When Baye Adofo-Wilson took the helm as owner of the New Jersey Jackals and majority owner of the New York Cosmos, it was about his community.
For this Paterson native, U.S. Army veteran, attorney, and real estate developer, the future of sports in Paterson is inseparable from the future of the community itself.
Building More Than Teams—Building an Ecosystem
Historic Hinchliffe Stadium, where the Cosmos and Jackals play, isn’t just any stadium—it’s one of only two remaining Negro League Baseball stadiums left in the country.
It is a National Historic Landmark, and a site where legends such as Paterson’s own Larry Doby and Josh Gibson made history.
Today, it stands at the center of hope for Paterson’s revitalization efforts.
“When we talk about the professional sports at Hinchliffe Stadium, we’re really talking about creating a platform for the whole community,” Baye says. “It’s about more than the teams; it is about providing a geographical and cultural center for sports, entertainment, education, and community pride.”
Economic Ripple Effects: Beyond the Ballpark
Under Baye’s leadership, the teams and stadium will become an opportunity for local economic growth:
- Small business opportunities: From food trucks to local vendors, Baye is inviting local entrepreneurs to set up shop at games and events, making sure money spent at Hinchliffe Stadium circulates back into the community.
- Parking, concessions, music, and more: With an eye on maximizing every square foot of the stadium, the plan includes hosting concerts, festivals, and cultural events that create jobs and entertainment for Paterson residents year-round.
- Business partnerships: New partnerships with local businesses and sponsors are in the works, aiming to make the Hinchliffe Stadium a true anchor for Paterson’s Great Falls National Park.
Owning—and Honoring—Black Sports IP
One of the most powerful elements of Baye’s approach is his focus on preserving and monetizing Black historic IP.
As the majority owner of the Cosmos, one of the most storied soccer teams in the U.S., whose legends include Pelé, Baye sees team ownership as a way to claim and celebrate Black excellence.
He also has the IP for the NY Black Yankees, the NY Cubans, and Newark Eagles at Hinchliffe Stadium. “In so many sports, the value created by Black talent and leadership has been lost to history or owned by others.
We’re working on increasing the value in our communities.” Baye says.
The Career Economics of Sport: Jobs on and off the Field
The impact of this vision reaches far beyond the players on the diamond or the pitch.
Baye’s mission is to show young people and their families that sports can be a gateway to a broad spectrum of careers:
- From athletes to owners: Success stories abound, from Magic Johnson’s transition from basketball star to business magnate, to Derek Jeter’s move from shortstop to franchise owner.
- Behind the scenes: The stadium and team operations open doors for coaches, trainers, accountants, marketers, event producers, facility managers, and more.
- Homegrown talent: Baye is committed to hiring and mentoring locally, making sure Paterson’s youth see themselves reflected at every level of the organization.
Building a Pipeline for the Next Generation
Baye is determined to widen the pipeline for Black and Brown kids in both baseball and soccer.
By introducing kids to the full range of sports careers, from player to manager to owner, Baye is helping to plant the seeds for generational change.
“We need to make sure our kids know they belong in these spaces—not just as players, but as leaders, innovators, and owners,” Baye says. “That’s the legacy I want to help build.”
A Call to Community—and to Investors
The revitalization of the Jackals and Cosmos isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a serious investment opportunity for those looking to make an impact.
As Baye continues to expand his network of partners and sponsors, he’s inviting forward-thinking investors, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to join him in shaping the next chapter of Paterson’s story.
With the new season on the horizon and a new vision in place, one thing is clear: for Baye Adofo-Wilson and the city he calls home, this is much more than a game.
