The basics:

• Trenton Thunder ownership group agrees to sell franchise to Diamond Baseball Holdings
• Team will remain in MLB Draft League with current leadership in place
• Sale pending league approval; terms not disclosed
• Move follows major investment in Trenton Thunder Ballpark and regional growth momentum

The Trenton Thunder will enter a new chapter as the team’s ownership group – which includes Joe Plumeri, Joseph Finley and Joseph Caruso – has agreed to sell the franchise to Diamond Baseball Holdings. The buyer owns and operates professional baseball teams across North America.

The club will continue competing in the MLB Draft League. Its existing front office leadership will also stay in place, including President Jeff Hurley and General Manager Jon Bodnar.

The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, pending league approval. Terms were not immediately disclosed.

“The Thunder are a historic franchise in a terrific market with an incredibly loyal fan base – adding them to the DBH family was simply too good an opportunity to pass up,” said Pat Battle and Peter Freund, executive chairman and CEO of DBH. “They have tremendous support from the state and county and are a perfect fit for our roster.

“We’re excited to bring them into the DBH ecosystem and build on the strong foundation already in place at Trenton Thunder Ballpark.”

A community pillar

Founded in 1994, the Thunder have long been a cornerstone of Mercer County‘s sports and entertainment scene. The team previously served as the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. It has won four Eastern League championships.

The affiliation with the Yankees ended in 2020, and the club then joined the MLB Draft League. In that span, the Thunder captured the league’s inaugural title, while it has led attendance in recent seasons.

The sale comes amid significant recent investment by the county and state in the Thunder’s home venue. Located along the Delaware River, Trenton Thunder Ballpark has undergone a multimillion-dollar transformation in recent years, including the addition of the Victory Lounge, which offers an upgraded premium experience for fans. The facility will continue to be known, in perpetuity, as Samuel J. Plumeri Sr. Field. The name honors the legacy of the man credited with helping bring baseball back to Trenton.

We take so much pride in being part of the Trenton community and can’t wait to have the best fans in baseball back at the ballpark soon! pic.twitter.com/VnYLXwDKY2

— Trenton Thunder⚡ (@TrentonThunder) April 6, 2026

“We’re proud to welcome DBH to Mercer County. I want to thank the outgoing team ownership of Joe Plumeri, Joe Finley, and Joe Caruso, who have done so much to make Trenton Thunder a pillar of our community,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. The group has owned the team since its inception. “For years the team has brought people together from across the County and our region, and this next chapter, represents an exciting opportunity to build on that legacy.

“We look forward to working alongside DBH for many years to come to ensure the ballpark remains a vibrant destination for families and fans.”

Forecast calls for …

Plumeri said that ownership group is incredibly proud of what the Thunder organization has meant to Trenton and Mercer County community over the past three decades.

“From championships on the field to unforgettable nights at Samuel J. Plumeri Sr. Field, this club has always been about bringing people together,” said Plumeri, managing partner of the Thunder. “Our vision was always about families and building the community. We believe DBH is the right partner to build on that legacy and ensure the Thunder remain a vibrant part of the Mercer County and the Regional sports landscape for years to come.”

Hurley noted the Thunder’s “tremendous history and a fiercely devoted fan base.”

“Joining DBH brings additional resources and opportunities while allowing us to continue delivering the fun, creative and community-driven experience our fans have come to expect at Trenton Thunder Ballpark,” said Hurley.

Joining DBH brings additional resources and opportunities while allowing us to continue delivering the fun, creative and community-driven experience our fans have come to expect at Trenton Thunder Ballpark.
— Jeff Hurley, president, Trenton Thunder

This latest announcement builds on the momentum sparked by the arrival of the Trenton Ironhawks. Continued momentum and new energy across both baseball and hockey can help fuel growth – driving increased economic activity, tourism, and new opportunities for local businesses and fans alike.