Tether’s Bold Play: USDT Stablecoin Giant Submits Proposal to Acquire Juventus Football Club
Crypto meets calcio in a move that could redefine sports ownership. Tether, the company behind the world's largest stablecoin, USDT, has reportedly tabled a formal offer to purchase the storied Italian football club, Juventus.
The Unlikely Bidder
Forget oil sheikhs and media moguls—the next wave of club ownership is digital. Tether's vault, famously backed by U.S. Treasury bills and other reserves, is now being eyed for a very different kind of asset: one that wears black and white stripes. The proposal signals a staggering shift in how crypto-native capital views real-world prestige and influence.
More Than a Transaction
This isn't just a purchase; it's a potential blueprint. Acquiring a global sports icon like Juventus would instantly cement crypto's legitimacy in the mainstream cultural arena. Imagine stadiums branded with crypto wallets, fan tokens with real utility, and sponsorship deals settled instantly on-chain. It’s a masterclass in marketing—buying a billboard that also wins trophies.
The Finance World Watches
Traditional finance analysts are likely spilling their espresso. The move underscores the sheer scale of capital accumulation within the crypto ecosystem. Tether's bid isn't funded by debt or a complex consortium; it's powered by the steady, controversial minting of digital dollars that have become the lifeblood of crypto trading. One cynical observer might note it's a fascinating way to diversify a reserve portfolio—from T-bills to centre-backs.
What It Means for the Future
If successful, the acquisition would shatter the boundary between digital and traditional asset classes. It proves that crypto's biggest players aren't content dominating virtual ledgers—they're aiming for the heart of global culture. For Juventus, it could mean an infusion of capital unburdened by traditional banking hurdles. For crypto, it's the ultimate flex: using the industry's most criticized instrument to buy one of its most beloved institutions. The beautiful game just got a blockchain upgrade.
The proposal contemplates the acquisition of Exor’s shareholding, representing 65.4 percent of Juventus’ issued share capital. Completion of the transaction WOULD be subject to Exor’s acceptance, the execution of definitive documentation, and the receipt of required regulatory approvals. According to Calcio e Finanza, Exor has a 10-day window to potentially accept the offer from Tether, but that remains a giant question mark based on the initial reaction from Exor when it comes to even considering a sale of Juventus
“For me, Juventus has always been part of my life,” says Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “I grew up with this team. As a boy, I learned what commitment, resilience, and responsibility meant by watching Juventus face success and adversity with dignity. Those lessons stayed with me long after the final whistle.
Furthermore, Juventus is one of several European soccer clubs that have taken part in the crypto/NFT industry, looking to create unique experiences for its fans. Thus, a major crypto firm’s interest in buying the club isn’t a surprise. If the transaction completes, Tether says it will invest 1 billion Euros in the support and development of the Club.
As of May 2024, Forbes values the Juventus football club at just over $2.15 billion. The club’s publicly traded stock market cap was around $1.17 billion in 2025. The club has seen less success on the pitch over the last few years, going through managerial turmoil and last winning a trophy in 2024.