In a groundbreaking move bridging cryptocurrency and football, Tether, the world’s leading stablecoin issuer, has officially submitted a cash offer to acquire 65.4% of Juventus’ shares, held by Exor, the Agnelli family’s holding company.
The bid values the historic Italian club at 1.1 billion euros, or 2.66 euros per share, notably higher than Juventus’ current market capitalization of roughly 775 million euros.
The proposal also includes a public takeover bid (PTB) for the remaining 34.6% of shares at the same price. With Tether already owning 11.5% of the club, a successful deal would secure the crypto giant majority control, giving it authority over a club that carries more than 400 million euros in accumulated debt.
Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO, expressed his deep-rooted connection to Juventus:
“Juventus has always been part of my life. Growing up with this team, I learned the true meaning of commitment, resilience, and responsibility by watching them navigate both triumphs and setbacks with dignity.”
This acquisition would mark a first in football history: no crypto-linked company has ever attempted to purchase a club of Juventus’ magnitude, with prior involvement from the sector limited to sponsorships or partnerships such as Binance with Lazio or Crypto.com with Ligue 1.
Tether has increasingly diversified its portfolio, investing in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and now sports. Steering a football club of Juventus’ scale represents a complex and high-stakes challenge, far beyond the management of digital assets.
If successful, Tether would gain massive international exposure through Juventus’ fan base of 500 million worldwide. The possibilities include branding on jerseys, USDT-based ticketing and merchandise, and heightened social media engagement, potentially turning Juventus into a global showcase for crypto adoption.
Industry analysts suggest this bold maneuver could inspire other financially strained clubs in Europe to attract crypto investors, potentially reshaping the intersection of football and digital finance.
A completed acquisition would not only provide financial relief for Juventus but also position Tether as a pioneering force in a new era of sports investment. Yet, questions remain about whether this unprecedented partnership will benefit the club, its fans, and the wider football ecosystem.