148 Chris Paolini on How the PWHL Uses Data to Fuel Growth

Chris Paolini is the Senior Director of Business Analytics for the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), where he leads the league's business intelligence and analytics strategy. After helping build the analytics function for the Carolina Hurricanes, Chris joined the PWHL to create a data-driven foundation for one of the fastest-growing leagues in professional sports.In this episode, Chris shares how the PWHL is building its analytics infrastructure from the ground up, using data to support ticket sales, fan engagement, expansion strategy, and league-wide decision-making. We also discuss the role analytics plays in supporting leadership, why storytelling is just as important as reporting, and how the league is preparing for its next phase of growth.If you're interested in sports analytics, emerging leagues, business intelligence, or the future of women's sports, this episode offers an inside look at how one of the industry's newest leagues is building for long-term success.