Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc, has seen his net worth surge in 2026, thanks to a merger between two of his own companies. The boost comes from the combined valuation of SpaceX and xAI, which has been estimated at $1.25 trillion. This merger has catapulted Musk’s net worth to $852 billion, making him the first person in history to surpass $800 billion.
SpaceX, xAI Merger Boosts Musk’s Net Worth
Musk’s net worth was already significant heading into 2026, with enough wealth to buy every MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL team with money left over. However, the merger between SpaceX and xAI has taken his wealth to new heights. Forbes has updated its estimate of Musk’s wealth, declaring him the richest person in the world.
Key Facts About the Merger
- Musk now owns around 43% of the combined company, with $542 billion of his net worth coming from the SpaceX/xAI tie-up.
- He also owns around 12% of Tesla, which adds $178 billion to his wealth.
- Tesla stock options valued at $124 billion are also factored into Forbes’ net worth calculations.
- Musk’s wealth is $578 billion ahead of Larry Page, co-founder of Google, who is the second richest person at $281 billion.
What’s Next For Elon Musk’s Net Worth?
Musk’s net worth has passed significant milestones over the past year, including becoming the first person worth $500 billion, $600 billion, $700 billion, and now $800 billion. The Tesla CEO’s new pay package, approved by shareholders in November, could award him up to nearly $1 trillion in additional Tesla shares if the company hits certain milestones.
Potential Future Developments
- The EV maker’s move to shift FSD from a one-time purchase to a subscription, along with plans to halt production of some vehicle models to prioritize Optimus Bot manufacturing, could signal Musk pushing toward those milestones.
- A SpaceX IPO in 2026 could see SpaceX valued at $1.5 trillion or higher, which would take Musk’s wealth even higher.
- If Tesla is able to hit some of the milestones lined up in the pay package, Musk could find himself a trillionaire in 2026.
Overall, Musk’s wealth appears poised to keep climbing through 2026 and beyond, making him the world’s first trillionaire – a matter of when, not if.