2026 is just around the corner and will welcome back the guidon-bearer for club soccer in the United States. After a hiatus, the New York Cosmos return via USL League One and owner Erik Stover brings tells us where they’re going, where they’re at and where the Cosmos have been.

We’ve all heard of the New York Cosmos, but how did the US’ most famous soccer club get started?
The New York Cosmos were founded in 1971 with a mission to bring world-class soccer to American fans while growing the sport domestically through a commitment to excellence, community and cultural resonance. That spirit remains intact. The Cosmos’ new era is rooted in Paterson, NJ, with a focus on connection, opportunity and growth. Our goal is to reestablish the Cosmos as a community-driven club centered on sports, culture and entertainment.

Tell us about your badge and colors – how does it connect to the community?
The Cosmos badge remains one of the most iconic in world football, designed more than 50 years ago by Wayland Moore. The three fan-shaped blades were created to convey movement, and the colors—blue, green and yellow—were chosen to represent different nationalities (while paying homage to Brazil, a connection that helped bring Pelé to the club in 1975). “New York” was removed in the late 1970s after the Cosmos moved to New Jersey's Giants Stadium. The recently-refreshed logo maintains that tradition, modernizing the shapes and typography while honoring the club’s legacy and its deep connection to North Jersey’s diverse and energetic communities.

With so many league options nowadays, what league do you play in and why did you pick that one?
The Cosmos will compete in USL League One beginning in 2026, marking a new chapter in the club’s storied history. The USL provides a strong foundation for professional soccer across North America, offering a model anchored by sustainability, accessibility, independence and engagement. For us, it’s about building something enduring—a club that reflects Paterson’s diversity and ambition while remaining rooted in the values that made the Cosmos a global name.

Many clubs choose to sell hats, scarves or replica kits - how does your club keep the lights on and cover its league costs?
The Cosmos are powered by the community. We operate through a combination of ticket sales, merchandise, partnerships and local support, all of which directly fuel the club’s growth. Fans can help by purchasing season tickets and shopping at the Cosmos Fan Shop. Every supporter can play a role in building a sustainable and community-focused club that represents the best of North Jersey.

Tell us how you have historically given back to your community and if you have any upcoming events we can promote.
Community is at the heart of everything we do. The Cosmos already have launched several initiatives in Paterson, including free youth clinics, local school partnerships, and collaborations with neighborhood vendors and organizations. Our goal is to use soccer to promote unity and pride, while generating new opportunities for players and fans to connect through the game. Upcoming events include cultural festivals, local soccer activations and additional programming at Hinchliffe Stadium ahead of our 2026 kickoff. love.

Many lower league clubs find scheduling friendlies with bigger clubs very helpful in recruiting and selling tickets. As a bigger club in New York, are there smaller teams you would be willing to partner with and help grow their organizations?
Absolutely. The Cosmos believe in building the game collectively. We have already established affiliate partnerships with neighboring clubs like Passaic FC and Unisamba FC, creating pathways for players, coaches and families to grow within the Cosmos network. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with additional clubs across the region through friendlies, shared initiatives and community events, helping to strengthen local soccer at every level.

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