News Summary
A recent survey from the University of North Florida reveals strong local support for Sporting JAX, Jacksonville’s inaugural women’s professional sports team. With over 60% of respondents expressing interest and intent to attend games, the findings indicate a growing enthusiasm for women’s sports. Young adults particularly show keen interest, but concerns about ticket pricing and convenience remain. The team is set to debut at Hodges Stadium, marking a historic moment and reflecting a community push for gender equity in sports.
Jacksonville – A recent survey conducted by the University of North Florida has unveiled a significant enthusiasm for women’s professional sports in Jacksonville, highlighted by strong support for the new team, Sporting JAX. The study indicates that over 60% of respondents are not only interested in this pioneering women’s franchise but are also inclined to attend its matches.
The survey revealed that more than half of voters expressed an interest in women’s sports, with notable backing from women and Hispanic residents. Young adults aged 18 to 24 showed the highest likelihood of attending Sporting JAX games, while awareness of women’s teams was particularly pronounced among young adults and seniors. This demographic enthusiasm illustrates a promising landscape for women’s sports in the region.
Despite the overwhelming support, potential fans identified ticket pricing as the main concern when considering attending games. Additionally, factors like game timings and parking arrangements surfaced as significant considerations, especially among women and older adults who may prioritize convenience when planning their attendance.
In strong alignment with these findings, nearly 90% of female respondents and 70% of male respondents believe that women’s sports deserve equal attention and funding as their male counterparts. This consensus across various demographics showcases a widespread acknowledgment of the importance of investing in women’s sports.
Sporting JAX marks a historic moment as Jacksonville’s first-ever women’s sports franchise competing in a top-division league. The team plans to launch its inaugural season at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium, adding a new dimension to the city’s sports offerings. The club’s schedule includes a home preseason opener against Scottish champion Hibernian on August 2 and a highly anticipated debut in the Super League on August 23 against DC Power FC.
In preparation for the new season, Sporting JAX also revealed a jersey sponsorship deal with Ascension St. Vincent’s, which will extend support to both the women’s and youth teams. The franchise is committed to developing the next generation of female soccer players, with initiatives aimed at inspiring local girls to pursue professional soccer careers. Notably, in the past two years, eight players from the Florida Elite Soccer Academy have transitioned to professional teams, demonstrating the potential for local talent growth.
Moreover, the Jaguars organization has taken steps toward promoting gender diversity within sports. Currently, approximately 32% of roles in both business and football operations are held by women. To support this initiative, a Pathways: Women in Sports event is set for high school and college-aged women to explore potential careers in the sports industry, providing insights and guidance for future generations.
As the excitement builds for Sporting JAX, season tickets for both men’s and women’s teams are already on sale, prompting strong community interest. The survey data suggests not only a robust foundation for attendance at Sporting JAX games but also a broad-based movement toward increased equity in sports funding and attention.
The University of North Florida’s survey findings present an optimistic view for women’s professional sports in Jacksonville, with significant backing from diverse demographics and a clear call for equality in support and visibility. As the city gears up for its first-ever women’s sports franchise, Sporting JAX is poised to make a lasting impact on the local sports culture.
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Additional Resources
- WOKV: New Poll Shows Jacksonville Backs Women’s Professional Sports
- Jacksonville.com: Sporting JAX Women’s Soccer Adds Ascension St. Vincent’s Jersey Deal
- Jaguars.com: Jaguars Celebrate 2025 National Girls and Women in Sports Day
- First Coast News: Jacksonville’s First Major League Women’s Professional Sports Team
- News4Jax: Mayor Deegan USL Officials Announcing Arrival of 1st Women’s Major League Sports Franchise in Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
