida,” said Nick Morrow, University of North Florida Director of Athletics. “Hodges Stadium is a great asset to the City of Jacksonville and has hosted many national and international events, while generating a large economic impact for the city. The partnership between UNF and Sporting JAX is another example of how our university can make a positive impact on our community, while also advancing women’s sports. We look forward to that historic first kick in August 2025.”
Sporting JAX also announced that tickets for the club’s inaugural season are now available for purchase. Season ticket holders will receive exclusive benefits, such as the lowest per-game ticket prices offered, interest-free payment plans and a limited-edition, inaugural season women’s pro team scarf when purchasing season tickets before the end of 2024. A portion of proceeds from the inaugural women’s team scarf will be donated to HerSong and Hubbard House, two non-profits that seek to protect and empower women in the community. For information on season tickets and benefits, visit SportingJax.com/Tickets.
The Sporting JAX women’s club is more than just a team; it’s a movement to advance women’s sports and inspire future generations of soccer stars. Guided by its club motto, “Lift Every Voice,” Sporting JAX champions diversity, equity and equality in sports, encourages participation from all backgrounds and abilities and ensures every voice is heard and celebrated to give every player a “Sporting Chance.” It also reflects the club’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the local community and elevating the region through impactful events and initiatives to bring fans, neighbors and visitors together.
To watch the announcement’s press conference, click here.
