NJ/NY Gotham FC Thursday announced that it had hired Andrea Pagnanelli as its Chief Business Officer.
Pagnanelli joined general manager Yael Averbuch West and assistant general manager Stephanie Lee in Gotham FC’s woman-led front office.
A former NCAA Division I soccer player and graduate of Brown University, Pagnanelli is an experienced executive with a 15-year track record in the sports industry. She has held roles in the NFL, NBA, MLS and at Relevent Sports has been named one of Forbes’ 30 under 30, and was honored as a “Woman of Influence” by the New York Business Journal.
“As a former soccer player, it’s an honor to join the Gotham FC family and I’m thankful to ownership for placing their trust in me,” Pagnanelli said in a statement. “It’s an exciting time to join the club. All the tools are in place for continued, exponential growth. I am beyond excited to help this team reach its maximum potential in the New Jersey and New York markets.”
Prior to joining the National Women’s Soccer League club, Pagnanelli focused on growing soccer domestically and internationally with the MLS’ Los Angeles Football Club and Relevent Sports. At LAFC, Pagnanelli served as the executive vice president of venue and event strategy, where she oversaw all events, including concerts, festivals, sporting events and conferences, at Banc of California Stadium. At Relevent Sports, she was responsible for activities related to the annual marketing plan, brand strategy, ticketing, social media, sponsorship activation, and digital execution for the International Champions Cup.
“Andrea is an absolute rock star with a resume that speaks for itself,” Gotham FC vice chair Ed Nalbandian said in a statement. “She’s extraordinarily well-versed in the business of soccer and has an incredible drive and passion for growing the game. She’ll be an invaluable addition to our organization and I’m excited to welcome her to the family.”
