Soccer - Developing the HK & North American Leagues

[PWC2017]

wikipedia.com - North American Soccer Pyramid (from 2026)

The North American Soccer Pyramid is a fully integrated, multi-tier professional football league system in the United States and Canada, scheduled to launch with the 2026–27 season. The system introduces promotion and relegation for the first time in modern North American top-flight soccer and replaces the previous franchise-based model.

The pyramid is jointly administered by Major League Soccer (MLS) and the North American Soccer League (NASL), which operate as separate governing entities with clearly defined responsibilities.

Overview​

The pyramid consists of six primary competitive levels, structured to support long-term club sustainability, geographic expansion, and competitive merit.

At the top are three fully professional national divisions operated by MLS. Beneath them are regional and sub-regional leagues administered by NASL, forming the development and expansion backbone of the system.

The structure is designed to:

• Reward on-field performance
• Encourage infrastructure investment
• Allow organic club growth
• Align North American soccer with global league standards

League Structure​

Level 1 – MLS Super League​

• 24 clubs
• Top tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada
• No postseason playoffs
• League champion determined by final table position
• International qualification:
  • Top 4: CONMEBOL Libertadores
  • 5th–6th: CONMEBOL Sudamericana
  • 7th–8th: CONCACAF Cup
• Bottom 3 clubs relegated to MLS Second League

Level 2 – MLS Second League​

• 24 clubs
• Fully professional national division
• Promotion and relegation system
• Promotion:
  • Top 2 clubs promoted automatically
  • Clubs finishing 3rd–6th compete in playoffs for one additional promotion place
• Relegation:
  • Bottom 3 clubs relegated to MLS Third League

Level 3 – MLS Third League​

• 24 clubs
• National professional division
• Acts as bridge between MLS and NASL competitions
• Promotion:
  • Top 2 clubs promoted automatically
  • Clubs finishing 3rd–6th enter playoffs for one promotion place
• Relegation:
  • Bottom 2 clubs relegated to Regional NASL Conference Leagues

Level 4 – NASL Conference Leagues​

• Divided into:
  • NASL East Conference
  • NASL West Conference
• Each conference contains two divisions of 12 clubs
• Professional regional leagues
• Promotion to MLS Third League is contingent upon:
  • Sporting merit
  • Completion of licensing requirements (stadium ownership, training facilities, financial stability)

Level 5 – NASL Interstate Leagues​

• Multi-state regional leagues
• Serve as transition level between local and conference football
• Clubs are required to:
  • Own or control their stadium
  • Operate professional training facilities
• Promotion to NASL Conference Leagues subject to licensing approval (Post Season Interstate Championship)

Level 6 – NASL State Leagues​

• State-based leagues forming the foundation of the pyramid
• Entry point for new professional and semi-professional clubs
• Focus on:
  • Community identity
  • Infrastructure development
  • Financial sustainability
• Promotion based on sporting results and licensing compliance (Post Season State Championship)

Governance​

• Major League Soccer (MLS)
  Governs the three national professional divisions (Super League, Second League, Third League).
• North American Soccer League (NASL)
  Oversees regional league development, licensing, expansion, and promotion pathways from State to Conference levels.

The former United Soccer League (USL) and Canadian Premier League (CPL) were dissolved ahead of the 2026 launch, with their clubs integrated into the new pyramid under NASL governance.

Licensing System​

Promotion between divisions is conditional upon meeting licensing standards, including:

• Ownership or long-term control of a soccer-specific stadium
• Dedicated training facilities
• Financial transparency and sustainability
• Youth development and community engagement programs

No minimum stadium capacity is mandated; emphasis is placed on club-owned revenue streams rather than scale.

Calendar Alignment​

All leagues operate on the World Soccer Calendar, running from August to May, aligning North American soccer with:

• CONMEBOL competitions
• European leagues
• Global transfer windows

Significance​

The introduction of the North American Soccer Pyramid represents the most significant structural reform in the region’s soccer history. It replaces the closed franchise system with a merit-based competitive model, integrates continental competition pathways, and establishes a long-term framework for sustainable club development.


The system will officially commence with the 2026–27 season.

 

[PWC2017]

January 2026: A Moment of Transition​

By January 2026, the foundations of the new sporting landscape had been laid. What followed was no longer construction, but stewardship.

For Matthew Manson, the turn of the year marked a deliberate step back from the front lines of New World Pro-Wrestling (NWPW). Throughout late 2025, operational control had increasingly shifted to Shane McMahon, supported by senior executive teams based in both the United States and Japan. McMahon had embraced a Dana White–style public-facing role, while regional leadership groups handled day-to-day operations, broadcast coordination, and talent governance.

Manson viewed this as the natural conclusion of his role in NWPW. The architecture was complete: governance, calendars, weight classes, broadcast agreements, and international reach were all firmly in place. In his view, the promotion no longer required a single guiding hand, but rather trusted operators executing within a clearly defined framework. Having moulded and structured the organisation, he felt his job there was done.

---

NASL and MLS: Structures Set​

Elsewhere, the football project had reached a similar stage of maturity.

The North American Soccer League (NASL) headquarters in Irvine, California was now fully operational. Staffing was complete, licensing departments were active, and long-term expansion frameworks for State and Interstate Leagues had been approved. The focus had shifted from theory to execution: club compliance, stadium completion, and final alignment ahead of the August 2026 kickoff.

Meanwhile, Major League Soccer (MLS) remained headquartered in New York City, with Don Garber and Dan McDonough firmly front and centre of both organisations. Their role had evolved from expansion-driven growth to system leadership—overseeing competitive balance across the Super League, Second League, and Third League, while Garber coordinating closely with and McDonough and the NASL on promotion, relegation, and licensing enforcement.

For the first time, the two organisations operated not as rivals or parallel systems, but as interlocking parts of a single pyramid.

---

Pershing, Capital, and the Next Horizon​

Behind the scenes, Pershing had begun quietly exploring new investment opportunities. While its holdings in Birmingham City and New World Pro-Wrestling remained core assets, there was a growing belief that the next phase of growth lay beyond traditional football and wrestling.

Manson, now largely advising from Las Vegas and Dubai, played a key strategic role. His relocation was not symbolic; he had personally invested in a property development group operating across the Gulf region, and Dubai had become both a financial base and a gateway to broader international opportunities.

By mid-to-late 2025, internal discussions had increasingly turned toward combat sports, particularly MMA and boxing. The success of TKO Group Holdings, following the consolidation of UFC and WWE, had not gone unnoticed. The appeal was clear: global audiences, streamlined governance, and commercial scalability across multiple disciplines.

While no formal bids or announcements had been made by January 2026, Manson was actively “putting feelers out”—holding exploratory conversations, assessing market fragmentation, and evaluating where a unified structure might succeed in the way UFC had two decades earlier.

---

A Pause Before the Next Push​

January 2026 was not a month of launches or announcements. Instead, it was a pause—intentional and earned.

The soccer pyramid was set, awaiting its August debut. Governance teams were in place, stadiums nearing completion, and sponsors locked in for the long term.NWPW was operational, its identity secured and events underway each week on Amazon Prime. Birmingham City was starting to establish itself back in the English Premier League with the Brickworks regeneration project underway.

For Manson, it was a rare moment to step back, observe, and consider what came next. The builder had become an adviser. The architect, a strategist.

And while nothing new had yet been unveiled, it was clear that the next chapter—whether in football, wrestling, or combat sports—was already being quietly shaped.

 

[PWC2017]

Confirmed National Broadcasting & Match Presentation (From 2026)​

Broadcasting was designed to feel deliberate, premium, and predictable, avoiding clutter while giving each league a clear identity. The strategy split coverage between Apple Streaming for breadth and CBS / CBS Sports Network for marquee visibility, appointment viewing, and narrative-driven presentation.

---

Overall Broadcast Structure​

• Apple Streaming
  • Carried all non-CBS matches
  • Standardised kickoff: Saturday, 3:00pm
  • Focused on accessibility, global reach, and consistency
  • Ideal for fans following multiple clubs or leagues week-to-week
• CBS & CBS Sports Network
  • Reserved for featured matches
  • Built around studio shows, storytelling, and prime-time windows
  • Each broadcast treated as an event, not background content

---

Weekly Broadcast Schedule​

Friday Night Football​

• League: MLS Second League
• Network: CBS Sports Network
• Kickoff: 8:00pm
• Show Start: 7:00pm
• Served as a showcase for promotion chasers and relegation battles

---

Saturday​

• 12:00pm
  • League: MLS Second League
  • Network: CBS Sports Network
• 3:00pm
  • League: All leagues
  • Platform: Apple Streaming
  • Non-CBS matches only, unified kickoff window
• 8:00pm (Prime Slot)
  • League: MLS SuperLeague
  • Network: CBS
  • Show Start: 7:00pm
  • Flagship broadcast of the week

---

Sunday​

• 12:00pm
  • League: MLS Third League
  • Network: CBS Sports Network
  • Development-focused window with national exposure
• 7:00pm
  • League: MLS SuperLeague
  • Network: CBS
  • Designed as a narrative-heavy, end-of-week climax

---

Monday Night Soccer​

• League: MLS SuperLeague
• Network: CBS
• Kickoff: 8:00pm
• Positioned as a prestige slot, mirroring NFL-style importance

---

Wednesday Night Soccer​

• League: MLS SuperLeague
• Network: CBS
• Kickoff: 8:00pm
• Used selectively for rivalry matches, title races, and continental lead-ins

---

Presentation Philosophy​

• Clear hierarchy between leagues without diminishing lower tiers
• Consistent kickoff times to build routine and habit
• Prime-time focus on the SuperLeague without oversaturation
• Second and Third Leagues treated seriously, not as filler content
• Studio shows emphasized promotion, relegation, and continental qualification narratives

---

By 2026, the broadcast model was widely viewed as one of the most coherent and modern football media strategies in the world, balancing accessibility, prestige, and storytelling without overwhelming the audience.

 

[PWC2017]

Confirmed Continental Competitions Broadcasting (From 2026–27)​

Continental competitions adopted a clean, two-part broadcast strategy, separating South American–led tournaments from the CONCACAF Cup while maintaining consistent presentation standards across all three competitions.

The goal was simple: clarity, prestige, and routine viewing habits, without overlap or confusion.

---

Broadcast Rights Overview​

• FOX Sports
  • Exclusive U.S. broadcast partner for:
    • CONMEBOL Libertadores
    • CONMEBOL Sudamericana
  • Focused on tradition, rivalry, and high-intensity knockout football
• CBS / CBS Sports Network
  • Exclusive U.S. broadcast partner for:
    • CONCACAF Cup
  • Positioned as a growing continental competition with North American relevance

---

CONMEBOL Libertadores & Sudamericana (FOX)​

Platforms​

• FOX (Main Network)
  • Featured matches
  • Knockout rounds
  • Finals and marquee group-stage fixtures
• FS1 / FS2
  • Secondary matches
  • Group-stage coverage
  • Overflow scheduling on busy matchdays

Match Windows​

• Midweek Focus
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings
  • Primary kickoff window: 8:00pm ET
  • Occasional 6:00pm ET matches for doubleheaders

Presentation Style​

• Traditional South American broadcast tone
• Heavy emphasis on:
  • History and club legacy
  • Hostile away environments
  • Continental rivalries (Brazil–Argentina, MLS–Liga MX, etc.)
• Unified graphics and branding across Libertadores and Sudamericana

---

CONCACAF Cup (CBS)​

Platforms​

• CBS
  • Featured matches
  • Semifinals and Final
• CBS Sports Network
  • Group-stage matches
  • Early knockout rounds
• Paramount+
  • Full-match streaming access for all games

---

Match Windows​

• Midweek Competition
  • Tuesday & Wednesday nights
  • Standard kickoff: 8:00pm ET
  • Select matches at 6:30pm ET

Presentation Style​

• North American studio-driven coverage
• Strong focus on:
  • League identity (MLS SuperLeague, Second League, Liga MX, Caribbean champions)
  • Underdog narratives from Central America and the Caribbean
  • Clear pathways to international relevance

---

Unified Continental Philosophy​

• No overlap between FOX and CBS match windows
• Distinct identities:
  • FOX = South American tradition and intensity
  • CBS = North American growth and structure
• All three competitions treated as top-tier continental events
• Studio shows emphasized qualification paths, knockout implications, and cross-border rivalries

---

By 2026–27, continental broadcasting achieved a rare balance:
heritage without stagnation, expansion without dilution, and a viewing experience that felt intentional rather than overcrowded.

 

[PWC2017]

NASL Conference Leagues – Broadcast & Digital Coverage (From 2026)​

The NASL East and West Conference Leagues were intentionally positioned as community-driven, digitally native competitions, with accessibility and discovery at the heart of the media strategy.

Rather than chasing traditional television, the focus was on reach, storytelling, and younger audiences—which led to a landmark agreement with YouTube.

---

Broadcast Partner​

• YouTube (Official Global Partner)
  • Exclusive live and highlight rights for:
    • NASL East Conference
    • NASL West Conference
  • Free-to-watch worldwide
  • Available on:
    • Smart TVs
    • Mobile devices
    • Desktop
    • YouTube TV integration

---

Weekly Live Match Coverage​

Each matchweek featured two live conference games:

• NASL East Conference
  • 1 featured match per week
• NASL West Conference
  • 1 featured match per week

Kickoff Window

• Saturday or Sunday afternoons
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate local attendance and travel

These matches rotated clubs week to week to ensure:

• Equal exposure
• Market development
• Competitive balance in visibility

---

Highlights & Studio Programming​

NASL Conference Review​

• Weekly highlights show
• 25–30 minutes
• Released every Monday evening
• Content included:
  • Goals of the week
  • Promotion and licensing race updates
  • Stadium and infrastructure progress features
  • Fan culture segments

Short-Form Content​

• Match clips
• Player features
• Behind-the-scenes stadium builds
• Youth and academy stories

Optimized for:

• Shorts
• Social sharing
• Club channels and local media

---

Strategic Purpose​

The YouTube partnership was designed to:

• Lower barriers to entry for new fans
• Support clubs still growing stadiums and infrastructure
• Create national visibility without financial strain
• Build narrative continuity with the MLS and NASL pyramid above

Unlike the top divisions, the Conference Leagues were never meant to feel hidden—just different.

---

By 2026, the NASL Conference Leagues became a proof of concept:
that professional football could grow sustainably, visibly, and authentically without traditional television dependency, while still feeding the top of the pyramid.

 

[PWC2017]

SuperCup Broadcasting Agreement (Confirmed January 2026)​

In January 2026, the Coca-Cola SuperCup entered a landmark five-year broadcast partnership with ABC / ESPN, formally establishing the competition as the premier knockout tournament across the United States and Canada.

The scheduling model was built around clarity and routine, ensuring supporters at every level of the pyramid understood when SuperCup football would be played.

Broadcast Partner​

• ABC / ESPN
• Contract Length: 5 years (2026–2031)

Tournament Coverage & Kick-Off Times​

Qualification Rounds (July – October)​

Preliminary Qualification​

• Participants: NASL State League teams
• Coverage: Highlights only
• Standard KO Times (Non-Televised):
  • Saturday – 3:00pm (local time)
  • Sunday – 4:00pm (local time)

Intermediate Qualification​

• Participants Added: NASL Inter-State League teams
• Coverage: Extended highlights
• Standard KO Times (Non-Televised):
  • Saturday – 3:00pm (local time)
  • Sunday – 4:00pm (local time)

Final Qualification Round​

• Participants Added:
  • NASL Conference East – Division 2
  • NASL Conference West – Division 2
• Coverage: Full highlights packages
• Standard KO Times (Non-Televised):
  • Saturday – 3:00pm (local time)
  • Sunday – 4:00pm (local time)

This round concludes the qualification phase.

Proper Rounds – Live Broadcast Matches​

Rounds 1–5 (November – February)​

• Participants Introduced by Round:
  • Round 1:
    • MLS Third League
    • NASL Conference East & West – Division 1
  • Round 3:
    • MLS Second League
    • MLS SuperLeague

Live Broadcast Slots (ESPN):

• Saturday – 5:45pm ET
• Sunday – 2:00pm ET
• Number of Live Matches:
  • Two live matches per round (Rounds 1–5)

Non-Televised Matches – Standard KO Times:

• Saturday – 3:00pm (local time)
• Sunday – 4:00pm (local time)

Knockout Rounds​

Quarter-Finals​

• All matches live on ESPN
• Kick-Off Times:
  • Saturday – 1:00pm ET
  • Saturday – 7:00pm ET
  • Sunday – 2:45pm ET
  • Sunday – 7:45pm ET

Semi-Finals​

• All matches live on ESPN
• Kick-Off Times:
  • Saturday – 4:00pm ET
  • Sunday – 4:00pm ET

Each semi-final positioned as a marquee standalone event.

SuperCup Final​

• Broadcaster: ABC
• Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena
• Kick-Off:
  • Saturday – 4:00pm ET / 1:00pm PT
• Coverage Window:
  • Extended build-up and post-match analysis

Broadcast Philosophy​

• A recognisable Saturday/Sunday rhythm across all rounds
• Minimal fixture confusion for supporters and broadcasters
• Clear hierarchy between local fixtures and national broadcasts
• A Final staged as a true national football occasion

By 2026, the SuperCup’s broadcast framework was widely regarded as one of the most intuitive and supporter-friendly domestic cup models in the modern game.

 

[PWC2017]

Chapter: January 2026 — The Calendar Is Set​

By January 2026, the final uncertainty that had hovered over Project 26 for nearly a decade was removed.
Every major stakeholder—MLS, NASL, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, broadcasters, sponsors, and club owners—was now aligned on one immovable truth:

The new era of North American soccer would begin in July/August 2026.

There would be no half-seasons, no transitional competitions, no compromised formats. The reset would be clean.

A Unified Start Date​

In coordinated announcements across New York, Irvine, Asunción, and Miami, it was confirmed that:

• MLS SuperLeague
• MLS Second League
• MLS Third League
• NASL Conference East & West
• NASL Inter-State Leagues
• NASL State Leagues

would all begin their inaugural seasons under the World Soccer Calendar between late July and mid-August 2026.

This alignment marked the first time in history that:

• The United States and Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• and the majority of the global game

were operating within a shared seasonal framework.

Why January 2026 Mattered​

For Manson, January was not about fanfare—it was about closure.

The decision to end all domestic competitions in November 2025, followed by an extended pause, had been controversial when first proposed. But by early 2026, its wisdom was clear:

• Clubs had time to complete stadium builds
• Ownership groups finalised budgets, staffing, and recruitment
• Squads could be constructed with European-style transfer windows
• Supporters were not asked to buy into a rushed or diluted product

The leagues would not restart soccer in North America.
They would reintroduce it—properly.

Institutional Readiness​

By January 2026:

• MLS headquarters in New York was fully staffed for a three-division professional structure
• NASL headquarters in Irvine, California, was operational and overseeing regional licensing
• Broadcast partners had locked in weekly time slots
• Sponsors had aligned branding across leagues and competitions
• Continental qualification pathways were finalised

There were no provisional clauses left. No “to be confirmed” footnotes.

Manson’s View​

Privately, Manson described January 2026 as “the calm before the noise.”

For years, the work had lived in:

• boardrooms,
• spreadsheets,
• zoning meetings,
• broadcast schedules,
• and uncomfortable conversations.

Now, the work was done.

What followed in August 2026 would belong to:

• the clubs,
• the players,
• the supporters,
• and the consequences of competition.

The Line in the Sand​

From January 2026 onward, every decision—sporting, commercial, and cultural—worked backward from a single fixed point:

Opening weekend, July/August 2026.

There would be no delays.
No exemptions.
No alternative calendars.

The pyramid was built.
The calendar was locked.
And for the first time, North American soccer knew exactly when its future would begin.

 

[PWC2017]

MLS SuperLeague — (2026/27 Season)​

Confirmed Clubs (Wiki-style Overview)​

The MLS SuperLeague is the top tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada.
For the 2026/27 season, the league consists of 24 clubs, competing under the World Soccer Calendar (July–May) with promotion, relegation, and continental qualification fully in effect.

The first season will begin in August 2026.

Founded: 2026
Level: Tier 1 (National)
Region: United States & Canada
Number of Clubs: 24

Confirmed Clubs​

Pos	Club	Colours	Stadium	Capacity	Location	Ownership	Qualification / Relegation
1	Philadelphia Union	Blue / Gold	NEW South Philadelphia Stadium	26,500	Philadelphia, PA, USA	Jay Sugarman	CONMEBOL Libertadores (Group Stage)
2	FC Cincinnati	Orange / Blue	TQL Stadium	25,513	Cincinnati, OH, USA	Carl Lindner III	CONMEBOL Libertadores (Group Stage)
3	Inter Miami CF	Pink	NEW Miami Freedom Park	25,000	Miami, FL, USA	David Beckham / Mas Brothers	CONMEBOL Libertadores (Second Stage)
4	San Diego FC	Navy Blue	Snapdragon Stadium	35,000	San Diego, CA, USA	Mohamed Mansour / Sycuan Band	CONMEBOL Libertadores (First Stage)
5	Vancouver Whitecaps	White / Blue	NEW Hastings Racecourse Stadium	33,000	Vancouver, BC, Canada	Kerfoot / Nash / Luczo / Mallett	CONMEBOL Sudamericana (First Stage)
6	Los Angeles FC	Black / Gold	BMO Stadium	22,000	Los Angeles, CA, USA	Rosenthal / Beck / Berg	CONMEBOL Sudamericana (First Stage)
7	Charlotte FC	Sky Blue / White	Bank of America Stadium	38,000	Charlotte, NC, USA	David Tepper	CONCACAF Cup
8	Minneapolis United	Black / Blue	Allianz Field	19,000	St. Paul, MN, USA	Bill McGuire	CONCACAF Cup
9	New York City FC	Sky Blue / White	NEW Etihad Park (Queens)	25,000	New York, NY, USA	City Football Group	—
10	Seattle Sounders	Green / White	Lumen Field	37,722	Seattle, WA, USA	Adrian Hanauer	—
11	Nashville SC	Yellow / Dark Blue	Geodis Park	30,000	Nashville, TN, USA	John Ingram	—
12	Columbus Crew	Yellow / Black	Lower.com Field	20,371	Columbus, OH, USA	Dee & Jimmy Haslam	—
13	Chicago Fire	Red / White / Sky Blue	NEW The 78 Stadium	28,500	Chicago, IL, USA	Joe Mansueto	—
14	Orlando City SC	Purple	Inter&Co Stadium	25,500	Orlando, FL, USA	Wilf Family	—
15	Austin FC	Green / Black	Q2 Stadium	20,738	Austin, TX, USA	Two Oak Ventures	—
16	North Dallas SC	Red / Blue	Toyota Stadium	22,500	Frisco, TX, USA	Hunt Sports Group	—
17	Portland Timbers	Green / Gold	Providence Park	25,218	Portland, OR, USA	Peregrine Sports	—
18	New Jersey Metrostars	Red / Black	Sports Illustrated Stadium	25,000	Harrison, NJ, USA	HBSE	—
19	Salt Lake City Saints	White / Gold	NEW North Temple Street Stadium	31,000	Salt Lake City, UT, USA	Ryan Smith	—
20	San Jose Earthquakes	Black / Blue	PayPal Park	18,000	San Jose, CA, USA	John Fisher	—
21	Denver Rapids	Claret / Blue	NEW Ball Arena District Stadium	28,500	Denver, CO, USA	Kroenke Sports & Ent.	—
22	Houston Dynamo FC	Orange	Shell Energy Stadium	20,656	Houston, TX, USA	Ted Segal	Relegation to MLS Second League
23	Boston Pride	Red / White / Blue	NEW Everett Stadium	24,500	Everett, MA, USA	Robert Kraft	Relegation to MLS Second League
24	St. Louis City SC	Red / Navy	Energizer Park	22,423	St. Louis, MO, USA	Kavanaugh / Kindle Family	Relegation to MLS Second League

League Notes​

• The bottom three clubs are relegated automatically to the MLS Second League
• No playoffs determine the MLS SuperLeague champion — the title is awarded based on final league position
• Continental qualification links North American clubs directly into CONMEBOL and CONCACAF competitions
• This marks the first fully open top division in U.S. and Canadian soccer history

This structure defines the competitive stakes of every position in the table, ensuring that titles, continental places, and survival remain in play from opening day through the final match of the season.

 

[PWC2017]

MLS Second League (2026–27 Season)​

League Status: Confirmed (January 2026)
Season Start: July / August 2026

Founded: 2026
Level: Tier 2 (National)
Region: United States & Canada
Number of Clubs: 24

The MLS Second League consists of 24 clubs representing the United States and Canada. Clubs compete in a balanced regular season, with promotion, playoff qualification, and relegation determined by final league position.

Key​

• Promotion to MLS Super League
• Playoff Qualification (MLS Second League Playoffs)
• Relegation to MLS Third League

---

Confirmed Clubs (Wiki-Style Table)​

#	Club	Colours	Stadium	Capacity	Location	Ownership	Qualification / Relegation
1	Toronto FC	Red	BMO Field	30,000	Toronto, Ontario, Canada	Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment	Promotion to MLS Super League
2	LA Galaxy	White / Yellow	Dignity Health Sports Park	27,000	Carson, California, USA	Anschutz Entertainment Group	Promotion to MLS Super League
3	Sporting Kansas City	Sky Blue / Navy Blue	Sporting Park	18,491	Kansas City, Kansas, USA	Sporting Club	MLS Second League Playoffs
4	CF Montréal	Blue / Black	Saputo Stadium	19,619	Montréal, Quebec, Canada	Joey Saputo	MLS Second League Playoffs
5	Atlanta United FC	Red / Black / Gold	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	42,500	Atlanta, Georgia, USA	Arthur Blank	MLS Second League Playoffs
6	D.C. United	Black / Red	Audi Field	20,000	Washington, D.C., USA	Jason Levien / Stephen Kaplan	MLS Second League Playoffs
7	New York Cosmos	Green	New Stadium – Harlem River Yards	41,500	Bronx, New York, USA	Rocco Commisso	—
8	Los Angeles Aztecs	White / Orange	New Stadium – Anaheim Angels	42,500	Anaheim, California, USA	Marcelo Clasure	—
9	Detroit Express	Orange / Navy	New Stadium – Cork Town	27,500	Detroit, Michigan, USA	Ilitch Holdings	—
10	Baltimore Athletic	Gold / Black	New Stadium – Fallsway	32,500	Baltimore, Maryland, USA	David Rubenstein	—
11	Golden City FC	Gold	New Stadium – Kezar Stadium	36,500	San Francisco, California, USA	Farallon Capital	—
12	Club Deportivo Las Vegas	Emerald Green	New Stadium – Hidden Well Drive	33,000	Las Vegas, Nevada, USA	Black Knight Group	—
13	Indy Eleven	Navy Blue	New Stadium – Eleven Park	20,000	Indianapolis, Indiana, USA	Ozdemir / Bauer / Gottwald	—
14	Sacramento Republic	Red / Black	New Stadium – Rail Yards	22,000	Sacramento, California, USA	Wilton Rancheria / Kevin Nagle	—
15	Louisville City FC	Purple	Lynn Family Stadium	15,304	Louisville, Kentucky, USA	Soccer Holdings, LLC	—
16	FC Tulsa	Black	ONEOK Field	9,180	Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA	Ryan, J.W. & Kyle Craft	—
17	Phoenix Rising FC	Red	Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium	10,000	Phoenix, Arizona, USA	Zheng / Johnson / Bakay / Pritchard	—
18	Albuquerque United	Yellow	New Stadium – Balloon Fiesta Park	12,500	Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA	Peter Trevisani	—
19	San Antonio FC	Black / Grey	Toyota Field	8,296	San Antonio, Texas, USA	Spurs Sports & Entertainment	—
20	Charleston Battery	Black / Yellow	Patriots Point Soccer Complex	5,000	Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, USA	Rob Salvatore	—
21	Pittsburgh Riverhounds	Yellow / Black	Highmark Stadium	15,000	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA	Tuffy Shallenberger	—
22	Hamilton Forge	Grey / Orange	Hamilton Stadium	23,000	Hamilton, Ontario, Canada	Hamilton Sports Group	Relegation to MLS Third League
23	Ottawa Fury	Blue / White / Yellow	TD Place Stadium	24,000	Ottawa, Ontario, Canada	OSEG	Relegation to MLS Third League
24	Calgary Cavalry	Green / Red / Black	ATCO Field	8,500	Calgary, Alberta, Canada	Spruce Meadows Sports & Entertainment	Relegation to MLS Third League

Post-season Playoffs​

The MLS Second League Playoffs are held annually following the conclusion of the regular season, taking place throughout May. The playoffs determine the team that wins the 3rd Promotion Place to the MLS SuperLeague.

Qualification for the playoffs is awarded to the highest-placed clubs in the regular-season standings that do not secure automatic promotion. Playoff qualification spots are allocated based on final league position, with the specific number of qualifying teams determined by league regulations.

The playoff tournament is conducted as a single-elimination knockout competition, culminating in the MLS Second League Playoff Final, which is contested at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Rose Bowl serves as the permanent neutral venue for the final, reflecting the league’s emphasis on high-profile championship events at historically significant stadiums.

The Playoff Final is played as a standalone event and serves as the climax of the MLS Second League season.

 

[PWC2017]

MLS Third League (2026/2027 Season)​

Confirmed Clubs​

The MLS Third League consists of 24 clubs representing the United States and Canada. Clubs compete in a balanced regular season, with promotion, playoff qualification, and relegation determined by final league position.

Founded: 2026
Level: Tier 3 (National)
Region: United States & Canada
Number of Clubs: 24

Key

• Green: Promotion to MLS Second League
• Yellow: Qualification to MLS Third League Playoffs
• Red: Relegation to NASL Conference League

	Club	Colours	Stadium	Capacity	Location	Ownership	Qualification / Relegation
1	Raleigh Railhawks	Navy Blue	WakeMed Soccer Park	10,000	Cary, North Carolina, United States	Steve Malik	Promotion to MLS Second League
2	Hartford Athletic	Green	Trinity Health Stadium	5,500	Hartford, Connecticut, United States	Hartford Sports Group	Promotion to MLS Second League
3	Providence Islanders	Navy Blue / Orange	Centreville Bank Stadium	10,500	Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States	Brett M. Johnson / Michael Parkhurst	MLS Third League Playoffs
4	El Paso Locomotive FC	Sky Blue / Desert Blue	Southwest University Park	7,500	El Paso, Texas, United States	MountainStar Sports Group	MLS Third League Playoffs
5	Colorado Springs Switchbacks	Black / Sky Blue	Weidner Field	8,000	Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA	Weidner Apartment Homes	MLS Third League Playoffs
6	Orange County SC	Orange / Black	Championship Soccer Stadium	5,000	Irvine, California, United States	James Keston / Community Ownership	MLS Third League Playoffs
7	Tampa Bay Rowdies	Green / Yellow	Al Lang Stadium	7,500	St. Petersburg, Florida, United States	Patrick Zalupski	—
8	AC Miami	Blue / Orange / White	Hard Rock Stadium	50,000	Miami Gardens, Florida, United States	Riccardo Silva / Andrea Radrizzani	—
9	Birmingham Legion	Black / Gold	Protective Stadium	47,100	Birmingham, Alabama, United States	Lee Styslinger III / Jack Bryant	—
10	Lexington SC	Black / Green	Lexington SC Stadium	7,500	Lexington, Kentucky, United States	Bill and Donna Shively / Stephen Dawahare	—
11	Oakland Roots SC	Black / Multi Colour	NEW STADIUM – Howard Terminal	25,000	Oakland, California, United States	Celebrity / Community Ownership	—
12	Cleveland City FC	White / Black	NEW STADIUM – Canal Road	17,500	Cleveland, Ohio, United States	Michael Murphy / Nolan Gallagher	—
13	Halifax Wanderers	Barbour Blue / Naval Grey	Wanderers Grounds	7,500	Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada	Sports & Entertainment Atlantic	—
14	FC NOLA	Purple / Gold	NEW STADIUM – River City	20,000	New Orleans, Louisiana, United States	Gayle Benson	—
15	Winnipeg Valour	Maroon / Gold / Black	Princess Auto Stadium	33,000	Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada	Winnipeg Football Club	—
16	Victoria Pacific FC	Purple / White	Starlight Stadium	6,000	Victoria, BC, Canada	SixFive Sports & Entertainment	—
17	East Vancouver FC	Black / Grey / Red	Willoughby Stadium	6,600	Langley Township, BC, Canada	Canucks Sports & Entertainment	—
18	Memphis 901	Navy Blue / Dark Blue	NEW STADIUM – Desoto Bayou	18,000	Memphis, Tennessee, United States	Peter Freund / Craig Unger / Robert Pera	—
19	Centro Dallas	Green / White / Red	Cotton Bowl	92,000	Dallas, Texas, United States	TPG Inc.	—
20	OKC Energy FC	Green / White	NEW STADIUM – Bricktown	16,500	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA	Echo	—
21	Sporting Club Jacksonville	Sky Blue / Orange	NEW STADIUM – Gator Bowl Bvld	12,000	Jacksonville, Florida, United States	Ricky Caplin / Tony Allegretti	—
22	Milwaukee Iron	Black / Gold	NEW STADIUM – Iron District	18,500	Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA	Kacmarcik Enterprises	—
23	Buffalo City FC	Navy Blue / White	NEW STADIUM – Michigan Ave	18,000	Buffalo, New York, United States	Terry Pegula / Arctos Partners	Relegation to NASL Conference League
24	Richmond Kickers	Red / White	City Stadium	6,000	Richmond, Virginia, United States	22 Holdings, LLC	Relegation to NASL Conference League

Post-season Playoffs​

The MLS Third League Playoffs are held annually following the conclusion of the regular season, taking place throughout May. The playoffs determine the team that wins the 3rd promotion place to the MLS Second League.

Qualification for the playoffs is awarded to the highest-placed clubs in the regular-season standings that do not secure automatic promotion. Playoff qualification spots are allocated based on final league position, with the specific number of qualifying teams determined by league regulations.

The playoff tournament is conducted as a single-elimination knockout competition, culminating in the MLS Third League Playoff Final, which is contested at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Rose Bowl serves as the permanent neutral venue for the final, reflecting the league’s emphasis on high-profile championship events at historically significant stadiums.

The Playoff Final is played as a standalone event and serves as the climax of the MLS Third League season.

 

[PWC2017]

NASL Conference League East 1 (2026/2027 Season)​

The NASL Conference League East 1 is a regional competition within the NASL pyramid, sitting directly below MLS Third League. The league operates on a promotion and relegation system and serves as a key developmental and competitive tier for clubs across Eastern North America.

Competition Notes​

• Promotion: League champion is promoted to MLS Third League
• Relegation: Bottom club is relegated to NASL East Conference 2

Founded: 2026
Level: Tier 4 (Regional–National Bridge)
Region: Eastern United States & Eastern Canada
Number of Clubs: 12

League Key​

• Green – Promotion to MLS Third League
• Red – Relegation to NASL East Conference 2

Confirmed Clubs​

#	Club	Colours	Stadium	Capacity	Location	Ownership	Qualification / Relegation
1	Toronto United	White / Yellow / Blue	Lamport Stadium	9,600	Toronto, Ontario, Canada	Game Plan Sports Group	Promotion to MLS Third League
2	Bridgeport United	Light Purple / Navy	NEW Waterfront Stadium	10,000	Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA	André Swanston / Michelle Swanston	—
3	Rochester Rhinos	Green / Yellow	Rochester Sports Complex	13,768	Rochester, New York, USA	David & Wendy Dworkin	—
4	Forward Madison	Light Blue / White	Breese Stevens Field	9,333	Madison, Wisconsin, USA	Big Top Events	—
5	Greenville Triumph	Green / Navy / White	NEW - BridgeWay Station	6,300	Simpsonville, South Carolina, USA	Joe Erwin / William M. Webster	—
6	One Knoxville	Navy Blue / White	Covenant Health Park	6,355	Knoxville, Tennessee, USA	Drew McKenna	—
7	Portland Hearts of Pine	Forest Green / Navy Blue	Fitzpatrick Stadium	5,500	Portland, Maine, USA	Gabe Hoffman-Johnson	—
8	Westchester SC	Royal Blue / Yellow	Memorial Field	3,900	Mt Vernon, New York, USA	Mitch Baruchowitz	—
9	FC Supra du Québec	Navy / Red / White	Stade Boréale	5,581	Laval, Québec, Canada	Matt Rizzetta / Angelo Pasto	—
10	Chattanooga Red Wolves	Dark Red / Grey	CHI Memorial Stadium	5,500	East Ridge, Tennessee, USA	Robert Martino	—
11	Fort Lauderdale Strikers	Red / Gold / Charcoal	Chase Stadium	21,550	Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA	CVC Capital Partners	—
12	Fort Wayne FC	Autumn Gold / Black	NEW STADIUM - Bass Road Stadium	9,200	Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA	Mark Music / John Bellio / Tom Lapsley	Relegation to NASL Conference League - East 2

NASL Conference League East 2 - (2026/2027 Season)​

The NASL Conference League East 2 represents the fourth tier of the North American Soccer League (NASL) pyramid. It serves as a regionalized competition focused on club sustainability, supporter growth, and pathway progression toward the national professional leagues.

The league operates on a balanced regular-season format, with promotion and relegation integrated into the wider NASL and MLS league system.


Founded: 2026
Level: Tier 5 (Regional–National Bridge)
Region: Eastern United States & Eastern Canada
Number of Clubs: 12

Promotion & Relegation​

• League Champion: Promoted to NASL Conference League East 1
• Bottom Club: Relegated to NASL Regional Leagues

Confirmed Clubs​

#	Club	Colours	Stadium	Capacity	Location	Ownership	Qualification / Relegation
1	Brooklyn FC	Black / Light Brown	Maimonides Park	7,000	Brooklyn, New York, USA	North Sixth Group	Promotion to NASL East Conference 1
2	Sarasota Paradise	Black / Flamingo Pink	Premier Sports Campus	3,000	Lakewood Ranch, Florida, USA	Marco Assis / Marcus Walfridson	—
3	Huntsville City FC	Dark Blue / White	Joe W. Davis Stadium	6,000	Huntsville, Alabama, USA	HSV Sports, LLC	—
4	Grand Rapids SC	Red / White	NEW STADIUM – Downtown Market Ave	10,000	Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA	Dan DeVos	—
5	Long Island FC	Blue	NEW STADIUM – Mitchel Athletic Complex	12,500	Uniondale, New York, USA	Mitchell Rechler / Peter Zaratin	—
6	Charlotte Independence	Navy Blue / Gold	American Legion Memorial Stadium	10,000	Charlotte, North Carolina, USA	Queen City Soccer Club, LLC	—
7	Ozark United FC	Green / Emerald / White	NEW STADIUM – Pinnacle Hills	5,500	Rogers, Arkansas, USA	Chris Martinovic / Warren Smith	—
8	Akron City FC	Sky Blue / Red / White	Green Street Stadium	3,500	Akron, Ohio, USA	Community Owned	—
9	Annapolis Blues FC	Royal Blue / White	Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium	34,000	Annapolis, Maryland, USA	Michael Hitchcock	—
10	Ludlow Pioneers	Red / Black	Lusitano Stadium	3,000	Ludlow, Massachusetts, USA	Celso Correia	—
11	Burlington Green FC	Forest Green / White	Virtue Field	2,500	Burlington, Vermont, USA	Matthew Wolff / Sam Glickman / Patrick Infurna / Keil Corey	—
12	St Paul Utd	Grey / Black	NEW STADIUM – Union Depot	18,000	St Paul, Minnesota, USA	RedBird Capital Partners	Relegation to NASL Regional Leagues

League Notes​

• Emphasis on regional rivalries to limit travel costs
• Strong focus on community ownership and supporter engagement
• Acts as a primary feeder league into NASL Conference League East 1

 

[PWC2017]

NASL Conference League – West 1 - (2026/2027 Season)​

Founded: 2026
Level: Tier 4 (Regional–National Bridge)
Region: Western United States & Western Canada
Number of Clubs: 12


The NASL Conference League West 1 represents the highest tier of the NASL Western pyramid. It serves as the final stepping stone between regional football and the fully national MLS Third League.


The league blends community-driven clubs with ambitious expansion markets, emphasizing stadium development, supporter culture, and sustainable growth.

Promotion & Relegation​

• Promotion:
  • 1st place promoted to MLS Third League
• Relegation:
  • 12th place relegated to NASL Conference League West 2

2026–27 Clubs​

#	Club	Colours	Stadium	Capacity	Location	Ownership	Qualification / Relegation
1	Spokane Velocity FC	White / Sky Blue	One Spokane Stadium	5,000	509 W Gardner Ave, Spokane, WA, USA	Aequus Sports, LLC	Promotion to MLS Third League
2	Glendale Monsoon	Maroon / White / Gold	NEW Northern Ave Stadium	16,500	Northern Ave & 63rd Ave, Glendale, AZ, USA	Michael Bidwill	—
3	Union Omaha	Black / White / Neon Green	NEW North Downtown Stadium	9,500	1207 N 11th St, Omaha, NE, USA	Gary Green	—
4	Corpus Christi FC	Navy Blue	NEW Old Brownsville Road Stadium	5,000	3202 Cabaniss Pkwy, Corpus Christi, TX, USA	Dr. Kingsley Okonkwo	—
5	Boise Bears	Green / Black	NEW Les Bois Park	7,000	12 N Paddock Dr, Garden City, ID, USA	Brad Stith / Steve Patterson	—
6	Eugene Cascade FC	Brown / Navy / White	Civic Park	3,500	2077 Willamette St, Eugene, OR, USA	Sat Dhinsa	—
7	Fresno Fuego FC	Red	NEW Chinatown Stadium	21,500	1553 Santa Clara St, Fresno, CA, USA	Crescent Capital Group	—
8	FC Edmonton	Royal Blue / White	Clarke Stadium	5,100	11000 Stadium Rd NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada	Fath Sports Limited	—
9	Tucson Sun	Sun Orange	NEW S-Central Ave Downtown	15,000	411 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ, USA	Sun Capital Partners	—
10	Monterey Bay FC	Crisp Blue / Kelp Blue / Dune Yellow / White	Cardinale Stadium	6,000	4111 2nd Ave, Seaside, CA, USA	Ray Beshoff	—
11	Santa Barbara Sky FC	Terracotta / Navy Blue	Harder Stadium	17,000	Stadium Rd, Santa Barbara, CA, USA	Peter Moore	—
12	Windsor Hailstorm FC	White / Grey	4Rivers Equipment Stadium	2,500	Windsor, CO, USA	Jeff & Casey Katofsky	Relegation to West Conference 2

Role in the Pyramid​

NASL West 1 is designed to:

• Prepare clubs for national travel and media exposure
• Enforce stadium & infrastructure benchmarks
• Act as a gateway to MLS Third League
• Maintain strong regional identity while scaling ambition

NASL Conference League – West 2 - (2026/2027 Season)​

Founded: 2026
Level: Tier 5 (Regional National League)
Region: Western United States & Western Canada
Number of Clubs: 12


The NASL Conference League West 2 forms the foundation of the western NASL structure, connecting ambitious semi-professional and community-anchored clubs to the broader North American promotion and relegation system.


The league prioritizes local rivalries, stadium development, and sustainable ownership, serving as the primary feeder into NASL Conference League West 1.

Promotion & Relegation​

• Promotion:
  • 1st place promoted to NASL Conference League West 1
• Relegation:
  • 12th place relegated to the NASL Inter-State League

2026–27 Clubs​

#	Club	Colours	Stadium	Capacity	Location	Ownership	Qualification / Relegation
1	Bellevue Midlakes United	Sky Blue / Purple	Bellevue College Soccer Field	2,000	Snoqualmie River Rd, Bellevue, WA, USA	Treencee Russell	Promotion to NASL West Conference 1
2	Ventura County Fusion	Blue / White / Orange	Ventura College Sportsplex	5,000	Ventura, CA, USA	Ranbir Shergill	—
3	Lancaster Alta	Joshua Green / Desert Sand	Lancaster Municipal Stadium	6,000	6,000 45116 Valley Central Way, Lancaster, CA, USA	J. David Harden / John Smelzer	—
4	Des Moines City FC	Forest Green / Cream	NEW MLK Jr Parkway / 14th St	10,500	210 SW 11th St, Des Moines, IA, USA	Jeff Lamberti / Orchard View Sports & Entertainment	—
5	Ballard FC	Cream / Red / Black	Interbay Stadium	1,000	3027 17th Ave W, Seattle, WA, USA	Chris Kaimmer / Sam Zisette	—
6	Victoria Highlanders	White / Black / Gold	Centennial Stadium	5,000	1901 McKenzie Ave, Victoria, BC, Canada	Marvin Diercks	—
7	Billings FC	Black / Red / Gold	NEW Metra Park (Lot Stadium)	10,500	Alkali Creek Rd, Billings, MT, USA	Main Street Sports Group / Steven Titus	—
8	West Seattle Junction	Royal Blue / Navy Blue	Nino Cantu Athletics Complex	4,000	2600 SW Thistle St, Seattle, WA, USA	Jessica Pierce / Kaitlyn Jackson	—
9	Laredo Heat	Black / Red	PEG Energy Stadium	4,000	5401 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, TX, USA	Shashi Vaswani	—
10	Redlands FC	Cream / Red	Dodge Stadium	6,000	840 E Central Ave, Redlands, CA, USA	Ryan Whiley	—
11	Reno 1868	Blue / Yellow / White	NEW Jones West Ford Stadium	6,000	3600 Kietzke Ln, Reno, NV, USA	Herbert Simon	—
12	Tacoma Stars	Orange / Blue / Yellow	NEW Tacoma Dome Stadium	11,500	2727 E D St, Tacoma, WA, USA	Redpoint Ventures	Relegation to NASL Inter-State League

Role Within the Pyramid​

NASL Conference League West 2 functions as:

• The entry point into the national NASL structure in the West
• A development league for markets preparing stadium upgrades
• A launchpad for supporter-driven clubs
• A key bridge between Inter-State leagues and Conference football

 

[PWC2017]

Wikipedia - Coca-Cola SuperCup​

The Coca-Cola SuperCup is an annual United States and Canadian knockout soccer competition scheduled to begin in June 2026. The tournament replaces the historic U.S. Open Cup as the primary domestic cup competition in the United States and Canada.

Modeled after England’s FA Cup, the Coca-Cola SuperCup features an open-entry format including all professional and semi-professional clubs across the American and Canadian soccer pyramid.

The competition is sponsored by Coca-Cola under a reported 10-year naming rights agreement, beginning with the inaugural 2026 edition.

Format​

The Coca-Cola SuperCup follows a multi-round knockout structure, beginning with preliminary qualification rounds in June and concluding with the final in May.

Qualification Rounds​

• Preliminary Qualifiers (June–September)
  The tournament opens with regional preliminary rounds featuring semi-professional clubs and lower-division professional teams.
• Extended Preliminary Rounds (October)
  Clubs from NASL Conference 2 enter during this stage.
• Round 1 (November)
  Includes all remaining qualifiers plus clubs from the MLS Third League.
• Round 2 (December)
  Winners from Round 1 compete to advance to the next stage.
• Round 3 (January)
  Clubs from the MLS SuperLeague (top division) and MLS Second League enter the competition.
• Subsequent Knockout Rounds (February–March)
  Single-elimination rounds continue until four clubs remain.

Semi-Finals​

The semi-finals are played in April and contested over two legs (home and away aggregate format).

Each club hosts one match, with the aggregate score determining the finalists. Away goals do not apply unless otherwise specified by competition regulations.

Final​

The final is played in May as a single match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, which has been designated as the new U.S. National Stadium.

The final serves as the culmination of the domestic cup calendar and is staged as a marquee national event.

Eligibility​

All professional and semi-professional soccer clubs based in the United States and Canada are eligible to participate, teams based in MLS Super, Second and Third Leagues as well as NASL Conference, Inter-State and State Leagues. The tournament structure is designed to preserve competitive balance while allowing lower-division clubs the opportunity to face top-tier opposition.

Prize and Continental Qualification​

The winner of the Coca-Cola SuperCup receives:

• Approximately $10 million USD in prize money
• Automatic qualification for the CONCACAF Cup

If the winner has already qualified for continental competition through league performance, the CONCACAF Cup berth is awarded to the club finishing 9th place in the MLS SuperLeague.

Sponsorship​

The tournament operates under a long-term naming rights partnership with Coca-Cola, branded as the Coca-Cola SuperCup. The sponsorship agreement spans ten years beginning with the 2026 inaugural edition.

Comparison to the U.S. Open Cup​

The Coca-Cola SuperCup replaces the U.S. Open Cup as the primary domestic knockout competition in the United States and Canada. While maintaining an open format similar to its predecessor, the SuperCup introduces:

• A structured June–May competition calendar
• Two-legged semi-finals played in April
• A fixed national stadium final in May
• Increased prize money and enhanced commercial backing

 

[PWC2017]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP. TO ACQUIRE NEW YORK COSMOS; ANNOUNCES JUNE 2026 STADIUM DEBUT AND PUSH FOR SUPERLEAGUE PROMOTION​

NEW YORK, NY — February 14, 2026 — Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (NYSE: MSGS) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the New York Cosmos. The acquisition brings North America’s most historic soccer brand into the MSG Sports portfolio, alongside the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, creating a unified powerhouse in New York professional sports.

The transition follows the passing of former owner Rocco B. Commisso. MSG Sports remains committed to Mr. Commisso’s vision of an open soccer pyramid, confirming that the Cosmos will begin their next chapter in the MLS Second League with the immediate goal of securing promotion to the MLS SuperLeague.

A World-Class Home: June 2026 Opening​

MSG Sports is pleased to confirm that the Harlem Rail Yards Stadium is entering the final stages of completion. The 41,500-seat stadium will officially open in June 2026.

• The Launch: The stadium will open with a "Legends of the Garden" inaugural event in June, celebrating the intersection of New York’s basketball, hockey, and soccer history.
• The Fortress: Starting in August 2026, Harlem Rail Yards will serve as the permanent home for the Cosmos' pursuit of the MLS Second League title.
• Fan Experience: Leveraging MSG’s world-leading hospitality and tech infrastructure, the stadium will offer a premier matchday experience, including integrated "Garden365" membership benefits for season ticket holders.

Ambition Without Compromise​

"The New York Cosmos are a global brand that belongs on the world's biggest stages," said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of MSG Sports. "By integrating the Cosmos into the MSG family, we are providing the financial and operational resources needed to return this club to the top of the pyramid. Our objective is clear: win the MLS Second League, earn promotion to the SuperLeague, and bring Copa Libertadores football to Manhattan."

Honoring Legacy​

The Madison Square Garden company will maintain the heritage of the club, including the dedication of the Commisso Stand at the new stadium. MSG Sports will work closely with the Commisso family to ensure Rocco’s tenacious spirit remains the heartbeat of the club’s new era.

"We aren't just buying a team; we are stewarding a New York institution," added Dolan. "In June 2026, when those gates open in Harlem, the world will know the Cosmos are back."


About Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.: Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports) is a leading professional sports company, with a collection of assets that includes the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL), as well as two development league teams. MSG Sports also operates a professional sports team performance center in Greenburgh, NY.


About the New York Cosmos: The New York Cosmos is the most storied soccer club in United States history. A member of the MLS Second League, the club is set to move into the Harlem Rail Yards Stadium in June 2026 as it begins its journey back to the pinnacle of North American and international football.

 

[PWC2017]

Club Breakdowns - Wikipedia​

New York Cosmos (2026–27 Season)​

The 2026–27 New York Cosmos season marks the beginning of the club's "Modern Era." Following the acquisition by Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports) in February 2026, the club has been restructured as a global flagship institution. Competing in the MLS Second League, the club's primary objective is a first-place finish to secure automatic promotion to the MLS SuperLeague and a return to the Copa Libertadores pathway.

Club Information​

• Owner: Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports)
• Chairman: James L. Dolan
• Sporting Director: Dan Ashworth
• Head Coach: Roberto Mancini
• Home Ground: Harlem Rail Yards Stadium (Opening June 2026)
• League: MLS Second League

This breakdown of the New York Cosmos' business operations for the 2026/27 MLS Second League season highlights a radical shift. Under the new MSG Sports ownership, the club has essentially built a "SuperLeague squad in the Second League."

By hiring Dan Ashworth (formerly of the FA and Manchester United) and Roberto Mancini (Euro 2020 winner), the Cosmos have established a technical infrastructure that rivals top-tier European clubs.

Technical & Leadership Structure​

The Cosmos have opted for an "Elite Italian" coaching philosophy, blending Mancini’s tactical discipline with the analytical oversight of Dan Ashworth.

Technical Staff​

The club’s technical department is modeled after elite UEFA Champions League structures, prioritizing tactical discipline and global scouting.

Role	Name	Notes
Head Coach	Roberto Mancini	Former Italy and Manchester City manager.
Assistant Coach	Attilio Lombardo	Long-term tactical partner to Mancini.
Assistant Coach	Massimo Maccarone	Technical and attacking specialist.
Goalkeeping Coach	Massimo Battara	Formerly of the Italy National Team.
Sporting Director	Dan Ashworth	Architect of the "Cosmos DNA" recruitment model.

Squad Breakdown: The "Promotion Priority" Roster​

The roster strategy is clear: Experience + High-Value Veterans. With a total transfer spend exceeding $35M (Showing the required ambition needed for a New York Side regardless of the team sitting in the MLS Second League), MSG is betting heavily on immediate promotion.

1. The Spine (Experience & Leadership)​

• Matt Turner (GK): A massive statement of intent. Securing the USMNT #1 on loan from Lyon ensures the Cosmos have the best shot-stopper in the pyramid outside of the SuperLeague.
• Walker Zimmerman (CB): Brought in to anchor the defense for $350K—a bargain for a leader of his caliber.
• Moussa Sissoko (DM): A "free" acquisition that provides the physical presence needed to survive the more rugged style of the Second League.
• Pascal Groß (CM): The technical engine. At 34, his $2M move from Dortmund suggests Mancini wants a playmaker who can control the tempo of every match.

2. Tactical Assets (The Mancini Targets)​

• Edoardo Bove (DM/CM): Capturing the 23-year-old on a free from Roma is perhaps Ashworth's biggest coup. He represents the "future" of the club’s midfield.
• Sandi Lovrić (CM): One of the most expensive signings at $4.5M. Lovrić is expected to be the creative hub in the "Mancini 4-3-3."
• Walid Cheddira (ST): A $5M investment from Napoli. Mancini requires a striker who can play with his back to goal and link play; Cheddira fits the Italian mold perfectly.

3. Youth & High-Upside Projects​

• Paxten Aaronson (AM): A $6M homecoming for one of the brightest US talents. His presence makes the Cosmos the "young, exciting" team of New York.
• Cade Cowell (FW): A loan from Chivas that provides the raw pace needed for counter-attacks on the large pitch at the new Harlem Rail Yards.
• Isaac Aguiar Tomich (ST): A free transfer from Brazil (Atlético Mineiro) that showcases Ashworth’s expanded global scouting network.

2026–27 First Team Roster​

Goalkeepers​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	Previous Club	Fee
1	GK	USA	Matt Turner	31	Lyon (FRA)	LOAN
13	GK	USA	Gavin Beavers	20	Real Salt Lake	$250K
25	GK	CAN	Jonathan Sirois	24	CF Montréal	$800K

Defenders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	Previous Club	Fee
5	CB	USA	Walker Zimmerman	32	Nashville SC	$350K
4	CB	GER	Armel Bella-Kotchap	24	Southampton (ENG)	$4M
16	CB	ESP	Pablo Marí	31	Fiorentina (ITA)	FREE
3	LB	DEN	Kristoffer Lund	23	Palermo (ITA)	LOAN
2	RB	FRA	Frédéric Guilbert	31	Lecce (ITA)	FREE
18	CB	CAN	Dominick Zator	30	Korona Kielce (POL)	FREE
21	CB	USA	Ethan Kohler	20	Werder Bremen (GER)	$300K

Midfielders​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	Previous Club	Fee
6	DM	ITA	Edoardo Bove	23	AS Roma (ITA)	FREE
8	AM	USA	Paxten Aaronson	22	Eintracht Frankfurt	$6M
20	CM	SVN	Sandi Lovrić	27	Udinese (ITA)	$4.5M
12	CM	GER	Pascal Groß	34	B. Dortmund (GER)	$2M
23	LW	SWE	Jesper Karlsson	27	Bologna (ITA)	$3M
24	DM	FRA	Moussa Sissoko	36	Watford (ENG)	FREE

Forwards​

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player	Age	Previous Club	Fee
11	ST	MAR	Walid Cheddira	28	Napoli (ITA)	$5M
7	RW	USA	Griffin Yow	23	KVC Westerlo (BEL)	$3M
9	LW	USA	Cade Cowell	22	Chivas (MEX)	LOAN
19	ST	CAN	Jacen Russell-Rowe	23	Columbus Crew	$2M
10	AM	POR	Rúben Rodrigues	29	Vitória (POR)	$250K
15	ST	BRA	Isaac Tomich	21	Atl. Mineiro (BRA)	FREE

Infrastructure: Harlem Rail Yards Stadium​

• Status: 95% Complete (Opening June 2026)
• Capacity: 41,500
• Features: Style of Stadium design was based of St Ettiennes 'Geoffroy-Guichard'. The stadium features the "Commisso Stand" behind the North Goal, designated for the club’s "5 Points" supporters. It is the first stadium in the U.S. to feature fully integrated 5G-enabled "Garden365" guest services provided by MSG Sports.

Tactical Outlook: The Mancini 4-3-3​

Mancini is expected to implement a high-possession 4-3-3 system. The technical hub consists of Edoardo Bove (Deep-lying Playmaker), Pascal Groß (Box-to-Box), and Paxten Aaronson (Advanced Playmaker), designed to provide service to the clinical Walid Cheddira.