Joseph 'Joe' Steven Lacob is an American business executive, the self-made billionaire Principal Owner, Co-Executive Chairman, and CEO of the Golden State Warriors (NBA) and the Golden State Valkyries (WNBA). Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1956, he grew up in a Jewish family and later moved to Anaheim, California.

Lacob holds degrees in Biological Sciences (UC Irvine, 1978), Public Health/Epidemiology (UCLA), and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. His career began in life sciences and medical technology at Cetus Corporation and FHP International. His philosophy centers on unconventional strategies, relentless competition, and winning through disciplined organizational excellence.

• Golden State Warriors (NBA) (Principal Owner & CEO): The core asset, the NBA franchise he acquired for $450 million in 2010, leading them to multiple NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022).
• Kleiner Perkins (Former Partner): He was a long-standing partner (since 1987) at the venture capital firm, focusing on life sciences, medical technology, and internet investments.
• Golden State Valkyries (WNBA) (Principal Owner): The WNBA expansion team he acquired (demonstrating commitment to women's sports).
• Sports Governance: He was a part-owner of the Boston Celtics before buying the Warriors.

Joe Lacob's strategic genius was his VC-style approach to sports ownership. In 2010, he led a group of investors to purchase the Golden State Warriors for $450 million (winning out over bidders like Larry Ellison), forcing him to sell his minority stake in the Boston Celtics. His structural contribution is tied to the modernization and exponential financial valuation of the Warriors franchise, driven by multiple NBA championships and setting NBA records for best regular season (73–9 in 2015–16).

His executive style is known for bold, sometimes ruthless, decisions (like firing Coach Mark Jackson after consecutive playoff seasons) to drive organizational excellence. He now oversees the launch of the Golden State Valkyries (WNBA). His wealth is secured by the colossal, long-term, and immense appreciation of the Warriors franchise value (now valued in the billions).

Joe Lacob's social impact is structural, stemming from the Warriors' role as a major civic asset for the Bay Area and a global sports brand. The franchise's philanthropic arm supports various community and educational initiatives. His venture capital career provided essential funding for the growth of life sciences and medical technology companies (e.g., Align Technology, NuVasive).

His structural contribution is tied to his role in revolutionizing professional basketball team valuation and management through a disciplined, high-technology-focused approach.

Joe Lacob maintains the professional, high-energy style of a venture capitalist and sports owner. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored suits. His aesthetic reflects his confidence, his VC background, and his mastery of organizational excellence.

Residing in Atherton, California, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to sports management, venture capital investment, and the long-term stewardship of his championship-winning franchises.