Changes in Gotham FC's front office leadership are a good thing for the club | OneFootball

Over the last few years, NJ/NY Gotham FC has seen a lot of positive changes, especially for the better. The team has seen an increase in attendance, won a few trophies, including the most recent 2025 NWSL Championship win, broken some club records, and more. And now, there are some changes to the leadership in the front office.

Gotham FC announced on Friday the adjustment of three roles in the front office. As such, the team changed the role of a familiar face, allowed another to leave the team, and brought in someone new.

Yael Averbuch West is now the president of soccer operations after being the general manager and head of soccer operations. But Ryan Dillon, who is the chief business officer, is leaving the Bats to go back to Next 3 as the chief growth officer. But then, Mark Zarthar has taken on the vacant role of president of the team.

Gotham FC has changes in the leadership

Starting with the departure of Dillon, he has helped Gotham FC grow as a club and brand. He was also vital in the NJ/NY team's business growth. And now, he is leaving the club but sticking with owner Carolyn Tisch Blodgett in her sports investment group, Next 3.

Then, Averbuch West's change was considered a promotion. The team stated that she will still lead "all sporting aspects of the club." It makes it easy to wonder, though, who will become the next general manager since that is no longer a part of the former soccer player's title. Of course, since she is managing Gotham's sporting side, she will likely continue to do the job of the general manager.

The promotion is well deserved, even if it is just a title change. Averbuch West has led the Bats to the sporting success that they have had over the last few years. She also takes her job seriously, where she is transparent with the fans. Take the letter from the 2025 preseason that she wrote to the fans after the crazy exodus of players. She made sure the supporters knew what was going on and what the future was supposed to be like.

Finally, the final change to the leadership is the new president, Zarthar. He will lead the business side of the club after his time at the NHL's Florida Panthers as the chief revenue officer. This includes the "commercial strategy, including revenue, marketing, operations, finance and HR functions" of the team. He also worked for the Philadelphia Flyers and the Houston Astros.

The new Gotham president's vast experience with other sports will ideally help the Bats continue to grow. He can also have a unique perspective based on his time with the other teams.

As a whole, the changes likely point to more changes ahead. This is a positive step for the club, and it allows them to keep someone already in the front office and bring in someone new. Gotham FC should be in good hands as the team continues to grow in the NWSL.