Nicole Barbour

VP, Partnership Development

Meet Nicole Barbour — VP, Partnership Development 💙⚡️

With a Sports Management degree from the University of the Pacific and a career built through hands-on experience in minor league baseball, the WNBA, and the Golden State Warriors, Nicole Barbour’s journey in sports business is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and passion. From opening the Chase Center to leading major partnerships like the jersey deal with Rakuten, her career highlights reflect her ability to think big and execute with excellence.

Nicole credits her growth to supportive leadership, strong mentors, and a personal commitment to balance—something she says is different for everyone. Her advice? Make your own rules, know your priorities, and never be afraid to speak up or seek feedback.

Beyond her role, Nicole finds fulfillment in family, especially being a role model for her daughters, and in the community she’s built inside and outside the arena. She’s proud to work for an organization whose ownership truly values people, family, and growth—values she lives by every day.

Thank you, Nicole, for showing that leadership in sports is about more than results—it’s about community, collaboration, and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.

-Zara

Please describe your role and responsibilities at that position?

Ceo corporate partners: works with the partnerships and sponsorships. Around 20 people

What did you study in college and how did your educational background shape your career in the sports industry?

Studied sports management (University of the Pacific); did a lot of internships (minor league baseball, WNBA) stated with an internship at the GSW.

Can you share the key milestones in your career that led you to your current position in the sports industry?

Not one specific key milestone;  but a timeframe. Her experience opening the building (chase center)And her jersey partnership with Rockatan. Her great experiences are what  shaped her.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the sports business, and how have you overcome them?

She has very supportive leadership and people who she works for. She learned that she needs to create a balance and that it is different for everyone: “a book called Where your feet are” by scott oneal really helped her find it.

Have you had mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career? How important is mentorship for women in the sports business?

She has had different mentors at different times who played different roles.

Ex bosses career wise, her mom is a huge mentor, and some other women in the industry. Big fan of books and podcasts (loves that she doesn’t know them and they don’t know her)

In a male-dominated industry, do you feel women are given equal opportunities? What steps do you think can be taken to promote gender equality in the sports business?

The industry is changing over the last 18 years. It has changed a lot and Golden State has done a great job. She thinks everyone can showcase and highlight everyone’s work. Understand that being the best is also highlighting everyone else’s work.

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you find most fulfilling, and how do you hope to contribute to the industry’s growth and positive impact?

Enjoys the games and watches Stephen Curry play, has championship rings and takes her kids to them. Ownership reallyyyy matters. The biggest flex is that she works for the ownership she has, they keep growing and are truly a family. 

-At the same time they have to jungle a lot. They do a lot but manage a lot of different things.

What advice do you have for young women like me aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

Make connections, reach out to people, and when you get your chance always try to do more. Be outspoken and make sure people know you’re there. Don’t wait for someone to give you a review and ask for one. Don’t be scared of feedback. DOnt wait for it go out and get it.

What is your long-term personal goal that you still want to achieve both business wise and personal?

Goal is to keep learning and challenging herself. Be a strong role model for her daughters and provide them with great opportunities.