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HARRISON, N.J. (January 13, 2022) – NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League is pleased to announce Andrea Pagnanelli as the club’s Chief Business Officer. Pagnanelli joins General Manager Yael Averbuch West and Assistant General Manager Stephanie Lee in Gotham FC’s woman-led front office.
A former D-1 soccer player and graduate of Brown University, Pagnanelli is an experienced executive with a 15 year track record of success in the sports industry. She has held roles in the NFL, NBA, MLS, and at Relevent Sports; 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,” said Pagnanelli. “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 Gotham FC, Pagnanelli focused on growing the game of soccer domestically and internationally with the MLS’ Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and Relevent Sports. At LAFC, Pagnanelli served as the Executive Vice President of Venue & 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 all 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,” said Club Vice Chair Ed Nalbandian. “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.”
Pagnanelli started her career with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns before accepting a front office position with the NFL’s New York Jets. The Jets promoted Pagnanelli to Group Sales Manager when she was 23 years-old, making her the youngest head of group sales in the NFL. She left the Jets in 2012 to start her own company, LeapSeats, which provided an in-venue seat upgrade app for fans. She currently sits on the board of the Super Soccer Foundation and on the advisory board for Fan Compass.
Kristin Bernert, Interim Head of Business Operations for Gotham FC, led the search as part of the talent recruitment arm of KB2 Sports, which will continue to partner closely with Gotham FC in an advisory capacity.
Fans can secure their spot in line for 2022 Season Tickets by placing a $100 deposit via GothamFC.com. Membership benefits include tickets to all Gotham FC regular season home games, priority access for playoff tickets, merchandise discounts, exclusive Members only events, and much more.
About NJ/NY Gotham FC:
Originally named Sky Blue FC, the Club underwent a major rebrand in April 2021 and officially changed its name to NJ/NY Gotham FC. Representing New Jersey and New York, the Club plays its National Women’s Soccer League home matches at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. The Club has been part of the NWSL since the league launched in 2013. Founded in 2007, Gotham FC originally debuted as Jersey Sky Blue in the W-League of United Soccer Leagues. The Club won its first trophy as Sky Blue FC in 2009 after winning the inaugural Women’s Professional Soccer championship. Most recently, Gotham FC played in the 2021 Challenge Cup Final against the Portland Thorns, the Club’s first ever championship appearance in NWSL competition.
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