Amid $2 Billion Investment Concerns, Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer Surpasses Bill Gates with $157B Fortune

Los Angeles Clippers owner and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has surpassed his ex-boss to become the sixth wealthiest person in the world. Well, you read it right: Ballmer, who once worked under Bill Gates, has achieved the feat with his new net worth of $157 billion. Notably, Bill Gates’ net worth is $156 billion right now. It is the first time for a company’s former CEO to go beyond its co-founder on the parameters of money. However, it is not a magical or unreasonable surge in Ballmer’s worth. It happened due to the latest upswing in Microsoft company’s shares, making a new record.

As per Yahoo Finance, Microsoft experienced 21% profit this year due to its partnership with OpenAI. The latter platform has heavily affected the US Stock Market as it is one of the biggest platforms among different AI platforms. Interestingly, more than 90% of Ballmer’s current net worth belongs to Microsoft shares. That’s also the reason why Ballmer surpassed Bill Gates in wealth. As per reporter Joe Pompliano, Gates diversified his fortune in investments. However, Ballmer kept the stock, and they soared high to make him get past his ex-boss on the rich list.

It is worth noting that Bill Gates’ worth has not fallen in any way. It’s just that Gates has invested half of his fortune in Cascade investment. Also, he and his wife Melinda are both quite philanthropic. That’s why they are slowly letting go of their assets for the beneficiaries. One of his biggest philanthropic achievements is the Gates Foundation, which is worth $75 billion. On top of that, since the organization was founded about 20 years ago, the Gates couple has donated almost $60 million of their wealth to the well-being of the needy.

Nevertheless, despite earning that much, Ballmer is quite concerned about his major investment for the Clippers ahead of the next season.

Why is Steve Ballmer troubled because of a mere $2 billion investment despite having such great wealth?

Steve Ballmer has heightened the Intuit Dome arena for the Los Angeles Clippers to the length of marvelousness. However, an investment is only successful if it brings returns for the investor. Reportedly, it is a private investment of Ballmer that he created for his team. Since he has lost his franchise player, Paul George, to the Sixers, it would not be easy to attract an audience to the arena. For decades, the audience has experienced the Clippers matches at the Crypto.com arena.

However, a sudden shift in the venue might also cost Ballmer money due to high ticket prices. No wonder the luxurious amenities of Steve’s dream won’t come for free. On top of that, there is a probability that players left on the Clippers roster, like Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook, will not be able to pull audiences like PG.

Also, the Clippers are far away from being a championship roster after the departure of their star guard. Fans love to witness something that gives them thrills and hopes for a better future. And with Ballmer and Co.’s present team, it does not seem feasible. Yet fans are unexpected. It is worth watching how they’ll respond to the Clippers owner’s new gift to the fanbase.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.