JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The future of an $80 million soccer stadium in downtown Jacksonville is uncertain, and the clock is ticking.
Majority owner and Jacksonville attorney Chris Campione says his ownership group is ready to build the Armada FC a new stadium on the city’s Historic Eastside — but MLS Next Pro, the team’s league, has not approved the deal. Now, a city-imposed deadline is days away.
Owners post public warning
The pressure became public when Campione and fellow investor Victor Patel posted a statement saying “there are forces and interests outside of their control.” They announced they would suspend the ownership group’s operations on September 4 if league approval does not come through.
Campione told News4JAX the delay has been grinding on for roughly a year.
“We’re running up on deadlines with the city of Jacksonville concerning the land where the stadium is supposed to be built,” Campione said. “Obviously there is deal fatigue given the extended period of time and lack of movement and direction from the league.”
City deadline set for September 10
The land in the Historic Eastside was originally sold for $1, contingent on stadium development. The city has since extended its deadline.
“We extended the deadline to September 10, 2026,” said Phil Perry, Chief Communications Officer. “If September 10 arrives without construction completion as outlined in Ordinance 2024-0068, we will assess next steps with the team.”
Why MLS Next Pro has not approved the deal is unknown. As of now, the Jacksonville Armada FC is still listed under expansion teams on the MLS Next Pro website.
A two-part transaction waiting on the league
The deal has two components: current owner Robert Palmer selling the team to a group of investors that includes Campione, and MLS Next Pro approving that transaction. The league’s sign-off is the missing piece.
Despite the standoff, Campione says he is not walking away from the vision.
“Absolutely, I love the Jacksonville Armada, love the fans, love the supporters,” he said.
Campione added that several prestigious partners are supporting the team and its development behind the scenes. He said this would be a true professional soccer league in Jacksonville and that he wants to deliver a stadium to the team’s loyal fans.
The fate of the deal will be known on Sept. 4.
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