Globally Recognized Sports and Entertainment Leader and Former NBA and Fanatics Executive Joins Leadership Team Following $10M Seed Round
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Pro Padel League (PPL), the world’s top professional padel league with 10 teams in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, today announced the appointment of Diane Gotua as Chief Commercial Officer. A globally respected leader across sports, entertainment, and commerce, Gotua brings two decades of experience driving global expansion, innovation, and revenue growth at the National Basketball Association (NBA), Fanatics and on Wall Street.
In her new role, Gotua will lead the PPL’s commercial strategy and execution across all revenue streams, including media rights, marketing partnerships, merchandise, licensing, hospitality, and franchise expansion. Working alongside CEO Mike Dorfman, Gotua will play an integral role in scaling the league’s business and cultural footprint.
“Diane brings a rare blend of global experience, commercial acumen, and deep credibility across sports, with brands, athletes, and fans,” said Dorfman. “She’s a visionary leader who understands how to build platforms that shape culture.”
“I’ve seen firsthand how sport becomes a global force when it’s fueled by culture – where athletes shape fashion, fandom drives commerce, and every moment becomes a story,” said Gotua. “Pro Padel has that same potential. We’re building more than a league. We’re creating a lifestyle brand rooted in community, innovation, and global relevance. It’s an incredible opportunity to join the PPL team to connect with fans in new ways and unlock value for partners who want to be part of something bold and meaningful.”
Gotua most recently served as Senior Vice President and Global Head of Strategy at Fanatics, where she led the development of the company’s enterprise data and loyalty strategy and “Fanatics Live,” the company’s live commerce platform. Prior to Fanatics, she spent nearly a decade at the NBA, most recently as Vice President of Global Business Operations and Strategy. There, she led international expansion efforts such as the launch of the Basketball Africa League, the formation of NBA Africa, and the league’s first-ever games in India.
Her early career includes leadership roles in global investment banking at Barclays and Lehman Brothers, as well as positions with the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. She earned an MBA at New York University.
Gotua joins the PPL at a moment of incredible momentum, following the league’s recently announced $10 million seed round led by Left Lane Capital. The appointment underscores the PPL’s commitment to building a world-class leadership team as it scales operations, partnerships, and fan-facing offerings in 2025 and beyond.
For more information on the Pro Padel League, visit www.propadelleague.com.
ABOUT PRO PADEL LEAGUE
Founded in 2023, the Pro Padel League (PPL) is the world’s top professional padel league with 10 teams in the United States, Canada, and Mexico comprised of the most talented male and female players in the world. The 2025 season will feature five international events, including three regular season competitions, an All-Star festival, and the PPL City’s Cup.
PPL events reach 300 million households across more than 100 countries via world-class distribution partners. All PPL events and matches can also be viewed globally on the PPL’s YouTube channel.
Contacts
Allison Otis, SRK Strategies, [email protected]
