The New York Cosmos defeated the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the finals on September 21 to win the championship.
Three North Americans were required to be among the eleven playing in the match for each team, up from two during the previous season.
The winners of each successive round would be reseeded within the conference by regular season point total, regardless of first-round seeding.
In 1979 and 1980, if a playoff series was tied at one win apiece, a full 30 minute mini-game was played.
[5] 1980 NASL Champions: New York Cosmos 1980 Official North American Soccer League Guide.