The New York Cosmos and the Stonewall Inn have announced a historic partnership, naming the Cosmos as the Official Soccer Club of Stonewall Inn and bringing together two iconic organizations rooted in New York culture, identity, and community. 

The partnership was formally announced during a joint press conference held Monday afternoon at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. In attendance were Baye Adofo-Wilson, Chairman and Managing Partner of the New York Cosmos, Kurt Kelly, Owner of Stonewall Inn, Stacy Lentz, Partner of Stonewall Inn, and Gus Penaranda, CEO of Evolvere Consulting Inc. Members of the media, supporters, and community leaders also gathered for the announcement recognizing the significance of the collaboration between the two historic institutions. 

Also in attendance were members of the New York Ramblers, the world’s first openly gay soccer club founded in 1980 in New York City. For more than four decades, the organization has created a welcoming and inclusive community through soccer while working to break down stereotypes surrounding LGBTQ+ athletes in sport. 

More than a partnership tied to a single match, the collaboration represents a broader commitment to visibility, inclusion, and engagement with the LGBTQ+ community throughout North Jersey and New York City. Through Pride Night programming and future participation in events connected to Stonewall Inn, the Cosmos aim to create meaningful spaces for connection through sport, culture, and community. 

“We made the decision to partner with the Stonewall Inn because, in this moment, when there is so much movement away from diversity, equity, and inclusion, we believe it is important not to run away from it, but to embrace it,” said Baye Adofo-Wilson, Majority Owner and Managing Partner of the New York Cosmos. “As we begin this partnership as the official soccer club of the Stonewall Inn, we are building more than just a collaboration. We are building friendships, relationships, excitement in sports and entertainment, and a foundation rooted in love.” 

“It is an honor to partner with the New York Cosmos soccer team,” said Kurt Kelly, Owner of Stonewall Inn. “Stonewall, to me, means strength in numbers. Every time you put a rock on that wall, we get stronger and stronger as a community, and no one, no matter who you are or what you are, will knock that wall down. As of today, the New York Cosmos have been put on the wall and are now part of the Stonewall Inn.” 

“It is an exciting day because we need to remember that inclusion is a team sport, and sports have the ability to unite us across race, gender, who we love, and how we identify and express ourselves,” said Stacy Lentz, co-owner of the Stonewall Inn. “Sports have always been a unifier, especially in times like this when the world feels divided. A partnership between the iconic Stonewall Inn, which represents the global birthplace of the LGBTQ+ movement, and the Cosmos, who represent New York during this global World Cup season, is an exciting opportunity to show that inclusion in sports matters. This partnership sends a message to the LGBTQ+ community that you belong, and we cannot wait to celebrate this partnership at the Cosmos Pride Night on June 6.” 

The Cosmos will host Pride Night on Saturday, June 6 at Hinchliffe Stadium against Hartford Athletic. The match will celebrate inclusion and representation while bringing together supporters, local organizations, artists, and members of the LGBTQ+ community for a night centered around visibility, unity, and belonging. 

During Pride Night, Cosmos players will wear a limited-edition Pride warm-up top designed by Rich Tu, the artist behind the official New York/New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026 poster. The design reflects the spirit of individuality, creativity, and community that the evening represents. 

The announcement reflects the Cosmos’ broader mission to serve and represent the communities that shape North Jersey and New York City through sport, culture, and entertainment. 

Community. Club. Cosmos.