Cryptocurrency company Tether submitted a binding offer to buy the majority stake in Italian football club Juventus from its main shareholder Exor, but the proposal was quickly turned down. Exor, controlled by the Agnelli family, affirmed that the club is not for sale. Tether, which already holds an 11.5 percent stake, aimed to invest heavily in the Turin-based team.
On December 12, 2025, Tether announced it had made a binding all-cash proposal to Exor, the holding company of the Agnelli family that has controlled Juventus since 1923. The offer targeted Exor's 65.4 percent stake in the club, proposing 2.66 euros per share, which would value Juventus at 1.1 billion euros, or about $1.3 billion. This came as Juventus shares closed at 2.19 euros on the Milan stock exchange that day.
A source close to Exor immediately rebuffed the bid, stating, "Juventus is not for sale." This stance held firm amid earlier rumors of potential Saudi investment, with Exor emphasizing no intention to divest, regardless of the suitor. The bid will lapse if Exor does not accept in writing by 6:00 pm GMT on December 22.
Tether, issuer of the USDT stablecoin pegged to traditional assets, first acquired an 11.5 percent stake in Juventus in February 2025. The company seeks to blend its operations in cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology with the sports sector. Its stated goal is to "Make Juventus Great Again," echoing a political slogan. Last month, Juventus shareholders added Tether nominee Francesco Garino to the board.
Tether's chief executive, Paolo Ardoino, expressed personal ties to the club, saying, "For me, Juventus has always been part of my life. I grew up with this team." He added that the firm, in strong financial health, plans to invest one billion euros to develop Juventus over the long term with stable capital.
