The New York Cosmos have been accepted to join National Independent Soccer Association next year.

 

Admission to the league is contingent upon approval by U.S. Soccer.

 

The club is looking forward to the new league and a new challenge.

 

“Over the past several months, the Cosmos have been actively engaged in conversations to join NISA in 2020,” Cosmos acting Chief Operating Officer Erik Stover said. “NISA has a very strong core of independent clubs, including old rivals Chattanooga FC, Detroit City FC, and Miami FC."

 

The Cosmos competed with Miami FC in the National Premier Soccer League and against Chattanooga FC and Detroit City FC in the NPSL Members Cup.

 

“The leadership of NISA has been very supportive of adding the Cosmos organization to their membership. We expect to have more information to share with our fans in the coming weeks,” Stover added.

 

The Cosmos management was impressed by NISA, which is an independent soccer league.

 

“We attended the board of governors meeting this week and are encouraged by the potential of the league,” Stover said. “The independent, club-based philosophy is something we agree with and we’re optimistic that the league will grow.

 

“We’re very thankful for the support that we’ve gotten from the league, especially from Chattanooga, Detroit, Miami, and Oakland.”

 

NISA commissioner John Prutch felt the Cosmos' history and success would only be a plus for the league. The Cosmos have won eight North American Soccer League titles, including three since their reboot in 2013. They lost to Miami FC in the NPSL National Championship and finished second to Detroit City FC in the Members Cup this past year.

 

“We are very proud to announce the acceptance of the New York Cosmos as an official member of NISA and they are included in NISA’s USSF application for Fall 2020,” he said. “The history of the Cosmos is unparalleled in the United States as the highest U.S. soccer profile brand and is known throughout the world. We welcome Rocco [B. Commisso, team owner] and the entire team to our family.”

 

Visit NYCosmos.com regularly for updates as we prepare for the new year.