27 Mar Beyond The Metrics: Scott Lewis, VP of Business Intelligence at New York City FC
At Zoomph, we champion the power of partnerships, marketing, business intelligence, and social media. Our Q&A series puts the spotlight on industry leaders, giving you an inside look at their expertise, strategies, and perspectives – beyond the metrics. Join us as we uncover valuable insights straight from the minds shaping the industry.
Scott Lewis, Vice President of Business Intelligence for New York City FC grew up in Orangeburg, NY, a small town just north of Manhattan. He attended UCLA, earning an undergraduate degree in Political Science. Before joining New York City FC, Lewis served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Business Intelligence at Zoomph.
What are your most important goals in your current role?
My primary goal is to empower my colleagues to be data-driven in their efforts to maximize our fan growth at the club and achieve revenue goals ahead of the opening of Etihad Park – our future home and New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium.
Share a professional accomplishment that you are extremely proud of:
Early on, when teams were just beginning to establish business intelligence departments, I was able to convince three teams to hire me as a one-person business intelligence function, allowing me to build out from there. Bonus answer for this question, I’m also a professor and I’ve had the opportunity to hire two of my students from past teams as well, so that’s a big accomplishment for me.
What is your favorite part about working in MLS and for New York City FC?
Right now, one of my favorite parts about working in soccer is the opportunity to be fully immersed in the golden age of soccer in the United States and New York City FC – especially with the World Cup arriving in 2026 and Etihad Park in 2027.
What is one skill you wish you learned earlier in your career and why?
Since moving to the soccer side, I wish I would’ve learned a second language fluently. Soccer is obviously known as a global sport and fluently speaking a second language would help me both appreciate the global nature and also enjoy the content other teams are producing worldwide.
What advice would you share with young professionals who want to work in the sports industry?
My advice would be to bring the same appetite to learn that you had in school, as you are going to get an unmatched opportunity to learn from incredible individuals no matter where you wind up.
What is your favorite part about working with Zoomph?
My favorite part about working with Zoomph is that it’s not just a platform – far from it. Zoomph is more of an extension of our team, always looking to expand our reach and ensure that as many departments within our club as possible are leveraging their insights.
Give a shout-out! Share a sports brand that deserves some extra recognition:
I’m a really big fan of what the Savannah Bananas are doing right now. Starting with Jesse Cole all the way down to the players and staff, their execution of providing entertainment in a new and creative way for sports fans is unmatched. Unfortunately, I haven’t been selected in the ticket lottery to see them in person, but hopefully one day soon!
What is your dream vacation spot?
I would love to visit Australia & New Zealand someday.
What is your favorite sports team and sports memory?
My favorite team is New York City FC, of course! My favorite sports memory would have to be Stephen Strasburg’s debut in June 2010 while I was working for the Nationals.
What was your first concert?
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. My first show was at Meadowlands Arena in 1992, and I also saw them in Ireland in 2003. I even have the ticket stubs from both shows!
