In a surprising off-ice development that has sparked a wave of reactions across South Florida and beyond, Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito has gone public with a new relationship just weeks after finalizing his divorce from longtime wife Julie Zito.
Zito, who has served as the Panthers’ GM since 2020 and has overseen one of the most successful stretches in franchise history, revealed the news in a candid interview with a local sports outlet Thursday morning. The announcement came unexpectedly, catching many fans—and even some within the organization—off guard.
Social media lit up with reactions ranging from stunned support to outright skepticism, as Panthers faithful expressed their thoughts on the timing and nature of the announcement.
“Man, I respect Zito for what he’s done for the team, but this feels way too soon. Just weird timing,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“As long as he keeps bringing us W’s, his personal life is his business,” wrote another user.
Zito, 60, had been married to Julie Zito for over two decades. The couple, who share three children, were often seen together at Panthers charity events and in the executive suites at Amerant Bank Arena. The sudden divorce, finalized quietly last month, had not been widely reported until today’s development thrust it into the public eye.
In the interview, Zito said, “Life changes, and sometimes those changes come unexpectedly. I have nothing but respect for Julie and everything we built together. This new chapter is personal, and I hope people can respect that.”
While the identity of Zito’s new partner has not been officially confirmed, several gossip blogs and local sources have speculated that it may be someone he met through mutual connections in the sports or entertainment industry.
For many fans, the news feels oddly timed as the Panthers gear up for a highly anticipated 2025–26 season after falling just short in last season’s Eastern Conference Finals. Zito has been credited with building a powerhouse roster, and his decisions in the front office have brought the Panthers into perennial contender status.
Still, the personal lives of sports executives rarely command this level of attention—unless, as one fan put it, “your team is winning and suddenly your GM becomes a celebrity.”
Neither the Florida Panthers organization nor Julie Zito has issued an official statement as of Friday afternoon.
