Paterson USL franchise community impetus

Image: USL

The upcoming American professional soccer team North Jersey Pro Soccer (NJPS) has been awarded a United Soccer League (USL) franchise and will launch a professional men’s team in Paterson, New Jersey (US) beginning play in 2026 at the historic Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson. A professional women’s team is planned to follow.

Community engagement will be the nub of the North Jersey Pro Soccer (NJPS) franchise.

‘USL’ stated that the Men’s and Women’s teams will play at the Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey (US), an iconic venue built in the early 1930s that once hosted the Negro League baseball (professional baseball leagues in the United States comprising teams of African Americans primarily operating between 1920 and 1960). Recently renovated, the stadium anchors the $110 million Hinchliffe Stadium Neighborhood Restoration Project (HSNRP) which was spearheaded by the Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh and includes housing, a museum and a new parking deck.

The North Jersey Pro Soccer is an upcoming American professional soccer team based in Paterson, New Jersey (US). Founded in 2025 the team plans to make its debut in USL League One in 2026.

Tampa (US)-based the USL League One is a professional Men’s soccer league in the United States that had its inaugural season in 2019. The Division III league is operated by the United Soccer League, the same group that operates the Division II USL Championship and other leagues.

Tampa (US)-based the United Soccer League (USL) is an organizer of various professional and amateur soccer leagues in the United States league system.

The Hinchliffe Stadium is a 7,800-seat stadium located in Paterson, New Jersey (US). The stadium is located atop the Great Falls of the Passaic River and is part of the surrounding National Historical Park. The stadium, built in 1932, was closed in 1996 after years of neglect but reopened in 2023.

The Hinchliffe Stadium Neighborhood Restoration Project (HSNRP) is a comprehensive redevelopment effort in Paterson, New Jersey (US) focused on revitalizing the historic Hinchliffe Stadium and its surrounding community. This $100 million project included restoring the stadium’s infrastructure and adding new amenities like affordable housing, parking, a museum, and a food court. The goal is to preserve the stadium’s historical significance while creating a vibrant community space.

Maintained Mayor Sayegh, “The arrival of a United Soccer League (USL) franchise in Paterson marks a major milestone in our City’s ongoing revitalization. Not only will we showcase world- class talent at the historic Hinchliffe Stadium but this moment also underscores Paterson’s rising prominence on the national stage. It promises meaningful community engagement, expanded opportunities for the youth and substantial economic benefits. This is more than just professional sports coming to Paterson, it’s an investment in our future and a proud reflection of our collective efforts to move the City forward.”

‘USL’ further stated that the NJPS Men’s side will compete in the USL League One, a growing league in the third tier of the United States professional soccer pyramid. The League One launched in 2019 and currently comprises 14 clubs that also compete in the U.S. Open Cup (a knockout Cup competition in Men’s soccer) and the USL Jägermeister Cup (an interleague Cup competition within the USL).

Observed Justin Papadakis, USL Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Real Estate Officer, “Our recent expansion clubs are experiencing tremendous success both on and off the pitch and I have no doubt the North Jersey Pro Soccer will continue that trend. The foundation is in place to build a successful community-driven soccer club: An experienced and committed ownership group, a region with a rich sports history and passion for soccer and the revitalization of the Hinchliffe Stadium which will offer the fans a premier gameday experience.”

While competing on the national stage the NJPS is committed to growing the game locally and forging community connections. With deep soccer roots in the region the NJPS intends to field teams that reflect the area’s talent, diversity and potential.
 
The NJPS is led by an accomplished ownership group with strong local ties:

• Baye Adofo-Wilson, Co-Founder and Chairman, is a commercial real estate developer, lawyer and entrepreneur. He co-developed the HSNRP and previously served as the Deputy Mayor of Newark; and
• Erik Stover, Co-Founder and head honcho, is an experienced and award-winning executive with more than 25 years in the sports and entertainment industry. Stover’s connections to area soccer include his time as the Managing Director of the Major League Soccer (MLS) team New York Red Bulls during which he oversaw the construction and operation of the Red Bulls home arena – the 25,000-capacity Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, and five years as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the New York Cosmos.

 
Added Adofo-Wilson, “This is a transformative moment for the soccer fans and the players in North Jersey and in the rise and renewal of my hometown of Paterson. There will be no setting in American soccer like the Hinchliffe Stadium. We can’t wait to take the field and showcase our passion, pride and promise to the world.”

The NJPS will share updates on branding, technical staff, investor additions, and player signings in the coming months.

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