Sporting Club Jacksonville announced March 24 that it had “parted ways” with its top executive.
The club reported the departure of Steve Livingstone, its president and CEO, in a release in which it announced the hiring of Mark Warburton as its president of soccer.
The release provided no explanation for Livingstone leaving the club, which is better known as Sporting JAX. The release said Livingstone was a “a key contributor in building Sporting JAX into what it is today, and the club thanks him for his leadership and contributions while wishing him the best in his future endeavors.”
Livingstone came to Jacksonville after helping build up United Soccer League club Louisville City SC.
Sporting JAX said Warburton will lead all sporting initiatives, including player development, recruitment and international partnerships.
“Mark has been an integral part of building our soccer identity and vision from the ground up,” Ricky Caplin, Sporting JAX’s majority owner and chairman, said in the release. “His global experience, leadership and relationships across the game will be instrumental as we continue to establish Sporting JAX as a destination club and deepen our connections with international and strategic partners.”
Sporting JAX is in its inaugural seasons for its men’s and women’s senior teams. The men began play in the USL Championship in March 2026, while the women began play in the Gainbridge Super League in August 2025. Both leagues are the highest level of competition offered by the USL, and are considered the second-highest level of professional soccer in the U.S.
“This is a pivotal moment for Sporting JAX,” Warburton said in the release. “We are building something truly special in Jacksonville — a club with ambition, community at its core and a clear pathway to success. I’m honored to step into this role and continue driving our vision forward, both on the pitch and through meaningful global partnerships.”