Listen to this articleThe New Jersey Jackals announced an ownership change Nov. 11. Baye Adofo-Wilson has purchased the independent professional baseball team. The Paterson native served as co-developer of the restoration project at Hinchliffe Stadium, where the Jackals play.
A U.S. Army veteran and CEO of BAW Development, Adofo-Wilson also recently became the majority owner and chairperson of the New York Cosmos. That soccer team will return to action in 2026 – also at Hinchliffe Stadium.
Adofo-Wilson acquired the team from Al Dorso, president and CEO of the State Fair Group. Dorso has owned the Jackals since 2017. He also owns the Sussex Miners, who play in the Frontier League along with the Jackals.
Terms were not immediately disclosed.
The purchase of the Jackals is the latest addition to the Hinchliffe Sports Partners LLC portfolio, the management and operating group responsible for running the historic stadium, which reopened in 2023 after a $100 million restoration. That entity, led by Adofo-Wilson, includes a mix of private investors and developers.
The Jackals previously played at Yogi Berra Stadium in Little Falls. Following the completion of the Hinchliffe Stadium project, they signed on and began playing in Paterson during the 2023 season.
Play ball
NJBIZ has previously spoken to Adofo-Wilson about the stadium project – and how important the Paterson community is to him. He will now have the opportunity to further make his mark on the Silk City with his ownership of the Jackals.
“The Jackals are more than just a baseball team – they’re a cornerstone of community pride and opportunity,” said Adofo-Wilson. “Our goal is to deepen our connection with the fans and businesses in Paterson and Passaic County. This is about creating family-friendly entertainment for the local community and celebrating the legacy and future of baseball in Paterson.”
Adofo-Wilson has a vision to enhance the fan experience at Historic Hinchliffe – with plans to bolster community programming as well as partner with local businesses, with hopes to revitalize urban sports and foster inclusive growth.
This is about creating family-friendly entertainment for the local community and celebrating the legacy and future of baseball in Paterson.
– Baye Adofo-Wilson, New Jersey Jackals‘ new owner
“The Frontier League welcomes Baye Adofo-Wilson to our ownership family,” said Steve Tahsler, commissioner of the Frontier League. “Baye’s leadership at Hinchliffe Stadium and the New York Cosmos demonstrates a clear passion for community, innovation, and sports — all values that align with the mission of the Frontier League.”
In May, the Jackals will open the new season – their fourth at Hinchliffe – and first under the leadership of Adofo-Wilson.
