NFL owners have reached a unanimous agreement on a $1.4 billion project to construct a “stadium of the future” in Jacksonville, a decision anticipated to secure the Jaguars’ presence in one of the smallest markets in the league for at least the next 30 years.
As the Jaguars prepare for their second consecutive game in London with a disappointing record of 1-5, this unanimous decision effectively puts an end to years of speculation regarding the potential relocation of the franchise.
To pass the approval needed for this ambitious project at the league’s fall meetings in Atlanta, a minimum of 24 out of 32 owners was required. The situation was deemed straightforward enough that both Jaguars owner Shad Khan and team president Mark Lamping did not need to attend, sparing them a lengthy journey from London to Atlanta.
The Jaguars demonstrated confidence about the project; despite the financial split being more advantageous to the city, where it covers the majority of costs, they did not foresee any substantial opposition. A total of $625 million will come from both the Jaguars and the city towards the $1.25 billion construction cost. Jacksonville will also allocate an additional $150 million for deferred maintenance to prepare EverBank Stadium for the renovation.
Construction is anticipated to commence after the 2025 season. During this time, the Jaguars will likely play in front of a smaller crowd due to the absence of an upper deck in 2026, and they may temporarily host home games in Gainesville or Orlando in the subsequent season. There are also plans for them to play several home contests internationally, including in London and possibly Ireland.
The deal with the city permits the Jaguars to play up to six home games outside of Jacksonville between 2025 and 2027, split between three games during the initial two years and up to three more in 2027.
This stadium project will influence the annual rivalry between Florida and Georgia, as well as the Gator Bowl, which will shift locations for consecutive years. The games are projected to be held in Atlanta during 2026 and in either Miami, Orlando, or Tampa in 2027. Meanwhile, the Gator Bowl is scheduled to take place in Jacksonville in 2026 and may move to Gainesville in 2027.
The stadium plan establishes a 30-year lease agreement, prohibits relocation, and restricts the number of games the Jaguars can play away from Jacksonville. According to the new terms, all home games during the preseason and postseason will be held in Jacksonville, while one regular-season game will still be hosted in London, most likely at Wembley Stadium.
Moreover, the Jaguars will assume any cost overruns for construction, manage daily stadium operations, and cover 80.4% of game-day expenses in the future.
The proposed design for the stadium features a 63,000-seat capacity and an open-air concept that includes a translucent covering designed to keep temperatures cooler, with an estimated reduction of 15 degrees. Additionally, there is potential for expansion to 71,500 seats for high-profile events such as the Florida-Georgia game or significant college sports events. The design also maintains pools and a party deck in the north end zone.
