Sixers Marketing Head Leaves for Philadelphia Union

Tim McDermott will lead the Major League Soccer team's business operations.

tim mcdermott union

Tim McDermott

From the frying pan into the fire?

The Philadelphia Union on Wednesday named Tim McDermott as their chief business officer. He comes from the 76ers, where he was chief marketing and innovation officer, and has previous experience working for the Eagles and the NHL’s Washington Capitals.

“Tim’s experience in the NFL, the NBA, and the NHL coupled with his knowledge of the Philadelphia market will enable him to serve as a tremendous business leader for the Union,” Philadelphia Union Chairman Jay Sugarman said in a statement.

McDermott said his goal is to provide Union fans with “the greatest experience in soccer.”

“I love the passion, strength, and energy of Union fans,” he said.

One thing McDermott’s old and new jobs have in common: Neither the Sixers nor the Union have been all that great on the court or field lately, requiring marketers to get creative in coming up with strategies to to attract game-goers.

“We want people to have a great time when they come to a game. We want them to scream and cheer and laugh all at the same time,” McDermott told Philly Mag in an interview last year. “We want you to come to the game, we want you to bring your family, and we want you to cheer and scream and laugh.”

McDermott’s brother, Sean, is defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, who are playing in this year’s Super Bowl.

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