Tether Bids €1 Billion for Juventus Stake, Faces Exor Resistance

Tether's Bold Move to Acquire Juventus FC

Tether, the stablecoin issuer behind USDT, has submitted an all-cash proposal to acquire Exor's 65.4% controlling stake in Italian football club Juventus FC. The move, revealed in a Friday statement, marks the latest in a series of high-profile investments by the crypto firm as it seeks to expand beyond digital assets. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino, a lifelong Juventus fan, described the club as central to his personal values and growth, and said the acquisition would allow the company to support the club's long-term development.

The bid is not yet certain, as Exor, the Agnelli family holding company, has reportedly signaled it does not plan to sell its stake in the historic football club. The Agnelli family has controlled Juventus for nearly a century, and sources close to the firm say Exor is firm in its stance that the club is not for sale. Tether's proposal, however, remains conditional on Exor's acceptance and regulatory approval.

If the deal proceeds, Tether will then make a public tender offer for the remaining shares at the same price per share. The company has stated it is prepared to invest €1 billion in the club to support its sporting performance and global expansion. Ardoino emphasized Tether's financial strength and long-term commitment to Juventus, framing the investment as a strategic step to align with the club's values of discipline, resilience, and continuity.

A Strategic Bet on a Global Brand

Tether's move to take control of Juventus represents a bold expansion into traditional sports ownership. Unlike short-term branding deals or fan token initiatives, the proposal seeks full operational control, positioning Tether as a central stakeholder in the club's future. The firm has already increased its stake in Juventus to over 10% and recently gained board representation, signaling a growing influence within the club's governance.

For Tether, Juventus offers a globally recognized brand with extensive media and sponsorship potential. The club's presence in Serie A, one of the most popular football leagues in the world, provides access to a vast international fanbase and media ecosystem. Ardoino's emotional connection to the club may also help bridge the cultural and strategic gap between the crypto firm and the sports world.

Market Response and Regulatory Scrutiny

The news of the bid sent Juventus shares higher, with the market capitalization of the club approaching €1 billion. Investors are watching closely to see how the deal might influence the club's financial performance and broader market perception. Tether's balance sheet strength, bolstered by its USDT reserves and a $150 billion portfolio, has been cited as a key factor supporting the bid.

However, the transaction also faces regulatory and corporate governance hurdles. Exor's refusal to sell indicates the complexity of transferring control of such a heritage institution. Tether's corporate structure, which lacks transparency in some areas, could further complicate the approval process. The firm has not yet published a full audit of its finances, though it has made clear statements about its profitability and reserve positions.

Broader Expansion and Liquidity Moves

The Juventus bid is part of a larger trend of Tether diversifying its business beyond stablecoin issuance. The company has invested in AI, robotics, and health technology, and has also explored tokenizing its equity to offer liquidity to investors. According to Bloomberg, Tether is in talks to raise $20 billion at a $500 billion valuation. These moves suggest a strategic shift toward becoming a multi-sector capital allocator, leveraging its balance sheet and regulatory momentum.

The firm has also secured new regulatory recognition for USDT in Abu Dhabi's ADGM, signaling growing institutional legitimacy for its stablecoin. This development could influence investor perceptions of the Juventus deal, reinforcing the company's credibility in traditional financial markets.