"I think that's weird" - Kyrie Irving claims that Bill Gates owns the majority of the land and water in the United States

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, during a recent Twitch stream, claimed Microsoft founder Bill Gates owns "a lot of the land in North Dakota" and the "majority of the water in the United States," calling it "weird." Irving made these comments while discussing grocery store products, stating his remarks were "for information purpose only."

The context remains unclear as only a 30-second clip circulates online, but Gates' land ownership in North Dakota is partially accurate. In 2022, Gates-linked Red River Trust purchased 2,100 acres of farmland in North Dakota for $13.5 million—a controversial but legally approved deal. As of July 2024, Gates is the largest private farmland owner in the U.S., holding 275,000 acres across multiple states to grow crops like potatoes, soybeans, and corn.

Regarding water ownership claims, author Seamus Bruner suggested in 2023 that Gates' farmland acquisitions include underground water rights. Bruner noted this strategy—combined with Gates' investments in irrigation, fertilizer, and water treatment—positions him to influence the agricultural industry, potentially explaining Irving's statement about water control.