The world's billionaires have never been richer — and they are putting their money to work, buying sports teams, funding philanthropic causes, and building even bigger platforms for influence.

The global billionaire population climbed to an all-time high of 3,795 individuals in 2025, according to new data from wealth-intelligence firm Altrata. Their collective fortune soared by 12.8% to a record $15.1 trillion — nearly a quarter of the collective market capitalization of the S&P 500.

The ranks include 29 "superbillionaires," each boasting a fortune above $50 billion. And largely, they have AI to thank: the report found that AI investments were the primary driver of billionaire wealth generation. Many superbillionaires — including Google's Larry Page, Tesla's Elon Musk, and Amazon's Jeff Bezos — keep getting richer through the AI investment boom, underscoring how closely the technology is tied to the latest surge in concentrated wealth.

Beyond private jets and towering mansions, the report identifies billionaires' two favorite pursuits: buying stakes in professional sports leagues and pouring money into philanthropy.

"Sport has long been the most popular interest/passion of the global billionaire class," the report notes. "This reflects its broad appeal as an active leisure pursuit, for social entertainment and competition, and for the purposes of investment and ownership prestige."

Bezos — the third-richest person in the world, with $282 billion to his name — is a case in point. Earlier this week, the Amazon founder bought up nearly 40% of Premier League club Liverpool FC alongside his consortium. He has also donated billions through his Bezos Earth Fund to fight climate change and protect nature. Others, such as former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and billionaire businessman Robert Kraft, likewise spread their fortunes across both arenas.

Altrata estimates that around 201 billionaires — just over 5% — currently own a stake in a sports team or franchise. As the report puts it, "owning a high-profile sports team can be a statement of wealth and a prominent channel through which to connect with influential business, political and social networks."

Billionaires are pouring billions into sports as a 'trophy asset'

Over the last decade, billionaires have grown their holdings of "passion assets" — superyachts, luxury watches, art collections, and sports teams — by 13.3% per year. Beyond serving as financial investments, Altrata says the ultra-rich use such assets to "signal their wealth and social status, preserve family heritage, or provide access to rare and culturally important items." Sports ownership has become the trophy asset.

Billionaires have been snapping up major stakes in America's NFL and NBA teams while also looking abroad, especially to the U.K. Premier League. Oil and gas magnate Jerry Jones acquired the Dallas Cowboys football team in 1989, and Kraft joined the NFL ownership club soon after, purchasing the New England Patriots in 1994. In the decades since, others have followed suit: Ballmer also bought the L.A. Clippers in 1994; real estate mogul Malcolm Glazer went all-in on Manchester United FC in 2005; and most recently, Bezos bought a stake in Liverpool FC.

Whether they are living out their Ted Lasso dreams or pumping money into their favorite teams, sports has also become a strategic portfolio focus. Sports leagues are attracting investors with deep pockets thanks to the expansion of sports media rights, streaming platforms, betting services, and sponsorship revenue, Altrata says.

Philanthropy as a second outlet for influence

Beyond the trophy asset, philanthropy is another popular way billionaires can deploy their fortunes for influence and impact.

Alongside buying an NBA team, Ballmer has devoted a sizable chunk of his fortune to philanthropy. He and his wife Connie have donated more than $8 billion over the past two decades in support of economic mobility for American children and families living in poverty.

Kraft, the New England Patriots owner, has donated over $1 billion to causes including healthcare, prison reform, and combating antisemitism. Billionaire Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, has poured hundreds of millions into revitalizing downtown Detroit, including a push to eliminate property tax debt for low-income homeowners in the city.