Joe Lacob: Venture Capitalist Turned NBA & WNBA Owner

Joseph Steven Lacob (born January 10, 1956) epitomizes the successful merger of Silicon Valley entrepreneurship and sports leadership

From his early days in healthcare and venture capital to becoming the principal owner of both an NBA and a WNBA franchise, Lacob has reshaped the modern sports ownership landscape with strategic innovation and championship pedigree.

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Lacob’s Early Career and Business Ventures

Joe Lacob’s passion for business started at a young age.¹

After completing his education in biological sciences and public health, he began his career in the healthcare industry.

However, he later transitioned to the world of venture capital, where he made a name for himself as a successful investor.

Lacob’s foray into the sports industry began in 2006 when he purchased a minority ownership stake in the Boston Celtics. However, he soon sold his share to focus on his investment in the Golden State Warriors.

LeBron will join the Warriors

— Joe Lacob (@KambisRurt) December 10, 2021

Success with the Golden State Warriors

Since Lacob’s acquisition of the Warriors in 2010, the team has achieved unprecedented success, winning four NBA championships in a span of just six seasons. This success can be attributed to Lacob’s exceptional leadership and business acumen.

Under Lacob’s ownership, the Golden State Warriors have become a model franchise in the NBA.

The team’s impressive on-court success is mirrored by their off-court accomplishments, including the construction of a state-of-the-art arena in San Francisco.

Joe Lacob’s Biography

Joe Lacob’s story is a classic example of how hard work and perseverance can help you achieve your dreams.²

In this article, we will take a look at his journey from his childhood to becoming a successful businessman.

Early Life and Childhood of Joe Lacob

Joe Lacob was born on January 10, 1956, in New Bedford, Massachusetts. His parents, Sidney and Marlene, were hard-working individuals, with his father working at a local paper products company, while his mother worked at a supermarket.

Being born into a lower-middle-class family, Joe learned the value of hard work and determination from a very young age.

Passion for Basketball

Joe’s love for basketball started at a very young age. He was a huge fan of ‘The Boston Celtics’ and followed them religiously.

However, when he was 14 years old, his family moved to Anaheim, California, where he discovered a new favorite team – ‘Los Angeles Lakers.’ From then on, he supported the Lakers with the same enthusiasm as he did for the Celtics.

Education

Joe Lacob’s educational journey is an inspiring one.
After completing his high school, he enrolled himself at the ‘University of California,’ Irvine (UCI), where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in ‘Biological Sciences.’
Later, he completed his master’s degree in ‘Epidemiology’ from the ‘University of California,’ Los Angeles (UCLA).
His educational pursuits did not stop there; he went on to earn an MBA degree from the prestigious ‘Stanford Graduate School of Business.’
Joe Lacob’s professional journey started as a Senior Vice President of Marketing at a biotech firm, ‘FHP Inc.’
He later co-founded his venture capital firm, ‘Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers,’ and was actively involved in investing in start-ups.
He served as a director for many companies and was instrumental in helping them grow.
Golden State Warriors Joe’s career reached new heights when he purchased the ‘Golden State Warriors’ in 2010.
Under his leadership, the Warriors went on to win their first NBA championship in 40 years in 2015.
He was also instrumental in the construction of the ‘Chase Center,’ the Warriors’ new home stadium, in San Francisco.

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Golden State Warriors Owner

Joe Lacob began his career by working with several prominent corporations, including the Cetus Corporation, FHP International, and Booz, Allen, and Hamilton firm.

During this time, he gained extensive experience in the fields of technology, medical equipment, and life sciences.

Kleiner Perkins

In 1987, Lacob joined the investment firm Kleiner Perkins, where he became a partner. At Kleiner Perkins, he oversaw the company’s investments in a wide variety of industries, including sports ventures.

It was during this time that he gained a reputation for his keen business sense and ability to spot promising investment opportunities.

Investments in Sports Ventures

Joe Lacob has invested in numerous sports ventures throughout his career, including a minority stake in the Boston Celtics from 2006 to 2010.

However, he is perhaps best known for his ownership of the Golden State Warriors, a professional basketball team based in San Francisco.

In 2010, Joe Lacob and Peter Guber purchased the Golden State Warriors for a record-breaking $450 million. Since taking over the team, Lacob has worked tirelessly to turn the Warriors into a championship-caliber organization.

Under his ownership, the Warriors have won several NBA championships and have become one of the most successful teams in the league.

Joe Lacob’s Personal Life

Joe Lacob was previously married to Laurie, with whom he has four children. Despite their separation, he maintains a close relationship with his kids.

Moreover, he has been in a long-term relationship with Nicole Curran, who is also deeply involved in philanthropy.

Philanthropy and Community Work

Joe Lacob is a prominent philanthropist who has made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals. His contributions include providing scholarships to high school and college students, helping them pursue their education and achieve their dreams.

Apart from this, he also serves on the board of directors for several organizations, including ‘The Warriors Community Foundation.’

The foundation, in which his partner Nicole Curran is also a member, has donated millions of dollars to various causes, such as education, health, and youth development.

Balancing Personal Life and Philanthropy

Furthermore, he makes sure to spend quality time with his partner Nicole Curran, who shares his passion for philanthropy. Together, they strive to make a positive impact on the world and inspire others to do the same.

Joe Lacob’s personal life and philanthropy go hand in hand. His commitment to both has made him a successful businessman, a devoted family man, and a respected philanthropist.

He serves as an inspiration to many, proving that one can make a difference in the world while still maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

Joe Lacob’s Net Worth as of 2025

Joe Lacob, the majority owner of the Golden State Warriors, has made a name for himself as one of the most successful owners in NBA history.³

But his success isn’t limited to the basketball court – Lacob has also amassed an impressive net worth, with Forbes estimating his wealth at $1.5 billion as of 2025.

Investing in Sports

Lacob’s interest in sports started early, with investments in various sports projects including the American Basketball League.

However, it was his acquisition of a minority stake in the Boston Celtics in 2006 that really put him on the map.

Lacob’s timing was perfect, as he became part of the Celtics franchise just in time for their 2008 NBA Championship win.

The Acquisition of the Golden State Warriors

In 2010, Lacob partnered with Peter Guber and a group of investors to acquire the Golden State Warriors from their previous owner Chris Cohan for a whopping $450 million.

Lacob sold his share in the Celtics to gain majority ownership of the Warriors during the time of acquisition, a decision that has undoubtedly paid off.