Joe Lacob knows how to build a winner-and now, he might be eyeing his next big challenge: Major League Baseball.
The longtime Golden State Warriors owner, who’s helped shape one of the NBA’s modern dynasties, is reportedly open to exploring a potential purchase of the San Diego Padres. According to a recent report, an NBA source said the 69-year-old Lacob is “always interested in looking into new opportunities,” and the Padres could be one of them.
This wouldn’t be Lacob’s first attempt to break into MLB ownership. He previously launched a bid for the Oakland A’s two decades ago and expressed interest in acquiring the Los Angeles Angels in 2022. Last year, when asked about the possibility of buying the A’s, Lacob didn’t shy away from the idea.
“They’re not a team that’s for sale,” he said at the time. “If they were, sure we’d be interested.
We’d be fools not to. It’d be a potentially great opportunity, but they’re not.”
That mindset-always on the lookout for the next big move-is part of what’s made Lacob one of the most successful owners in sports. Under his leadership, the Warriors have captured four NBA titles with Stephen Curry at the helm and built a culture rooted in innovation, data-driven decision-making, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He also owns the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest expansion team, further signaling his desire to invest in winning organizations across the sports landscape.
Lacob’s net worth is estimated at $2.3 billion, per Forbes, giving him the financial firepower to make a serious run at a franchise like the Padres.
And let’s be clear: San Diego isn’t just any team. Under the late Peter Seidler, the Padres transformed into one of baseball’s most aggressive spenders, signaling a commitment to contending that resonated deeply with the fanbase. If Lacob were to take over, he’d be inheriting a club with high expectations and a roster built to compete-something he’s no stranger to managing.
What makes Lacob particularly intriguing as a potential MLB owner is his singular focus. In 2022, he told the Point Forward Podcast, “I’m about only one thing the rest of my life and that’s winning and winning championships.
I’m maniacal, it’s all I care about. That’s it.”
That kind of intensity has fueled his success in the NBA. If he brings the same energy to the baseball diamond, the Padres-and their fans-could be looking at a bold new era.
Nothing is official yet, and there’s no indication a sale is imminent. But if Joe Lacob is circling the Padres, it’s worth paying attention.
He doesn’t just want to own teams-he wants to win with them. And history suggests he usually does.