Mike Golub
Welcome to the exclusive digital showcase of Mike Golub, a nationally recognized leader in the sports industry with a remarkable career. This platform is dedicated to showcasing his unwavering commitment to elevating sports organizations and his profound impact on the industry. Highlighting Mike’s significant contributions to the growth and success of sports teams and venues, as well as his deep dedication to community and philanthropic efforts, this space celebrates his continuous pursuit of excellence. Mike Golub takes pride in pushing the boundaries of sports innovation and in his heartfelt contributions to the communities he serves. With a strategic approach and a genuine commitment to making a difference, Mike is devoted to creating a lasting impact, enriching the sports world, and supporting those in need through mentorship, community service, and charitable initiatives.
About Mike Golub
Mike Golub stands as an icon in the sports industry, renowned for his visionary leadership and transformative impact on a wide array of sports organizations across the United States. Over the course of a career that spans decades, Mike Golub has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to build, grow, and elevate sports entities to the very top of their respective fields. His expertise encompasses all five major sports, both at the team and league levels, making him one of the most versatile and accomplished executives in the industry today.
In his current role as the President of Business for SlamBall, one of the hottest emerging sports, Mike Golub brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving significant revenue growth. SlamBall, a unique blend of basketball, football, and gymnastics, is poised for a resurgence under Mike’s leadership, leveraging his broad functional expertise to position the sport for long-term success. His ability to navigate the complex landscape of professional sports, combined with his innovative approach to business operations, ensures that SlamBall is in capable hands as it looks to capture the imagination of sports fans worldwide.
Mike Golub’s career is marked by an impressive range of accomplishments. He has operated highly successful teams and venues in both the country’s largest markets and in smaller, emerging sports markets. His ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments is a testament to his strategic vision and leadership capabilities. Perhaps most notably, Mike Golub has played a foundational role in the inception and growth of three major sports teams, launching them from the ground up and guiding them to become top performers in their respective leagues. His advisory role with Six Zero Pickleball, a leading pickleball paddle manufacturer, showcases his strategic acumen in supporting innovative sports equipment companies and promoting the growth of emerging sports like pickleball.
One of Mike Golub’s most significant achievements came during his 13-year tenure as the President of Business for the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns. The Portland Timbers, under Mike’s stewardship, developed one of the most passionate and loyal fan bases in all of sports. The team’s home games at Providence Park became renowned for their electric atmosphere, consistently ranking among the top five in Major League Soccer (MLS) across all business metrics. Despite being in one of the smaller markets in the league, the Timbers’ success on and off the field is a direct result of Mike’s innovative marketing strategies and fan engagement efforts.
Beyond team management, Mike Golub is also an active investor and advisor in the sports and technology sectors. He is an investor and board member of FanUp.ai, an AI start-up with patent-pending technology focused on creating individualized, AI and data-driven fan experiences. This role reflects his commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance fan engagement and experience. Additionally, Mike serves on the board of the Edmonton Stingers, a professional basketball team, further broadening his impact on the sports landscape.
In addition to his work with the Timbers and Thorns, Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit has led to the development of significant sports infrastructures. He played a pivotal role in the construction of the FedEx Forum, a major NBA arena, and Providence Park, home to both the Timbers and Thorns. These venues are not just places where games are played; they are integral parts of the communities they serve, embodying the passion and energy that Mike brings to every project he undertakes.
Mike’s influence extends beyond individual teams and venues. He was a driving force behind the first NBA team relocation in 18 years, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex, high-stakes situations with ease. His work with Nike’s Sports Entertainment division further showcased his ability to innovate and think outside the box. At Nike, Mike Golub collaborated with some of the biggest names in sports, including Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, to create new opportunities and revenue streams for the brand.
As the head of the NBA’s Events Division, Mike Golub managed a team of 30 professionals in New York and Tokyo, overseeing some of the league’s most high-profile events. He played a crucial role in expanding the NBA All-Star Game, introducing new elements like the NBA Fan Fest and the Skills Challenge, which have since become staples of the event. Mike also helped launch and operate the NBA Opening Games in Japan, bringing the excitement of NBA basketball to a global audience. His work with the Dream Team and the WNBA’s inaugural business plan further underscores his ability to drive innovation and growth in the sports industry.
Revenue growth has been a central pillar in Mike’s body of work. Throughout his career, he has helped generate hundreds of millions of dollars in sponsorship deals, including securing $90 million and $50 million in naming rights partnerships. Mike’s knack for identifying and nurturing strategic partnerships has significantly contributed to the financial success and brand recognition of the organizations he has worked with. His leadership in marketing and fan engagement has not only sustained high demand for tickets but also fostered more passionate and loyal fan bases, ensuring the long-term success of the teams he has led.
Ticket sales have always flourished under Mike’s leadership. During his tenure with the Portland Timbers, the team sold out every match since entering MLS, achieving one of the longest sellout streaks in league history. Additionally, the Timbers hold the MLS record for renewal rates and continue to maintain a waiting list for season tickets, with their season ticket base capped at 20,500. This success is a testament to Mike’s ability to create and maintain a strong, vibrant fan community.
Mike’s commitment to harnessing the power of sports for social good is central to his personal and professional ethos. He believes that sports have the unique, powerful ability to bring people together and create positive change in communities. Throughout his career, Mike has led best-in-class community programs and philanthropic initiatives, earning national recognition for his organizations’ groundbreaking work. The Portland Timbers and Thorns, under Mike’s leadership, were nominated for the ESPN Sports Humanitarian Award and named MLS Community Team of the Year for three consecutive years. During his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies, Mike helped create the Grizzlies House at St. Jude Children’s Hospital and forged an innovative and enduring partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum.
Perhaps Mike’s proudest legacy is represented by the relationships he has cultivated and maintained throughout his career. He is deeply fortunate to have lifelong friends across the sports sphere and beyond. Mike Golub has always believed that you can lead with compassion and dignity while still achieving success in a highly competitive environment. The organizations he has led consistently produce individuals who go all-in, work hard while having fun, and achieve personal growth along their professional journeys.
Mike’s contributions to the sports industry have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He is a two-time recipient of Major League Soccer’s Executive of the Year award and has been named among Portland’s 50 most influential people. Additionally, he has earned a place on the list of the State of Oregon’s 25 most influential people in sports 12 times.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mike is committed to sharing his knowledge and insights with the broader community. He has been a guest lecturer at many prestigious universities, including Stanford Business School, Harvard Business School, Columbia, Dartmouth, and the University of Oregon. He also taught a bi-annual class on women’s soccer at the Football Business Academy in Geneva, underscoring his dedication to advancing the sports industry through education and mentorship.
Mike’s commitment to service extends to his involvement in various private and nonprofit boards of directors. He has served on the Board of Regents of the University of Portland, the Board of Directors of Oregon Public Broadcasting, and the Board of Directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He is also the immediate past president of the Portland Business Alliance and currently serves as a vice chair of the board of directors for Recycleballs, a national non-profit, further demonstrating his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the sports world.
Mike Golub holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, where he served on the Alumni Advisory Board. He currently resides in Henderson, Nevada, with his wife, Sam, and their dog, Clarence. Together, they enjoy hiking, exploring the culinary scene, practicing yoga, playing pickleball, attending theater performances, and traveling. Mike’s diverse interests and commitment to personal growth mirror the values he has championed throughout his illustrious career, making him not only a leader in the sports industry but also a respected figure in his community.
Thank you for visiting the online showcase of Mike Golub, a nationally recognized leader in the sports industry with an extraordinary career. Mike’s career is a testament to his unparalleled expertise in sports management and leadership, where he has played a pivotal role in driving significant successes across multiple sports organizations. His dedication extends beyond his professional achievements to making substantial contributions to community service and philanthropy. As a committed mentor, philanthropist, and community leader, Mike Golub has consistently applied innovative strategies and demonstrated unwavering dedication to fostering the growth of sports and supporting those in need. His approach combines deep professional knowledge with a heartfelt commitment to social responsibility, aiming to make a lasting impact on both individual lives and the broader sports community.
Mike Golub is an investor and board member of FanUp.ai, an AI start-up with patent-pending technology that is building a future with individualized, AI and data-driven fan experiences
Mike Golub is on the board of the Edmonton Stingers professional basketball team
Mike Golub is a senior advisor to Six Zero Pickleball, one of the leading pickleball paddle manufacturers in the world