Crypto stablecoin issuer Tether has announced a bold move to fully acquire Juventus Football Club, submitting a binding all-cash offer for the Italian giant. However, reports suggest the proposal has already been rejected by the club’s controlling shareholders.
On Friday, Tether confirmed it had formally approached Exor, the Agnelli family holding company, with a bid to acquire its 65.4% controlling stake in Juventus — a stake Exor has held for more than a century. Juventus is a publicly listed company with a market capitalization of approximately €944 million ($1.1 billion), with shares closing Friday up 2.3% at €2.23.
Tether stated that if Exor accepted the deal, it would launch a public offer for the remaining shares at the same price, effectively taking full control of the club.
Tether’s €1 Billion Vision for Juventus
Tether emphasized that the acquisition is part of a long-term commitment to Juventus, pledging to invest €1 billion ($1.1 billion) into the club’s development if the deal were to go through. According to Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino, the company is financially strong and capable of providing stable, long-horizon capital.
Ardoino also highlighted his personal connection to the club, describing Juventus as a formative part of his life and crediting it with teaching him values such as resilience, commitment, and responsibility. Tether positioned the proposed investment as a way to strengthen Juventus both financially and competitively.
Despite the announcement, AFP reported that the bid has already been rejected, citing a source close to Exor who stated bluntly that “Juventus is not for sale.” Neither Exor nor Tether immediately responded to media requests for comment.
Tether’s Growing Influence in Football and Beyond
Tether has been steadily expanding its footprint beyond stablecoins, investing in sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital health platforms. Its involvement with Juventus began earlier this year when it first acquired a minority stake in February, later increasing its holdings to over 10% by April.
The company has also sought greater influence at the board level. In October, Tether nominated Zachary Lyons, its deputy investment chief, along with Francesco Garino, to Juventus’ board of directors. Shareholders approved Garino’s appointment last month, signaling growing acceptance of Tether’s presence within the club’s governance structure.
While the full takeover bid may have been rebuffed for now, Tether’s increasing stake and board representation suggest it remains a significant and influential shareholder — and its ambitions in global sports ownership are far from over.
