The Golden State Warriors are one of the most successful teams in NBA history. With multiple championships, star players, and a massive fan following, the Warriors have become one of the most valuable franchises in professional sports. But who actually owns the team? In this article, we will explore the ownership of the Golden State Warriors, focusing on the main owner, his background, and how he has helped shape the team’s success.
Who Owns the Golden State Warriors?
The Golden State Warriors are owned by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber through their investment group, Golden State Warriors, LLC. Lacob is the majority owner and controlling partner, while Guber serves as the executive chairman and minority owner.
Joe Lacob – The Majority Owner
Joe Lacob is the main owner of the Warriors and the person responsible for the team’s transformation into an NBA powerhouse.
Background and Early Career
- Full Name: Joseph Steven Lacob
- Born: January 10, 1956
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine and an MBA from Stanford University.
- Career: Lacob is a venture capitalist and a partner at Kleiner Perkins, one of the top venture capital firms in the world. He has invested in technology, healthcare, and sports businesses.
Purchasing the Warriors
- In 2010, Lacob and Guber purchased the Golden State Warriors for $450 million from Chris Cohan.
- Lacob had previously been a minority owner of the Boston Celtics, which gave him experience in NBA team ownership before taking over the Warriors.
- At the time of purchase, the Warriors were not a top team, but Lacob had a vision to turn them into one of the greatest franchises in NBA history.
Peter Guber – The Minority Owner and Executive Chairman
Peter Guber is a well-known entertainment executive who co-owns the Warriors.
Background and Career
- Full Name: Howard Peter Guber
- Born: March 1, 1942
- Education: Studied at Syracuse University and later earned an MBA and law degree from NYU.
- Career: Guber is the CEO of Mandalay Entertainment Group and has produced major Hollywood films such as Rain Man, Batman, and The Color Purple.
Role in the Warriors
- As executive chairman, Guber focuses on marketing, branding, and fan engagement.
- He played a key role in moving the Warriors to the new Chase Center arena in San Francisco, which opened in 2019.
- His entertainment background has helped improve the Warriors’ image and fan experience.
How Lacob and Guber Transformed the Warriors
Under their ownership, the Warriors went from being a struggling team to an NBA dynasty. Here’s how they did it:
1. Smart Draft Picks and Player Development
- Drafted Stephen Curry in 2009 (before buying the team, but built around him).
- Selected Klay Thompson in 2011 and Draymond Green in 2012.
- Signed Kevin Durant in 2016, which helped them win multiple championships.
2. Hiring the Right Coach
- In 2014, Lacob hired Steve Kerr as head coach, a move that led to immediate success.
- Under Kerr, the Warriors won NBA championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022.
3. Building a Strong Team Culture
- The Warriors focus on team chemistry, passing, and shooting, which has made them one of the most exciting teams to watch.
- They promote a winning culture, where players work together and have fun.
4. Moving to the Chase Center
- In 2019, the Warriors moved from Oracle Arena in Oakland to the Chase Center in San Francisco.
- The new stadium increased revenue and made the Warriors even more valuable.
How Much Are the Warriors Worth Today?
- The Warriors were bought for $450 million in 2010.
- Today, the team is worth over $7 billion, making it one of the most valuable franchises in the NBA.
Other Investors in the Warriors
While Lacob and Guber are the main owners, several other investors own smaller shares of the team, including:
- Chamath Palihapitiya – Tech investor and former Facebook executive.
- Nick Swinmurn – Founder of Zappos.com.
- Bruce Karsh – Billionaire investor.
References
To provide accurate information, here are some sources on the ownership of the Warriors:
| Source |
|---|
| NBA.com – Golden State Warriors |
| Forbes – Golden State Warriors Valuation |
| Joe Lacob’s Biography on Warriors Website |
| Peter Guber’s Profile |
| ESPN – Golden State Warriors News |
Conclusion
The Golden State Warriors are owned by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, who purchased the team in 2010. Since taking over, they have turned the Warriors into a winning dynasty, with multiple NBA championships and some of the greatest players in history. Lacob is a venture capitalist who focuses on the business and basketball side, while Guber is an entertainment executive who helps with marketing and branding. Together, they have built the Warriors into one of the most valuable and successful franchises in sports today.