Tether makes €1bn bid for Juventus. This could be a statement signing for the crypto giant

Tether’s move into European football raises a pointed question: is this simply a high-profile acquisition, or the clearest signal yet of how far the stablecoin giant intends to extend its influence beyond crypto? With a binding all-cash proposal now on the table for Juventus Football Club, Tether appears to be making a statement about ambition, capital strength, and long-term intent.

On 12 December 2025, Tether confirmed it has submitted a binding proposal to Exor to acquire its entire 65.4% stake in Juventus Football Club. The offer is fully funded with Tether’s own capital and, subject to regulatory approvals, would be followed by a public tender offer for the remaining shares at the same price per share. If completed, Tether has indicated it is prepared to invest €1 billion to support and develop the club over the long term.

The proposal is notable not only for its scale, but for what it says about Tether’s evolving strategy. Best known as the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, USD₮, Tether has spent recent years broadening its footprint across energy, data, artificial intelligence, education, and infrastructure. A move into one of Europe’s most storied football institutions suggests that diversification is now extending decisively into global sports and media.

Juventus is not just any target. The Turin-based club is one of the most recognisable names in world football, with a global fan base and deep cultural significance in Italy. For Tether, the attraction appears to lie as much in brand, reach, and identity as in sporting performance. The company framed its bid as a long-term commitment to stability, continuity, and sustainable growth, themes that closely mirror how it presents its own business model.

Paolo Ardoino, chief executive officer of Tether, was explicit about the personal dimension of the bid. He described Juventus as a formative presence in his life and positioned the proposed acquisition as an expression of respect rather than conquest. That tone is deliberate. Football club takeovers are often met with scepticism from supporters, particularly when buyers come from outside traditional sporting or industrial backgrounds. By emphasising humility, legacy, and responsibility, Tether appears keen to avoid being seen as a purely financial or opportunistic owner.

From a strategic perspective, the deal would give Tether access to a powerful global platform at a time when sport, media, and technology are converging. Football clubs are increasingly content producers, data businesses, and international brands. Ownership of Juventus could provide Tether with opportunities to experiment at the intersection of payments, fan engagement, digital identity, and media distribution, all areas that align with its broader ambitions.

The financial aspect is also important. Tether has repeatedly stressed its strong balance sheet and ability to fund acquisitions without external financing. An all-cash offer, combined with a stated willingness to invest €1 billion post-acquisition, is intended to underline that strength. In a sector where concerns about leverage and sustainability often surround club ownership, that message is likely to resonate with regulators and stakeholders alike.

Completion of the transaction remains subject to Exor’s acceptance, final documentation, and regulatory approvals. If those hurdles are cleared, the public tender offer would follow, potentially leading to full control of the club.

For now, Tether’s Juventus bid stands as one of the most striking examples yet of a crypto-native company stepping decisively into the traditional global economy. Whether it proves to be a one-off statement investment or the beginning of a broader push into sport and media will become clearer in the months ahead. What is already clear is that Tether no longer sees itself as confined to the boundaries of digital finance alone.

The Recap

• Tether submitted an all-cash offer for Exor's Juventus stake.
• Exor’s holding represents 65.4 percent of Juventus’ issued share capital.
• Tether intends a public tender offer at the same price.