It was announced today at a press conference that real estate businessman Robert Palmer has bought the Jacksonville Armada. Palmer, whose companies include RP Funding and HomeValue.com, takes the reins of the team after a tough year off the field where previous owner Mark Frisch decided to turn ownership of the team over to the league.

Mr Palmer is  the second owner of the Armada, which was founded in July 2013 and began NASL competition in April 2015 in Jacksonville. The Armada team plays in the North American Soccer League, one-step below Major League Soccer.

Mr. Palmer said the team will continue to play their home games at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida through at least the 2018 season. He is committed to a long-term plan to build new offices for the Armada and his other Jacksonville businesses, along with a new practice and training facility for the team.

The Armada finished the NASL's spring season tied for third place in the eight team league. They resume play for the fall season on July 30 against San Francisco at 6 p.m. at Hodges.