Gotham FC owner Carolyn Tisch Blodgett on using AI and fandoms to build a New York brand

Gotham FC’s brand-building strategy

Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, governor and lead owner of Gotham FC, is positioning the club as a breakout brand in New York’s sports landscape. In an interview with Business Insider, she outlined her approach to leveraging marketing, fandoms, and AI technologies to grow the club’s presence and commercial appeal.

Tisch Blodgett’s strategy reflects her background in marketing, which she described as invaluable for shaping the business side of sports. Her approach includes cultivating a loyal fanbase and integrating AI tools to enhance engagement and operations.

The discussion was part of Business Insider’s The Long Play series, which explores long-term strategies in business and sports. Nathan McAlone, Business Insider’s deputy editor for media and advertising, conducted the interview.

AI and marketing in sports

Tisch Blodgett’s emphasis on AI technologies aligns with broader trends in sports and business. Earlier reporting from LazyFounder highlighted how companies are integrating AI agents into workflows, though with mixed implications for workplace dynamics and accountability. For example, Deutsche Telekom replaced traditional phone menus with AI agents across Europe, signaling a shift toward automation in customer interactions.

The intersection of AI and marketing is also evolving. While Tisch Blodgett focuses on using AI to strengthen fandoms and brand loyalty, concerns about AI safety and oversight persist. A recent resignation from OpenAI’s safety team underscored risks associated with rapid AI development, a contrast to the controlled adoption seen in Gotham FC’s strategy.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Tisch Blodgett’s approach to Gotham FC offers a playbook for founders and operators looking to build sports or lifestyle brands with limited resources. Her focus on fandoms and AI isn’t about chasing trends—it’s a deliberate strategy to create a competitive edge in a crowded market. For founders, this signals that technology and community-driven marketing can be as critical as athletic performance in building a sustainable brand.

The use of AI here is practical, not experimental. Unlike the high-risk AI development cautioned by former OpenAI researchers, Gotham FC’s adoption appears measured, suggesting that founders can incorporate AI without overhauling their entire operations. This story also underscores the value of marketing expertise in traditionally non-marketing domains, like sports ownership. Operators in other industries might take note: domain knowledge alone isn’t enough—understanding how to engage audiences and monetize that engagement is increasingly essential.

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