Key Takeaways
- Tether's Ambitious Move: The stablecoin issuer has made a binding ~$1.1 billion all-cash offer to acquire a controlling stake in the iconic Italian football club, Juventus FC.
- Reported Rejection: Sources indicate the Agnelli family's holding company, Exor, has rebuffed the initial bid, stating Juventus is not for sale.
- Long-Term Vision: Tether has pledged a significant €1 billion investment for the club's development, emphasizing stable, long-horizon capital.
- Strategic Expansion: This bid aligns with Tether's broader strategy of diversifying beyond its core stablecoin business into sectors like AI, robotics, and now major sports assets.
In a landmark move bridging cryptocurrency and traditional sports, Tether, the world's leading stablecoin issuer, has formally launched a bid to acquire the historic Italian football club, Juventus FC. The proposed deal, valued at approximately $1.1 billion, represents one of the most significant potential acquisitions of a major sports franchise by a crypto-native company.
The Details of the Proposal
Tether announced it submitted a binding all-cash proposal to Exor, the holding company of the Agnelli family, to purchase its 65.4% controlling stake in Juventus—an interest held for over a century. The offer extends to acquiring all remaining publicly traded shares at the same price. Juventus, with a market cap of around €944.5 million, saw its stock close up 2.3% following the news.
However, the bid faces immediate hurdles. Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported, citing a source close to Exor, that the offer has already been rebuffed with a firm "Juventus is not for sale." Neither Exor nor Tether provided immediate official comment on the report.
Tether's Commitment and Strategic Vision
Should the transaction proceed, Tether has committed to investing an additional €1 billion to support and develop the club's infrastructure, squad, and global brand. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino framed the bid as a strategic, long-term partnership driven by both financial strength and personal passion.
“Tether is in a position of strong financial health and intends to support Juventus with stable capital and a long horizon,” said Ardoino. He added, “For me, Juventus has always been part of my life... I learned what commitment, resilience, and responsibility meant by watching Juventus face success and adversity with dignity.”
Broader Business Diversification
This aggressive play for Juventus is part of Tether's concerted effort to diversify its business portfolio beyond issuing its flagship USDT stablecoin. The company has been actively investing in cutting-edge sectors, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure and research.
- Robotics and sustainable technology.
- Peer-to-peer telecommunications and health platforms.
Tether's interest in Juventus is not new. The company first acquired a minority stake in the club in February 2024, increased it to over 10% in April, and successfully secured board representation in October. This latest bid signifies a decisive push for full operational control, marking a new chapter in the convergence of digital asset enterprises and global sports ownership.
