From Lincoln to London: Sir Richard Branson’s Extravagant $5 Million Invitation to NCAA Volleyball Star Bergen Reilly for His 76th Birthday Bash

In a stunning crossover of sports stardom and billionaire glamour, British tycoon Sir Richard Branson reportedly splashed out an estimated $5 million to bring Nebraska Cornhuskers setter Bergen Reilly as the guest of honor to his lavish 76th birthday celebration in London.

The Virgin Group founder, known for his fleet of supercars, yachts, and private islands worth billions, has long been an admirer of Reilly’s masterful play on the court.

Following her historic 2025 season—where she became the first setter since 2018 to win Big Ten Player of the Year and guided Nebraska to a school-record .351 hitting percentage—Branson’s fandom reached new heights.

The invitation wasn’t just a ticket; it was a full VIP extravaganza. Branson arranged a private Virgin Atlantic jet to whisk Reilly from Lincoln, Nebraska, directly to London.

Upon arrival, the 6-foot-1 junior from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was whisked away to a seven-day stay in the ultra-opulent Prince of Wales Penthouse Suite at The Ritz London—a sprawling sanctuary of luxury with panoramic views over Green Park, marble fireplaces, and bespoke furnishings fit for royalty.

The pinnacle was a two-hour appearance at Branson’s star-studded birthday party, held in one of London’s most exclusive venues amid crystal chandeliers, flowing champagne, and performances by world-class entertainers.

Reilly, dressed in an elegant gown that contrasted her usual red Huskers uniform, joined Branson to cut the massive multi-tiered birthday cake—a confection adorned with edible Virgin logos and volleyball motifs.

She posed for photos with a dazzling array of guests: Hollywood A-listers, tech moguls, and fellow billionaires who marveled at the young athlete’s poise and achievements.

But the evening’s most unforgettable moment came when Reilly took the stage, microphone in hand, to deliver a short yet profoundly emotional speech.

In a room filled with Britain’s elite, the 21-year-old volleyball phenom shared words that struck at the heart of perseverance, gratitude, and human connection—bringing tears to the eyes of the usually unflappable Sir Richard Branson himself.

Sources close to the event described Branson as visibly moved, dabbing at his eyes as Reilly spoke. “It was one of those rare moments where even a man who’s crossed oceans in balloons and ventured to space was brought back to earth by pure emotion,” one attendee whispered.

Reilly’s journey to this glittering stage began far from London’s high society. Growing up in South Dakota, she honed her skills at Bishop O’Gorman High School before committing to Nebraska, where she quickly became a cornerstone of one of college volleyball’s most dominant programs.

In 2025, under first-year head coach Dani Busboom Kelly, the Huskers posted a remarkable 33-1 record, sweeping the Big Ten with a perfect 20-0 mark and earning the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Reilly’s individual brilliance was undeniable: AVCA Setter of the Year, three-time Big Ten Setter of the Year, and a driving force behind Nebraska’s record-shattering offense.

She orchestrated nine matches where the team hit .400 or better—a rally-scoring era record—and dished out assists with surgical precision, often elevating teammates like Harper Murray and Andi Jackson to superstar performances.

Despite a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Texas A&M in the Elite Eight, denying Nebraska a Final Four berth, Reilly’s season cemented her as one of the greatest setters in program history.

Branson’s fascination with Reilly reportedly sparked during Nebraska’s dominant run. A self-confessed sports enthusiast with a penchant for underdog stories and peak performance, the Virgin billionaire began following the Huskers closely.

He sent personal congratulatory gifts after key victories—a custom Virgin Galactic flight voucher and handwritten notes praising her “perfect assists” and leadership. “Bergen’s ability to elevate an entire team mirrors what great leaders do in business,” Branson reportedly told aides.

The $5 million package underscored Branson’s legendary generosity and flair for the dramatic. The private flight alone, on one of his customized jets complete with lie-flat beds and gourmet dining, set the tone for luxury.

The Ritz penthouse, with its dedicated butler service and access to the hotel’s iconic afternoon tea, provided Reilly a serene retreat amid the whirlwind. During her week in London, she explored landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Thames, even squeezing in a casual tennis match—Branson’s favorite pastime.

The party itself was a spectacle befitting a man who’s hosted celebrations on Necker Island with celebrities like Kate Moss and Barack Obama in past years. Fireworks lit the sky, a live orchestra played hits from Virgin Records artists, and guests dined on Michelin-starred cuisine.

Yet, when Reilly stepped up to speak, the room fell silent.

In her brief address, Reilly thanked Branson for the honor and reflected on her season: the highs of an undefeated regular season, the bond with her “Husker family,” and the lessons from that final loss.

She spoke of gratitude—for her coaches, teammates, and the fans who pack the Bob Devaney Sports Center—and of dreaming big, no matter one’s origins. “From a small town in South Dakota to standing here with all of you…

it shows that with hard work, support, and a bit of boldness, anything is possible,” she said, her voice steady but emotional.

She then turned directly to Branson: “Sir Richard, you’ve built empires by believing in people and taking risks. Thank you for believing in me tonight. Happy birthday—and here’s to many more adventures.”

The applause was thunderous, but Branson’s reaction stole the show. The adventurer who’s faced near-death experiences in hot-air balloons wiped away tears, later embracing Reilly in a fatherly hug. “That young lady has more wisdom and heart than most twice her age,” he reportedly said.

“She reminded us all why we chase greatness—not for the glory, but for the connections it forges.”

The moment went viral almost instantly, with clips circulating on social media and volleyball forums buzzing about the unlikely pairing. Nebraska fans, already devoted to Reilly, celebrated the recognition, while Branson’s followers praised his choice of honoree.

For Reilly, the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime respite after an intense season. Back in Lincoln, she returned refreshed, already eyeing the 2026 campaign with senior leadership in mind. Teammates like Harper Murray and Andi Jackson teased her about “hobnobbing with billionaires,” but the experience reinforced her grounded nature.

Branson, turning 76 with characteristic exuberance, added another chapter to his legendary life. Known for blurring lines between business, adventure, and philanthropy, inviting a rising sports star like Reilly exemplified his ethos: celebrate boldness wherever it appears.

In an era where celebrity crossovers often feel manufactured, this one felt genuine—a billionaire inspired by a setter’s precision, and an athlete humbled by extravagance.

As Reilly boarded her return flight, gifted with Virgin swag and memories to last a lifetime, one thing was clear: Sir Richard Branson’s 76th birthday wasn’t just extravagant; it was heartfelt.