Legendary Cosmos Rise Again as U.S. Soccer Eyes Historic Promotion-Relegation System
While they may no longer boast legendary figures like Pelé or Franz Beckenbauer, the New York Cosmos are making their return to the soccer field—this time in New Jersey.
Throughout much of contemporary American soccer history, the Cosmos have existed primarily as a nostalgic memory. Previously celebrated as a dominant force in the now-defunct North American Soccer League, the Cosmos disappeared from prominence during the mid-1980s, before making a comeback in the revived second-tier NASL from 2010 through 2017.
Their greatest acclaim still stems from their NASL era, during which they captured five Soccer Bowl championships, notably the 1977 victory that marked Pelé's final professional match.
This week marks the beginning of a new era, with the franchise set to compete in Northern New Jersey starting in 2026 within USL League One, America's third-tier soccer division.
Their entry into the USL comes at a pivotal moment, as league ownership has approved implementing a promotion and relegation system, alongside establishing a "first division" USL Premier, potentially launching with the 2027 season. This development creates opportunities for the revived Cosmos to advance through the league hierarchy.
The USL, formerly a rival to the contemporary NASL, operates independently from MLS, though the reformed Cosmos may have opportunities to face certain MLS teams in the U.S. Open Cup.
Under the leadership of Baye Adofo-Wilson, the New Jersey consortium acquired the Cosmos' intellectual and tangible assets, legacy and tradition from Rocco B. Comisso, who previously managed New York Cosmos LLC. Nevertheless, New York Cosmos LLC will maintain a minority stake in the new organization.
Alongside Adofo-Wilson, the co-ownership team features former New York Red Bulls executive and 2010 MLS Executive of the Year, Erik Stover as co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, plus former Italian international Giuseppe Rossi as an investor and Head of Soccer.
Where Will the New Cosmos Play?
Adofo-Wilson also has co-ownership of the venue where the Cosmos will compete, the 7,800-capacity Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, originally constructed in 1932 and recently renovated by North Jersey Pro Soccer, the organization that acquired the Cosmos.
The stadium will function as the home base for both the club's men's and women's squads, marking the first permanent venue the franchise has possessed across all its incarnations.
The revived Cosmos won't focus on high-profile acquisitions though. USL League One, despite being professional, emphasizes youth development and discovering local talent, a central element of the Cosmos' renewed vision, providing additional opportunities for players who might have previously been overlooked.
"The true excitement will come from the players we cultivate right here in North Jersey," said Rossi, who was raised in nearby Tenafly. "We're going to demonstrate what it means to be a Cosmo. The principles, the approach, the community - that's what attracts people."
It may not be the identical Cosmos, or even the same state. Nevertheless, the former club of Pelé and Beckenbauer will return to action in March, bringing both nostalgia to American soccer and revitalizing one of the most valuable and recognizable franchises in world football.