• A mystery bidder paid just over $9 million to win a charity lunch with Warren Buffett, Steph Curry, and Ayesha Curry, marking the return of the event after a hiatus since 2022.
  • The lunch will take place on June 24, 2026, in Omaha, with the winner permitted to bring up to seven guests.
  • Proceeds will be split between the GLIDE Foundation and the Curry family's Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, with Buffett matching the winning bid.

A Record-Breaking Return

A mystery bidder has won the highly anticipated charity lunch auction with Warren Buffett and basketball star Steph Curry, paying just over $9 million. The auction, which went live last week on eBay, marks Buffett's return to the annual tradition since 2022, when a winning bid of $19 million set a record. This year's event, however, breaks new ground by expanding to a multi-generational dialogue format, with Curry and his wife Ayesha joining Buffett at the table.

"We're incredibly grateful for the winning bidder's generosity," said a spokesperson for the foundation. The two-and-a-half hour lunch will take place on June 24, 2026, at the swanky Happy Restaurant in Omaha, a departure from the usual New York City setting. The winner can invite up to seven guests, and Buffett has confirmed he will match the bid amount to boost charitable contributions.

The auction's proceeds will be divided equally between the GLIDE Foundation, which provides homeless services in San Francisco, and Eat. Learn. Play., the Curry family's foundation focused on child nutrition, education, and athletics in Oakland. "This partnership is about creating a better future for underserved communities," Curry said in a statement.

Philanthropy Meets Celebrity Clout

The revival of Buffett's lunch underscores the enduring appeal of high-profile charity auctions. The 2022 event raised $19 million, but this year's partnership with the Currys has introduced a new demographic of donors. "Auctioning access to a billionaire investor and an NBA legend is a powerful way to drive giving," said a philanthropy advisor familiar with the event. The inclusion of Curry, a four-time NBA champion and Golden State Warriors star, has brought unprecedented attention to the auction.

Buffett, known for his frugal lifestyle, has long used the lunches to benefit GLIDE. The move to Omaha reflects a shift toward showcasing his hometown and expanding the event's accessibility. "It's a win-win: great food, good conversation, and millions for charity," Buffett joked in a press conference.

Broader Implications

The $9 million bid, while lower than the 2022 record, is still a substantial sum that will significantly impact both foundations. GLIDE CEO Dr. Karen Hanrahan expressed excitement: "This will allow us to expand our services for the homeless." Meanwhile, Eat. Learn. Play. plans to use its share to boost after-school programs and nutrition initiatives.

Analysts note that the auction's success highlights a trend of leveraging celebrity influence for philanthropic fundraising. "These auctions create a bidding frenzy among the ultra-wealthy, who see it as a chance to socialize with icons while doing good," said a financial journalist covering the event.

Correction: An earlier version of this article stated the lunch would take place in New York. It will be held in Omaha, Nebraska. The auction ended on June 15, not June 14. We regret the errors.