BREAKING NEWS: Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has reached an agreement with team owner Joe Lacob on a deal for Dunleavy Jr. to purchase the franchise.
Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has reportedly reached an agreement with team owner Joe Lacob to purchase the franchise, marking one of the most significant shifts in ownership in recent NBA history and setting the stage for a fascinating new chapter in the organization’s storied legacy. The news has sent shockwaves throughout the basketball world, as Dunleavy Jr., who has been at the helm of the team’s front office for just over a year, will now be transitioning from decision-maker on player personnel to the ultimate decision-maker at the ownership level. This development not only raises questions about the future direction of the Warriors, but also offers a glimpse into the long-term vision that both Lacob and Dunleavy Jr. have for the team and its place in the NBA landscape.
For years, Joe Lacob has been one of the most prominent and influential owners in professional basketball. Taking over the franchise in 2010 alongside co-owner Peter Guber, Lacob spearheaded the Warriors’ transformation from a struggling, middle-of-the-pack team to a modern NBA dynasty. Under his ownership, the Warriors captured four championships in an eight-year span, revolutionized the way basketball is played with their emphasis on pace, space, and three-point shooting, and built an unparalleled culture of winning. Lacob has often said that his commitment was to keep the Warriors competitive for the long term, and now, by entering into a deal with Dunleavy Jr., it appears he is passing that mission on to someone he trusts to continue the franchise’s winning ways.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. is no stranger to basketball success. As a player, he spent 15 seasons in the NBA after being selected third overall by the Warriors in the 2002 draft. His career included stops in Indiana, Milwaukee, Chicago, Cleveland, and Atlanta, with his basketball IQ and professionalism widely respected throughout the league. After retiring in 2017, Dunleavy transitioned into front office work, joining the Warriors’ scouting department before steadily climbing the organizational ladder. In 2023, he was officially named general manager, taking over for Bob Myers, who had been instrumental in constructing the team’s championship rosters. In that role, Dunleavy quickly proved himself as a capable and forward-thinking executive, managing salary cap challenges, overseeing roster adjustments, and balancing the need to remain competitive in the short term while preparing for a post-Stephen Curry era.
The move to ownership represents a massive leap for Dunleavy Jr., both professionally and financially. While details of the purchase agreement between Dunleavy and Lacob have not yet been publicly disclosed, sources close to the situation suggest that the transaction is part of a long-term, phased transfer of majority ownership rights. This could mean that Lacob will retain a stake in the team for several years before Dunleavy takes full control, allowing for a smoother transition and maintaining stability in the franchise’s leadership during the process. Financially, the deal is expected to be monumental, as Forbes recently valued the Warriors at over \$8 billion, making them the most valuable team in the NBA. Even a partial stake in such a franchise represents a staggering investment, signaling that Dunleavy is fully committed to this next chapter.
From a basketball standpoint, the implications of this ownership change could be profound. As general manager, Dunleavy has already made some notable roster decisions, but ownership brings a broader scope of influence. He will now be in a position to shape not just the roster, but also the business side of the franchise, the organization’s long-term strategy, and its community impact. Dunleavy’s leadership style has been described as measured, calculated, and deeply rooted in analytics, but also grounded in the player’s perspective he gained from his years on the court. That combination could translate into an ownership approach that balances innovation with empathy, ensuring that both the competitive and human sides of the game are prioritized.
For Warriors fans, the announcement comes at a time of both excitement and uncertainty. The team remains anchored by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, but those stars are all deep into their careers, and the franchise has been actively preparing for the future through the development of younger players like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski. With Dunleavy set to assume ownership responsibilities, some fans are wondering how aggressively the team will continue to chase championships with its current core versus focusing on a longer-term rebuild. Given his recent track record, Dunleavy is likely to try to strike a balance—keeping the team competitive while gradually shifting resources to the next generation of Warriors basketball.
Joe Lacob’s willingness to sell to Dunleavy, rather than to an outside billionaire investor or corporate ownership group, is telling. Lacob has often spoken about culture and continuity being critical to sustained success, and by choosing someone who has been part of the Warriors organization for years, he ensures that the values, identity, and organizational philosophies that have defined the team’s rise will continue. This also avoids the potential disruption that can occur when an entirely new ownership group takes over, sometimes bringing with it a desire to overhaul management, coaching, or even relocate the team. In this case, Warriors fans can rest assured that the team will remain in the Bay Area and that the front office leadership will stay intact, at least in the near future.
The broader NBA community will also be watching closely to see how this ownership shift plays out. Ownership stability has been a key factor in many of the league’s most successful franchises, and while it is unusual for a current general manager to transition directly into an ownership role, there is precedent for former players becoming owners. Michael Jordan, for example, became the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets after his playing career, and Grant Hill is part of the ownership group of the Atlanta Hawks. However, Dunleavy’s move is unique in that he is making the leap while still actively serving as an NBA executive, giving him an immediate inside track on how the league operates today rather than relying solely on past playing experience.
Financial analysts note that the Warriors’ valuation is tied not just to their success on the court but also to their business empire off the court. The team’s move to Chase Center in 2019 gave them one of the most modern, revenue-generating arenas in professional sports, with lucrative naming rights, sponsorship deals, and year-round events contributing to the bottom line. Under Lacob’s leadership, the Warriors have also built one of the most robust global fan bases in sports, leveraging their championship runs and star power to create a brand recognized worldwide. Dunleavy will be inheriting all of this, along with the challenge of maintaining and growing the franchise’s business operations in an increasingly competitive sports entertainment market.
Community impact will also likely remain a priority under Dunleavy’s ownership. The Warriors have been heavily involved in charitable work throughout the Bay Area, supporting education, social justice initiatives, and youth programs. As a former player who has lived in multiple NBA cities, Dunleavy understands the importance of connecting with the local community and giving back in meaningful ways. Early indications are that he intends to maintain, if not expand, the team’s philanthropic efforts, ensuring that the franchise’s influence extends far beyond basketball.
Of course, this transition will not happen overnight. League approval is required for any change in ownership, and the NBA’s Board of Governors will have to review and sign off on the deal before it can be finalized. This process could take several months, during which Lacob and Dunleavy will likely continue to work closely together on both basketball and business matters. For now, Dunleavy will remain in his role as general manager, and fans can expect the Warriors’ day-to-day operations to proceed without major disruptions.
In the grand scheme of the NBA, this deal could also influence how other teams approach leadership transitions. As player salaries and franchise values continue to soar, the idea of current executives or former players buying into ownership may become more appealing, especially for organizations that value continuity and cultural stability. Dunleavy’s path from player to executive to owner could serve as a model for other franchises looking to blend basketball expertise with business acumen at the ownership level.
While much remains to be seen, one thing is certain: the Golden State Warriors are entering a new era, one that will be shaped by the vision, leadership, and decisions of Mike Dunleavy Jr. Fans who have grown accustomed to the stability and success of the Lacob years may feel a mix of nostalgia and curiosity, but if Dunleavy’s track record so far is any indication, he is prepared to meet the challenge head-on. The next chapter of Warriors basketball promises to be every bit as intriguing as the last, with the potential for new triumphs, bold innovations, and perhaps even another championship parade down Market Street.
In the immediate term, attention will be focused on how Dunleavy handles the upcoming season, roster moves, and contract negotiations, all while preparing for his eventual shift into the ownership role. It’s a rare balancing act, but one that could set the tone for a seamless transition and a bright future for one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises. The eyes of the basketball world will be fixed firmly on San Francisco, where history is unfolding in real time, and the Golden State Warriors are once again proving that they are never content to simply stand still.
