[NASL] It's not the New York soccer stadium everyone has been talking about, but the New York Cosmos announced they've initiated plans to build a 25,000-seat soccer stadium as part of the construction of an entertainment complex at Belmont Park. The Cosmos' announcement does not indicate which league would play in the stadium -- MLS or the NASL -- other than to say its would attract soccer games "around the world at an affordable price."

(Click here to view the Cosmos' stadium plans.)

The Cosmos are slated to play their first season in the NASL in the second half of its 2013 season. They have pursued MLS's 20th franchise, targeted for New York, but MLS has been working with New York City on building a soccer stadium in Queens. It is by no means assured that the Cosmos ownership group will be awarded the MLS franchise.

The proposed development, which was presented last week to New York State development authorities, will be privately funded and expected to cost more than $400 million. Belmont hosts the final leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, each June.

The Cosmos' goal is to break ground on their proposed stadium in 2014 and for the stadium to open in 2016.

“We plan to develop an iconic project for the region and build a state-of-the-art stadium that will make Nassau County and the entire region proud,” said Seamus O’Brien, Chairman and CEO of the New York Cosmos. “Belmont is an ideal location and a win-win for everyone involved. Nassau County and Elmont will realize much needed economic growth, and local residents will have a year-round premier destination they can call their own.”