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Yael Averbuch West has been promoted within NJ/NY Gotham FC. The former center back has served as general manager and head of soccer operations since August 2021.
Now, Averbuch West will serve as president of soccer operations and “will continue leading all sporting aspects of the club,” meaning that she will retain her general manager role.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue leading our sporting vision at Gotham FC,” Averbuch West said, via a press release. “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.”
Since joining Gotham’s front office in 2021, the club has won two NWSL Championships (2023, 2025). Additionally, Gotham has recorded the most successful regular season in club history in 2024, recording a 17-5-4 record. The hardware continued with the first-ever Concacaf W Championship Cup trophy, which was earned in 2024 against Tigres UANL.
Gotham also announced that Mark Zarthar has been named the club’s president of business operations, while Ryan Dillon — who previously served as Gotham’s chief business officer since 2024 — will “be returning to Next 3 as chief growth officer.”
“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,” Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, the founder and CEO of Next 3 and Gotham FC governor and chair of the NWSL executive committee, said. “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.”
