Mike Golub is an award-winning, nationally recognized leader in the sports industry who’s helped steward highly successful entities across the spectrum of properties and markets.
He’s the founder and head of Bottlenose Sports, the president of business for SlamBall and a board director for Recycleballs.
Mike Golub…
is a highly esteemed figure in the sports industry who has significantly contributed to the success of various sports organizations across different markets and properties throughout his illustrious career. Mike Golub’s innovative leadership has propelled organizations to industry-leading positions. His extensive experience and impressive revenue growth skills are particularly noteworthy.
Throughout his career, Mike Golub has contributed substantially to all five major sports, working at both team and league levels. Mike Golub has played a pivotal role in operating teams in both large and small markets and established and emerging sports markets. His achievements include founding three sports teams from scratch, all of which have become highly successful, and enhancing the business operations of some of the most iconic and longstanding teams and brands in the sports world.
Mike's expertise as a business developer is exemplified in his role as President of Business Operations for the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns. He was instrumental in formulating and executing the launch strategies for both teams in 2011 and 2013, respectively, leading them to become some of the most successful franchises in sports. The Timbers, mainly, are celebrated for their vibrant fan base, electrifying stadium atmosphere, and consistent top-tier business performance, even in a relatively small market. The team has received numerous nominations and awards, including being a finalist for the Sports Team of the Year by the Sports Business Journal.
Mike Golub’s strategic vision extended to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), where he played a critical role in its inception and governance, contributing to the Portland Thorns' unprecedented success as a charter team. Under Mike Golub’s leadership, the Thorns have set records for attendance and revenue, becoming a model for professional women's sports teams worldwide.
Mike Golub has achieved a lot in his entrepreneurial career, including building large sports venues and leading significant sports relocations and launches. His efforts have helped the NBA expand globally through creative events and led to the successful relaunch of SlamBall, marking a new era in emerging sports. This has resulted in notable achievements in fundraising, media partnerships, and fan engagement.
Mike Golub believes that sports can be transformative for communities. Throughout his various tenures across different organizations, he has remained committed to impactful community programs and philanthropy, earning national recognition and awards for their contributions to society's betterment.
Mike Golub has built solid relationships and mentorships within the sports industry, focusing on compassionate and dignified leadership. His achievements, which include being named MLS Executive of the Year twice and being recognized as one of Oregon's most influential sports figures, are a testament to his significant impact on the industry.
Mike Golub is not only accomplished in his profession but he is also dedicated to education and community service. He has delivered lectures at prestigious institutions and served on the boards of various non-profits and educational organizations. Mike Golub holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Stanford University. He currently lives in Henderson, NV, with his wife Sam and their two dogs, where they enjoy various activities, including hiking and theater.