At Cosmos media day, owner Rocco B. Commisso used the platform to mount broad criticisms of U.S. soccer governance, MLS’s promotion-relegation stance, the fan environment at Yankee Stadium, and the national team’s World Cup performance.

He signaled openness to a long-term stadium strategy for the Cosmos, but cautioned that a timeline could range from days to years.

Commisso proposed building a soccer-specific, privately financed 25,000-seat stadium in the New York area, with Belmont Park identified as a potential site and a price tag of about $450 million, suggesting he could fund or co-finance with the city or NYC FC.

He urged adoption of promotion-relegation in the United States, challenging MLS’s single-entity model and its long timelines, and argued the U.S. should follow European practice where investment does not guarantee top-division status.

Commisso highlighted Cosmos’ competitive stature with NASL title wins and pushed back against Minneapolis joining MLS, underscoring their own ongoing on-field rise.

He criticized Yankee Stadium as a subpar soccer viewing venue, pushing for a dedicated venue that brings fans closer to the action and signaling potential involvement in developing it with NYC FC or independently.

Commisso accused MLS owners, including Red Bulls and NYC FC owners, of not being local and questioned the Americanized, administered rules of U.S. soccer versus international norms.