Emirates announced as partner of New York Cosmos

On the 04/06/2012, Emirates, the Dubai-based airline announced a partnership with the US football team, the New York Cosmos.

The franchise will play in the minor league NASL (National American Soccer League) from the 03/08/2013. The Cosmos, whose honorary president is Pele, still hope to play in the MLS (Major League Soccer) in the future, despite the announcement of a second New York franchise, New York City FC on the 21/05/2013.

The contract contains an agreement with Emirates for the naming rights to a stadium if the Cosmos builds one in the future. According to Sports Illustrated on the 04/06/2013, the franchise hope to build a 25,000 seater stadium, at an estimated cost of €305m.

New York Cosmos will play at Hofstra University's M Shuart Stadium for the 2013/14 season.

Cosmos will be the eighth team in the NASL in 2013/14. The league attracted an average of 4,590 spectators in 2012/13. "We're hoping for an average attendance of between 5,000 and 10,000" says franchise owner, Seamus O'Brien.