Seasoned sports executive brings over 30 years of leadership experience, deep New England roots to Rhode Island FC and Centreville Bank Stadium
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (Oct. 26, 2026) – Today, Rhode Island FC and Centreville Bank Stadium announced the hiring of Lou DePaoli as President of Business Operations, marking the next step in the advancement of the club and award-winning stadium. DePaoli brings more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across professional sports, with a track record spanning Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League and American Hockey League, alongside a longstanding connection to New England.
DePaoli joins Rhode Island FC and Centreville Bank Stadium following a five-year tenure as President of General Sports Worldwide, a global full-service sports agency. Throughout his career, DePaoli has helped professional sports organizations strengthen business operations, grow franchise value and develop high-performing teams, combining strategic leadership with a focus on innovation, data-driven decision-making and best practices.
“Lou’s incomparable experience across Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League is a further testament to the platform that we are building at Rhode Island FC and Centreville Bank Stadium,” said Rhode Island FC Co-Founder and Chairman Brett Johnson. “Attracting someone of Lou’s pedigree, track record and gravitas reaffirms our commitment to build on our unprecedented success on and off the pitch since opening our award-winning stadium. Lou understands the sports business from multiple perspectives, from professional teams and leagues to stadium operations. His experience, combined with longstanding ties to New England, makes him the ideal fit as we continue to build on our foundation, strengthen our business and pursue our ambitions for the future.”
The hiring of DePaoli unites the club and stadium under one President for the first time, with a focus on growing the organization’s presence across the region while continuing to establish Centreville Bank Stadium as the Ocean State’s premier destination for sports and entertainment.
“I am excited to join Rhode Island FC and Centreville Bank Stadium and work alongside the team to build on the strong foundation already in place,” said DePaoli. “This is a passionate sports market with tremendous potential. I have spent much of my life in New England, and I understand what sports mean to this region. With committed ownership and a state-of-the-art stadium, there is an incredible opportunity to continue strengthening our regional footprint. I look forward to working alongside our staff, partners and the wider community as we shape the future of Rhode Island FC and Centreville Bank Stadium.”
In his most recent role as President of General Sports Worldwide, DePaoli led a division he established to help sports properties around the world improve their businesses through strategic insights, data analysis, executive recruitment and professional development. He previously served as Executive Vice President overseeing Business Operations and Ballpark Operations for the New York Mets and Citi Field, as well as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He also held the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Atlanta Spirit – holding company of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team, Atlanta Thrashers NHL team and State Farm Arena.
Earlier in his career, DePaoli was an original member of the NBA’s Team Marketing and Business Operations department, where he served as Vice President and helped establish an internal consulting model focused on sharing best practices and driving innovation across the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League. His experience also includes roles with the Florida Marlins and Worcester IceCats, the Massachusetts-based American Hockey League franchise he helped launch in 1994.
DePaoli also holds a personal connection to the region. A University of Massachusetts Amherst graduate, he attended Danbury High School in Connecticut and has spent more than half his life in New England, including 10 years in the Blackstone Valley. With family ties across the region and a career that began in Worcester, he understands the strength of the local sports community and the passion of its fans.
For Rhode Island FC news and updates, visit rhodeislandfc.com, subscribe to the club’s monthly newsletter, and follow RIFC on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and LinkedIn.
For Centreville Bank Stadium news and updates, visit centrevillebankstadium.com and follow the stadium on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
