A chance to dine with legendary investor Warren Buffett and NBA superstar Stephen Curry has fetched a massive $9,000,100 bid in a charity auction, CNBC reported. The winning bid emerged in a week-long auction hosted on eBay that concluded on Thursday. The identity of the winning bidder was not immediately known.

The winner and up to seven guests will attend a private dinner on June 24 in Omaha, Nebraska, with Buffett, Curry and Curry’s wife Ayesha Curry. The proceeds from the auction will be shared between two non-profit organisations, Glide Foundation and Eat. Learn. Play.

According to CNBC, Buffett has also agreed to match the winning bid for each non-profit, taking the total charitable contribution linked to the event to nearly $27 million. The fundraiser combines two globally recognised personalities from very different worlds, Buffett, one of history’s most successful investors, and Curry, one of basketball’s biggest modern stars.

Buffett, 95, built Berkshire Hathaway into one of the world’s largest conglomerates and is widely known as the “Oracle of Omaha” for his long-term investing success.

Curry, meanwhile, is among the most influential players in NBA history. The Golden State Warriors guard is a four-time NBA champion and two-time league MVP.

The auction is also one of the biggest celebrity charity fundraising events globally.
Buffett previously raised around $53.2 million for Glide through 21 charity lunch auctions held between 2000 and 2022. CNBC reported that the record for the highest winning bid in those auctions was set in 2022 at $19 million, which eBay described as the largest amount ever paid in a charity auction on the platform.Glide, based in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, works with homeless individuals, low-income communities and people battling substance abuse.

Buffett’s association with Glide dates back decades and began through his late first wife Susan Buffett, who volunteered with the organisation before her death in 2004.

The other beneficiary, Eat. Learn. Play., was founded by Stephen and Ayesha Curry and focuses on childhood nutrition, literacy and physical activity programmes.

The latest fundraiser also reflects Buffett’s long-standing approach to philanthropy.

The billionaire investor has repeatedly argued that successful businesses and charitable organisations can work together to create wider social impact. He has pledged to donate nearly all of his fortune, currently estimated by Forbes at around $143.5 billion, through a charitable trust overseen by his children.

NEW YORK — Palantir Technologies Inc. shares edged higher Friday, closing at $133.99 after gaining $0.26 or 0.19 percent, as the data analytics company continued its remarkable 2026 rally fueled by expanding artificial intelligence contracts with government agencies and major commercial clients.

The modest daily gain pushed Palantir’s market capitalization above $300 billion for the first time, cementing its status as one of the standout performers in the artificial intelligence sector. After-hours trading saw a slight pullback to $133.06, but the overall trajectory remains strongly bullish as investors bet on the company’s growing role in defense, intelligence and enterprise AI applications.

Palantir has transformed from a niche data analytics firm into a high-profile AI powerhouse under CEO Alex Karp. Its platforms — Gotham for government use and Foundry for commercial customers — are increasingly seen as critical tools for turning massive datasets into actionable intelligence. Recent contract wins with the U.S. Department of Defense, intelligence community and Fortune 500 companies have driven accelerating revenue growth and improved profitability.

“Palantir is no longer just riding the AI wave — it is helping define how organizations actually use AI at scale,” said Wedbush analyst Dan Ives. “The combination of government stability and commercial momentum makes this one of the more durable AI stories in the market right now.”

Strong Fundamentals Underpin the Rally

Palantir reported robust first-quarter results earlier this month, with revenue rising 29 percent year-over-year to $884 million. The company’s U.S. commercial revenue surged 54 percent, while government revenue remained rock-solid. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.13, beating expectations and marking another quarter of expanding margins.

The company’s “boot camp” sales approach — intensive workshops that demonstrate immediate value to potential customers — continues to convert at high rates. Management raised full-year guidance, signaling confidence that AI adoption is accelerating rather than slowing.

Analysts have responded by raising price targets across the board. The consensus target now sits near $145, implying additional upside from current levels. Several firms have initiated coverage or upgraded ratings in recent weeks, citing Palantir’s sticky customer relationships and expanding total addressable market.

Karp’s Vision and Controversial Stance

CEO Alex Karp has become a polarizing yet effective advocate for Palantir’s mission. In public appearances and earnings calls, he has aggressively promoted the company’s role in national security while criticizing what he calls excessive “woke” culture in Silicon Valley. His willingness to work closely with defense and intelligence agencies has drawn criticism from privacy advocates but strong support from investors who value the steady government revenue stream.

Karp’s leadership has helped Palantir maintain high gross margins and disciplined spending even as it scales rapidly. The company’s culture emphasizes mission-driven work, attracting top engineering talent despite intense competition from Big Tech firms.

Government Contracts Provide Stability

A significant portion of Palantir’s growth comes from long-term contracts with U.S. and allied governments. The company’s software played key roles in tracking COVID-19 vaccine distribution, counter-terrorism operations and recent geopolitical intelligence efforts. Newer deals focus on AI-enhanced battlefield awareness and predictive logistics.

These contracts provide revenue visibility that many pure-play AI companies lack. Analysts note that Palantir’s government business acts as a stabilizing foundation, allowing the commercial side to pursue aggressive growth without compromising profitability.

Commercial Momentum Accelerates

On the commercial front, Palantir has secured major deals with companies in healthcare, manufacturing, energy and finance. Its Foundry platform helps organizations integrate disparate data sources and deploy AI models more effectively than traditional business intelligence tools.

Recent wins include multi-year agreements with large pharmaceutical companies for drug discovery acceleration and with energy firms for optimizing renewable infrastructure. The company’s ability to deliver measurable ROI quickly has shortened sales cycles and improved win rates.

Valuation Debate Intensifies

At current levels, Palantir trades at a premium valuation typical of high-growth software companies. Bulls argue the multiple is justified by exceptional growth rates and expanding margins. Bears warn that any slowdown in AI spending or government budget constraints could pressure the stock significantly.

The company’s market capitalization now exceeds many traditional software giants, reflecting investor enthusiasm for its AI positioning. However, with shares up more than 300 percent over the past 18 months, some profit-taking appears underway even as the long-term thesis remains intact.

What Investors Should Watch

Looking ahead, Palantir’s next earnings report in early August will be closely scrutinized. Key metrics to watch include commercial revenue growth, new customer additions and margin trends. Any commentary on the defense budget environment or potential new large-scale contracts could move the stock significantly.

The company continues to invest heavily in research and development, particularly in generative AI capabilities. New product releases expected later this year could further expand its addressable market.

For long-term investors, the current environment offers both opportunity and risk. Palantir’s competitive moat in data integration and AI deployment appears strong, but execution and multiple compression remain key concerns.

Broader Market Context

Palantir’s performance occurs against a backdrop of heightened volatility in AI-related stocks. While some names have pulled back on valuation concerns, Palantir has shown relative resilience thanks to its diversified revenue base and strong execution.

Institutional ownership remains high, with many long-term funds continuing to add to positions on dips. Retail investor enthusiasm, fueled by the stock’s meme-like characteristics in previous years, has largely transitioned to more fundamental-driven ownership.

As the AI market matures, companies like Palantir that can demonstrate real-world value and sustainable growth are increasingly favored over those with more speculative business models. Friday’s modest gain, while small in percentage terms, reinforces the stock’s status as a core holding for many growth-oriented portfolios.

The coming months will test whether Palantir can maintain its momentum amid broader market rotation and economic uncertainty. For now, the company’s combination of government stability, commercial acceleration and technological leadership keeps it at the forefront of the artificial intelligence investment theme.

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama and the surging San Antonio Spurs will find out if they can pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent NBA history when they face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, a series that pits the league’s most exciting young superstar against a deep, talented Thunder team many consider the favorite to reach the NBA Finals.

The series, scheduled to begin Monday night at Paycom Center, represents a remarkable turnaround for the Spurs, who entered the season with modest expectations after years of rebuilding. Wembanyama’s transcendent talent, combined with smart roster additions and strong coaching under Gregg Popovich, has transformed San Antonio into a legitimate contender far ahead of schedule. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, cruised to the best record in the Western Conference behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and a roster built for sustained success.

“Wemby is special,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “We have to be ready for what he can do on both ends of the floor. This will be a great test for us.”

At 22 years old, Wembanyama has already established himself as one of the most dominant players in the league. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman averaged 32 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks per game during the regular season while leading the Spurs to the No. 5 seed. His ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting, protect the rim at an elite level and create for teammates has drawn comparisons to legends like Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki, with added defensive impact that few big men in NBA history have matched.

The Spurs’ path to the Western Conference Finals included impressive series wins over stronger regular-season teams, showcasing their depth and resilience. Role players like Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan and emerging guard Stephon Castle have stepped up significantly, giving San Antonio a balanced attack that complements Wembanyama’s brilliance.

Thunder Built for Championship Runs

Oklahoma City enters the series as heavy favorites. With the league’s top record, elite defense and multiple All-Star level talents, the Thunder represent the complete package. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber season, Holmgren’s rim protection and spacing, and a deep bench have made them the most complete team in the conference.

The Thunder swept through the first two rounds with relative ease, showing poise and execution that belies their youth. Their defensive versatility and ability to switch multiple positions could pose significant problems for the Spurs, particularly in limiting Wembanyama’s driving lanes and post touches.

However, Wembanyama’s unique physical tools create matchup nightmares that no team has fully solved this postseason. His length disrupts passing lanes, alters shots from well beyond the three-point line and allows him to cover ground on both ends like few players ever have. If the Spurs can force the Thunder into half-court sets where Wembanyama can dominate, they have a real chance to steal games on the road.

Coaching Battle and Adjustments

The series also features a fascinating chess match between two of the league’s brightest coaching minds. Gregg Popovich, the legendary Spurs coach with five NBA titles, brings decades of experience and tactical genius. Daigneault has quickly established himself as one of the top young coaches in the league with his innovative schemes and player development focus.

Popovich has built a culture of unselfishness and defensive intensity in San Antonio that mirrors his championship teams. The Spurs play with remarkable discipline for such a young group, a testament to Popovich’s teaching ability even in the twilight of his legendary career.

Key adjustments will likely center around how the Thunder defend Wembanyama. Oklahoma City may choose to blitz him with multiple defenders or drop back to protect the paint, but either approach creates opportunities elsewhere for San Antonio’s shooters. The Spurs will look to exploit switches and force mismatches, using Wembanyama as both a focal point and decoy.

X-Factors and Series Outlook

Several players could swing the outcome. For the Spurs, Castle’s growth as a playmaker and defender has been crucial. For Oklahoma City, Jalen Williams’ versatility on both ends gives them another star-level performer alongside SGA and Holmgren.

Injuries could also play a major role. Both teams have dealt with minor issues throughout the postseason, and any significant absence would dramatically shift the series outlook.

Most experts still favor the Thunder in six or seven games, citing superior depth and regular-season dominance. However, several prominent analysts have picked the Spurs to steal the series in seven, pointing to Wembanyama’s ability to elevate his game in the biggest moments and San Antonio’s experience playing from behind.

Prediction markets currently give Oklahoma City roughly a 70-75 percent chance of advancing, but the betting public has shown significant interest in the Spurs as underdogs, reflecting belief in Wembanyama’s star power.

Broader Implications for Both Franchises

A Thunder victory would validate their patient rebuild and position them as clear favorites to win the NBA title. A Spurs upset would represent one of the fastest turnarounds in league history and cement Wembanyama’s status as the face of the next generation of NBA superstars.

For the Western Conference, this series features two of the league’s brightest young cores. Regardless of the outcome, it signals a shift in power toward teams built around elite young talent rather than aging veterans.

As the series begins, basketball fans worldwide will tune in to witness whether Wembanyama can carry the Spurs past a loaded Thunder team. The basketball world has rarely seen a prospect with Wembanyama’s combination of size, skill and basketball IQ. This Western Conference Finals could be the moment he announces himself as the league’s next transcendent superstar.

The 2026 playoffs have already delivered plenty of drama. This matchup between two of the league’s most exciting young teams promises to add another unforgettable chapter. Whether the Thunder’s balance prevails or Wembanyama’s individual brilliance carries the day, the Western Conference Finals are set to captivate audiences as the NBA inches closer to crowning its champion.