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NEW YORK, NEW YORK (November 2, 2023) – MLS NEXT Pro today announced the addition of a new independent club to the League. Jacksonville Armada FC, based in Jacksonville, Florida, will join MLS NEXT Pro, targeting to begin play in 2025. The Armada becomes the third independent club to join the League in the coming seasons, alongside Carolina Core FC and Cleveland. Pending sanctioning approval by the U.S. Soccer Federation, Jacksonville will be the third MLS NEXT Pro team in the state of Florida, with MLS affiliates Inter Miami II and Orlando City B.
“Growing the sport of soccer is a foundational pillar for MLS NEXT Pro and the addition of strong independent clubs is critically important to that,” said Charles Altchek, President of MLS NEXT Pro. “It was clear from the beginning of our conversations with Robert Palmer and the Armada that their priorities are aligned with ours, most importantly their commitment to the passionate fan base in Jacksonville. We’re thrilled to welcome the Armada to the League and look forward to seeing the impact they will have both on and off the field, particularly in their local community.”
The city of Jacksonville has a deep history of professional soccer dating back to 1980. The current iteration of the Armada was acquired in 2017 by Florida native Robert Palmer, founder and CEO of the Robert Palmer Companies, which includes LPT Realty, RP Funding and several other business ventures.
"As owner of the Jacksonville Armada, I serve as the steward of the team for our fans. We have waited patiently for a league to come along that would provide high level competition, stability, and the opportunity to grow. That day is today,” said Palmer. “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with MLS NEXT Pro and the return of the Armada to the professional ranks."
Jacksonville Armada FC is also embarking on the construction of a state-of-the-art, soccer-specific stadium, situated within the Eastside community and next to the sports and entertainment district. In addition to housing team operations and providing a venue for Armada games, the stadium will also serve as a first-of-its-kind co-working space, anchored by the Palmer-owned LPT Realty. The Armada will break ground on the stadium in January 2024 with the intent of completing construction to allow for the team to begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2025.
About MLS NEXT Pro
Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and diversity, bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating global opportunities both on and off the field. MLS NEXT Pro entered its second season in 2023 with 27 teams, all affiliated with MLS clubs. Seven were new to MLS NEXT Pro in 2023: Atlanta United 2, Austin FC II, Crown Legacy FC (Charlotte FC), Huntsville City FC (Nashville SC), LA Galaxy II, Los Angeles Football Club 2 and New York Red Bulls II. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Carolina Core FC, Cleveland and Jacksonville Armada FC.
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