Record number of billionaires surge wealth, eye sports stakes and philanthropy

According to Altrata, the global billionaire population reached a historic 3,795 in 2025, and their combined assets climbed 12.8% to $15.1 trillion, roughly a quarter of the S&P 500’s market value. AI-related investments were identified as the chief catalyst of this wealth expansion, benefiting figures such as Larry Page, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Beyond technology, the ultra-rich are channeling money into two favorite arenas: professional sports ownership and large-scale philanthropy.

Altrata estimates just over 5% of billionaires now hold stakes in sports teams, with Jeff Bezos recently buying nearly 40% of Liverpool FC and other magnates like Steve Ballmer, Robert Kraft, Jerry Jones and Dan Gilbert owning NBA, NFL or soccer clubs. Owning high-profile franchises serves as a “trophy asset” that signals status and opens networks, while also offering financial returns from media, streaming and betting growth.

Philanthropic activity is similarly pronounced; Bezos has pledged billions through his Earth Fund, Ballmer and his wife have contributed more than $8 billion to child-poverty initiatives, and Kraft has donated over $1 billion to health and social causes. The dual focus on sports and charity underscores how the world’s wealthiest are leveraging their fortunes for influence, prestige and societal impact.