Juventus Freezes Out Tether Following Blockbuster €128M Stake Purchase

Turin's football giants slam the door on crypto talks after major share deal.

Juventus FC just pulled off the ultimate defensive play—cutting Tether off at the knees after the stablecoin giant poured €128 million into the club. The Serie A powerhouse isn't returning calls from their new crypto sugar daddy.

Football meets finance: When traditional institutions still treat crypto like a dirty tackle. The Old Lady of Italian football proves even blockchain money can't buy respectability—at least not immediately.

TLDR

• Tether has acquired a 10.7 percent stake in Juventus valued at approximately €128 million.
• The investment was completed between February and April 2025 through public market purchases.
• Despite the significant holding, Tether has been excluded from Juventus governance and board discussions.
• Exor, the Agnelli family’s holding company, retains majority control of the club with a 65.4 percent stake.
• Tether has made several attempts to initiate talks with Juventus but has received no response.

Tether has acquired a 10.7% stake in Juventus, making it the club’s second-largest shareholder behind Exor. The €128 million investment was finalized between February and April 2025 through public market purchases. Despite the substantial stake, Tether remains excluded from the club’s governance and strategic decision-making processes.

Tether Asserts Stake But Faces Communication Gaps

Tether’s leadership confirmed that its investment did not involve board negotiations or discussions with Juventus management. The company has since made repeated efforts to initiate talks regarding future collaboration with the club. However, Juventus and its majority owner, Exor, have maintained limited communication with Tether.

The crypto x football wave is only getting started.

Bigger money, bigger moves, bigger stakes.

Don’t be surprised when your favorite club’s next owner is from crypto. https://t.co/ObIujYhkoD

— Our Crypto Talk (@ourcryptotalk) June 25, 2025

Exor, controlled by the Agnelli family, holds a 65.4% majority and continues to lead all governance decisions. Tether expressed concern over being sidelined, particularly as Juventus prepares for the FIFA Club World Cup. The club has deferred any meetings with Tether until after the tournament concludes in July.

Tether believes its equity position warrants influence on key matters, including performance, strategy, and international branding. Still, it acknowledges that its acquisition process excluded formal agreements on board representation. The company remains committed to seeking a pathway to engage constructively with Juventus leadership.

Juventus Faces Financial Strain Amid Potential Capital Raise

Juventus expects to report an €18 million financial loss in its upcoming results and plans to raise up to €100 million. The funding will cover operational losses and help finance new player acquisitions ahead of the 2025–26 season. Exor has pledged €15 million to maintain its majority in any new issuance.

Tether has not confirmed participation in the potential capital raise but is monitoring the developments closely. The company maintains liquidity through assets worth $156 billion, including $115 billion in U.S. Treasuries. Despite financial capability, Tether may reassess additional investments without engagement from the club.

The firm’s goal is to contribute long-term value to Juventus but acknowledges current barriers in executing that vision. Financial alignment exists, yet the lack of strategic collaboration remains a central concern. Tether aims to bridge this disconnect to support the club’s international ambitions.

Tether Targets Juventus for Tech Expansion

Headquartered in El Salvador, Tether continues diversifying beyond its Core crypto business into sports, media, AI, and agriculture. The firm recently acquired 30% of Italian media company Be Water as part of its broader ecosystem strategy. Executives view Juventus as a potential platform for deploying technological expertise in AI and data.

Tether leadership sees AI as a key tool for player scouting, fan engagement, and performance analytics within football. However, without formal involvement in governance, its capacity to implement such strategies remains limited. Despite emotional ties to the club, Tether executives have attended matches without official engagement.

The company says its approach is long-term and cooperative, but future share purchases will depend on Juventus’ willingness to engage. Tether continues to advocate for modernization in Italian football and hopes to contribute through innovation and resources.