photo of Aaron Maines

Aaron Maines

US Soccer Mktg Chief
adidas

Aaron Maines is currently the Director of Sports Marketing for US Soccer at adidas in Portland, OR.
Aaron made the move from LA to Portland in March of 2017. In his current role, he manages the Soccer
Sports Marketing team, responsible for all MLS Clubs and adidas contracted US soccer players (men and
women). Upon starting his new role, Aaron was tasked with finalizing the new MLS agreement for
adidas, which will begin in 2019. He also works directly with key MLS executives and Global to execute
major brand activations and initiatives.
Prior to working at adidas, Aaron was the Vice President of Global Soccer at Wasserman. He was
primarily responsible for developing Wasserman’s overall soccer related business in the domestic and
international marketplace. While at Wasserman, Aaron spent two years in London where he was
responsible for Wasserman’s international player activity between Europe and the US. While abroad he
developed a global network of Club and commercial contacts for the firm.
During his seven years at Wasserman (2009-2016) Aaron signed and represented 10 first round Super
Draft Picks, including 2012’s #1 overall pick Andrew Wenger (Montreal Impact), 2013’s #2 overall pick
Carlos Alvarez (Chivas USA) and 2016’s #4 overall pick Brandon Vincent (Chicago Fire). He successfully
negotiated over $13M in playing contracts; including the largest ‘Home Grown’ contract ever signed in
Major League Soccer (Gyasi Zardes, LA Galaxy). In addition, he also secured lucrative and innovative
endorsement opportunities for his clients off the field and brokered consulting agreements to help
European Clubs, brands and non-Wasserman agents successfully enter the US market.
Prior to joining Wasserman in 2009 Aaron spent three years at Nike, Inc. working as a Grassroots Field
Representative in the U.S. Soccer Sports Marketing Department. In this role Aaron was responsible for
managing Nike’s relationships with sponsored colleges and elite youth clubs throughout the central and
southern region of the United States. He was personally accountable for contract negotiation, execution
and fulfillment while also creating and executing Nike brand initiatives with other functions such as
sales, brand marketing, equipment and apparel, digital marketing and advertising. He also managed
Nike soccer hospitality events at the NCAA Men’s Final Four and Nike Friendlies.
Aaron honed his professional and athletic skills at Stanford University where he was a 4 year varsity
soccer letter winner, two-time Honorable Mention Pac-10 All Academic honoree and three-time
Department of Athletics Scholar Athlete Award winner. He participated in two consecutive NCAA Final
Fours and was a runner-up in the 2002 National Championship game. He graduated from Stanford
University in 2004 with a B.A. in American Studies.

[Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.]

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Events featuring Aaron Maines
Events featuring Aaron Maines