The New York Cosmos don't need Major League Soccer. But MLS needs the Cosmos.The Cosmos flexed their muscles in recent weeks with the announcement of Eric Cantona and Cobi Jones joining the organization. The subsequent media blitz across the big apple further showed how the Cosmos brand still has allure even after 30 years since they last played in the old North American Soccer League.
If the Cosmos join MLS is still to be seen. Does it really make sense for them to pay over 40 million to join MLS? Does it make sense to enter a league that controls all player movements, merchandising, etc, etc? The way I see it MLS needs the New York Cosmos more than the NY Cosmos need MLS. The Cosmos have the brand that would take MLS to the next level. Cosmos in my eyes should get in free, they stand to make the league millions. Stadiums they go to will get packed across the country and this team has yet to sign a player!
What would I do if I was part of the Cosmos organization? I'd play hard ball, get my poker face on and negotiate a deal that would get me into the league for free and set a merchandising agreement.MLS doesn't want to make a deal? Sure, this can happen , the Wilpons (Owners of the Mets) have been rumored to be interested in an MLS NY team, but a team set up by the Wilpons would only be just another team in NY, another Red Bulls. They will never be the NY Cosmos. The Cosmos are the Cosmos.With the right vision, The Cosmos can save millions while making millions joining the NASL.
The new NASL has a few teams most of us can remember, the soon to be known as (I hope) Ft Lauderdale Strikers and FC Tampa (soon to be called Tampa Bay Rowdies?). These were two of the most successful teams the old NASL had before the league disappeared. If you add further teams in Edmonton, Atlanta, San Antonio you have more former old NASL markets.
Already we know that due to MLS's salary cap, many quality players are forced to play in other leagues, some in division 2. This bleeding of talent has made division 2 competitive in quality to current MLS teams. Just look back the past few years to the Montreal Impact and Puerto Rico Islanders in their successful runs in the CONCACAF champions league.The Cosmos name is enough to attract high quality players which they will be able to afford,since they didn't pay the MLS entry fee. Not being held by the restraints of MLS salary cap rules will help. Furthemore Division 2 status would not hinder their views for world domination.
With the Cosmos, the revival of the NASL would be complete and in my eyes one day rival the MLS. If the Cosmos join NASL I predict that in 2 to 3 years more teams will join the league (paying about only 1 million as an entry fee) and the NASL as a division 2 league will rival MLS. This will one day force a merger of both leagues.In the end the Cosmos have MLS by the balls (pun totally intended).
20 comments:
FT. Lauderdale Strikers. is not a Miami team. Aaron Davidson& Traffic Sports will kill soccer in South Florida.
Ed, its time to put the crack pipe down.
Wow. No kidding.
This is why you don't have a team in Miami, you've got people who have these completely ridiculous ideas.
Yes, when I think "soccer executive," I think "Eric Cantona." When I think "brilliant next coach," I think "Cobi Jones."
And I definitely think "Most awesomest brand of all time that will save us all" when I think of the Cosmos.
Please. Get a grip.
Actually it makes sense. But don't know if the Cosmos will go for it.
The Cosmos will want to be in the top flight league not what they call 2nd division here in the states.
Yeah, but what if they go for Div 2 and people don't embrace the team? There is also that possibility. It would be a gamble.
MLS in south Florida is the way to go. NASL is a joke same as Traffic and Aaron Davidson.
I figured I'd get some hate for this one.
It's just a what "if" folks.
This new Ft Lauderdale Strikers run by Traffic Sports is
NOT a fitting tribute to the real Fort Lauderdale Strikers. We want MLS in Miami and let's hope NASL is not sanctioned.
The new Miami Fusion FC playing at Miami Marine Stadium, the Miami Arena or Lockhart can pay a proper tribute to the Strikers legacy and do it right unlike Traffic Sports.
How is "MLS needs the Cosmos more than the Cosmos need MLS" and other rabid fanboyism "just a what-if, folks?"
Perhaps I should have expressed myself better. The what "if" is the Cosmos joining the new NASL.
As far as the "MLS needs the Cosmos more than the Cosmos need MLS" I believe that is true.
Do you think another team without the Cosmos name would be as successful in NY? I have no doubt the Borough Boys would support another team with a different name but I doubt the hype would be as big if the Cosmos decide not to join MLS. It will be just another NY team.
Nice article, thanks.
I actually liked this piece.
Makes you actually wonder why any team would want to pay so much money to enter MLS when they could spend that money on players, stadium, etc.
The Cosmos brand is a big deal, they really could live without MLS if they can somehow bring in top players.
To all the people that hate Ft Lauderdale & D2 but still want MLS:
Don Garber, the MLS Commisioner, met with some South Florida fans & laid it on the line. If you want MLS to return to South Florida, and MLS does want to do just that, then you MUST show support for what you already have, the Strikers, by attending their games, plus, attend any Internationals that may be held here, such as the CONCACAF Gold Cup games that will be held here this year.
That's the way to get MLS. SUPPORT THE STRIKERS!
Hate this as you will. If you don't do it, you are the jackasses that keep MLS away from here and somewhere else.
Support what we've got, or shut up!
I will not support any traffic run team. I will wait until a real owner. They totally suck.
Andy,
Then you'll never see an MLS team anywhere in SE Florida. The idea is not necessarily get MLS here for Traffic, but to show MLS that the support for an MLS exists. According to Garber MLS has been approached by several investors looking to have an MLS club. He said he'd bee glad to hook one up here IF THERE IS ANY SIGN OF SUPPORT. Understand that Traffic is a means to our end of acquiring an MLS team ASAP. Love it or not, they are our only lifeline right now. If you want MLS swallow your pride, or whatever else it may be, and help us get MLS.
SUPPORT THE STRIKERS.
Thanks for your help.
MLS will come here whether you support the joke of a league NASL or not. Traffic will kill soccer for you guys. That Aaron is a moron.
Many are against calling the team FT Lauderdale Strikers.
Don't underestimate the power of the Cosmos brand. We're a retailer in the UK and are spending big in stocking the Cosmos kit and they don't even have a team!! It's a bit mad but I know MLS are missing a big trick in not embracing the Cosmos
As an aside, I watched the TB Rowdies in Tampa in 82. Loved it!!
Are we going to see some top European players ?
Love to see some of these scenes back in the game
http://www.kitbagdigitalcatalogues.com/nycosmos/2011/
The passion comes through!
This is a cool idea and all, I hope NY Cosmos can come together and reestablish themselves but in the MLS. I don't think for one minute that the MLS needs the Cosmos more than Cosmos needs MLS. First off, even with money, how could they sign big name players if their opponents are no name NASL clubs? MLS has grown up quite a bit, and the Cosmos could enrich that growth but to say that one team is bigger than the league itself is exactly what mentality lead to the demise of the NASL 30 years ago. Not so great of an idea if you really think about it.
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