NWSL's Gotham FC appoint Mark Zarthar as president

Gotham FC have confirmed leadership changes designed to support the NWSL club’s next growth phase across football and business operations.Mark Zarthar has been appointed club president and will oversee all business functions, while long-time general manager Yael Averbuch West has been promoted to president of soccer operations and will continue to lead sporting strategy.Ryan Dillon, who has served as chief business officer for the past two and a half years, will return to Next 3 as chief growth officer after helping drive a sharp commercial uplift during the club’s recent title run.Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, founder and chief executive of Next 3 and Gotham FC governor and chair of the NWSL executive committee, said: “From day one, our ambition has been bigger than winning championships alone – we are building one of the most iconic sports brands in the world and a club that helps define the future of women’s sports. To achieve that vision, we need exceptional leadership across every part of the organization.“Mark brings the experience, strategic and commercial mindset to help us accelerate our growth and deepen our connection with fans, partners and communities. Yael has built one of the premier soccer operations in the world and established a culture that consistently competes for trophies. "Together, this team positions Gotham FC to continue raising the standard both on and off the pitch as we enter our next chapter.”Zarthar joins from the NHL’s Florida Panthers, where he served as chief revenue officer, and will take responsibility for revenue, marketing, operations, finance and HR as Gotham FC look to convert competitive success into sustained business scale in the New York market.Zarthar said: “I’m honored to step into this role and continue building Gotham FC into a leading global brand. This club has incredible momentum, and I’m excited to work alongside our leadership team to deepen our connection with fans, partners and the broader community while driving long-term growth.”Averbuch West’s promotion formalises a structure that separates sporting and business leadership while keeping continuity over football operations that have delivered multiple trophies and a deeper talent pipeline.Averbuch West said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue leading our sporting vision at Gotham FC. We are building something truly special, and our focus remains on competing for championships while developing an environment where players and staff can perform at the highest level.”Dillon’s departure marks the end of a period when Gotham FC accelerated commercial performance, with the club crediting him for tripling revenue, setting record attendance figures and landing NWSL-leading corporate partnerships.Dillon said: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together over the past two and half years. What started as an investment became a mission, and together we helped turn an investment thesis into a case study for what women’s sports can become, both commercially and culturally. The club’s best days are still ahead, and I’m excited to remain closely connected as Gotham FC enters its next chapter.”