#nycosmos

PHOTO: BINJE Editor Tom Bergeron led fireside chat with Cosmos owner Baye Adofo-Wilson during Countdown to World Cup event Sunday at Stockton University’s campus in Atlantic City.

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Tom Bergeron August 25, 2025

Adofo-Wilson detailed how the new Cosmos came about, how he and the team hope to be able to benefit from the World Cup – and how he thought areas such as Atlantic City can benefit – during a 40-minute conversation led by BINJE editor Tom Bergeron.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

On restoring Hinchliffe Stadium:

Adofo-Wilson led a $103-million restoration effort to a historic stadium in Paterson that had fallen into disrepair and had been closed since 1997. Once the home of Negro League games, the renovation (which concluded in 2023) included a museum dedicated to Hinchliffe’s storied history. And while baseball was a big part of that history, the shape of the field is better suited for football and soccer.

On how the Cosmos came about:

A representative of Rocco Commisso, one of the richest people in New Jersey and the owner of the Cosmos name and licensing (there was attempted revival in 2013-20), was impressed with the renovation and the great care Adofo-Wilson took in honoring the past. As part of the deal to give up the naming rights, Commisso will be a minority owner in the club and Adofo-Wilson will build a museum to honor the Cosmos.

On the challenges of being the caretaker of what still is one of the most revered international club names:

Adofo-Wilson said protecting its trademark, globally, is a challenge because each country may have different rules regarding the issue. That being said, the notoriety and immediate branding that comes with the name is well worth it. Adofo-Wilson said he hears from older fans who have fond memories of the team’s glory years and want to share that experience with their own kids.

On the long-term potential of the Cosmos:

The Cosmos will compete in levels of competition below Major League Soccer, the country’s house league. But MLS is expected to soon introduce a relegation system (the standard of leagues around the world) in which teams can move up and down in leagues depending on their success.

On how the Cosmos will attempt to benefit from the World Cup:

Adofo-Wilson said the long-term goal is to have a soccer infrastructure in place. In other words, when the excitement for the sport is at its greatest, to have something to offer fans after the event is over (whether it is games to see or camps and clinics to participate in). During the event, Adofo-Wilson said the team certainly will have watch parties and other activities at Hinchliffe.

On how other areas and municipalities (including Atlantic City) can take advantage of the World Cup:

Adofo-Wilson noted that Atlantic City, with its numerous public gathering places, would be a great place for watch parties. More than that, the entertainment opportunities and fun at the Shore could be marketed as non-game day activities to fans attending games in both North Jersey and Philadelphia.

Being in a position to take advantage of this opportunity is what Penaranda and others have been preaching for more than a year. He noted the newly opened ByrdCage in Atlantic City, which was a vendor at the event.

The goal, Penaranda said, is to help the mom-and-pop shops that missed out on the Super Bowl coming to the Meadowlands to take advantage of this month-long opportunity.

“Our goal is to make sure that every business and organization has the opportunity to at least benefit from the $3 to $4 billion with a B that’s going to hit New Jersey — whether you like soccer or not,” he told the crowd.

“The World Cup starts June 11 and ends July 19, that’s the middle of the summer. People are going to be hot. They’re going to want things to do. They’re going to want to eat. They’re going to want to travel around the state.

“That’s why these Countdown to the World Cup events and the corresponding World Cup 101 information sessions are happening in New Jersey.”