The 2026 USL Championship season is just over five weeks away with two new clubs joining the league for its biggest campaign yet. This week, we’re going to look at both the new arrivals and get you prepped for what’s in store as they attempt to make their mark in the new season.

Today it’s the turn of Sporting Club Jacksonville, which features some high-profile ownership and a front office aiming to mimic the success the club has found on the women’s side.

Sporting Club Jacksonville

Venue: Hodges Stadium (7,000 capacity)

Colors: Blue, Yellow, Orange

What’s the Story?

Three-and-a-half years on from its launch, Sporting Club Jacksonville enters the USL Championship having already impressed in the Gainbridge Super League, where the side sits on top of the standings midway through its inaugural season. Led by experienced USL executive Steve Livingstone – who returned to Jacksonville after playing a key role in the launch of Louisville City FC – and Sporting Director Mark Warburton, who heads across the Atlantic with a strong range of experience in England and Scotland on his resume.

The club also features a pair of high-profile Jacksonville sporting legends in its ownership with Fred Taylor and Tim Tebow part of primary owner Ricky Caplin’s group. As the club begins play at Hodges Stadium, there are major plans for a 15,000-capacity venue that will become its permanent home in the years to come, while a partnership with top youth organization Florida Elite has already provided the foundation for an Academy program for the nascent club.

Head Coach – Liam Fox

After multiple stops in his native Scotland both as a player and manager, Liam Fox joins Sporting Director Mark Warburton in moving across the Atlantic for the first time in his career for what stands as his first real opportunity to put his imprint on a squad. Previously, the 42-year-old has served primarily as an assistant and reserve team coach at clubs including Dundee United and Aberdeen but served as an interim appointment during his tenure at both clubs. Fox shed his interim tag at Dundee United, where results didn’t go his way, but a fresh slate and brand-new squad should offer an opportunity to show what he can bring as the club builds from the ground up.

Signings to Know