Juventus Rejects Tether’s Bid for Principal Stakeholder Position

Italian football giant Juventus has slammed the door on a major crypto play. The club's board has formally rejected a proposal from Tether—the stablecoin behemoth—to become its principal stakeholder.

The Pitch That Didn't Stick

Sources close to the negotiations describe a high-stakes proposal that ultimately failed to find the back of the net. Tether, known for its deep reserves backing the USDT stablecoin, sought a controlling influence in one of Europe's most storied football institutions. The move was seen by many as a bold attempt to bridge the worlds of traditional sports finance and digital asset liquidity.

Old Money vs. New Money

The rejection highlights a persistent cultural divide. While clubs globally are increasingly open to crypto sponsorships on jerseys, a principal stakeholder role represents a fundamental shift in governance and financial strategy. Juventus's decision signals a preference for traditional investment structures over the potentially volatile—though immensely liquid—world of stablecoin reserves. It's a reminder that in some boardrooms, a billion in 'real' dollars still carries more weight than a billion in digital IOUs, no matter how well-collateralized.

What's Next for Crypto in Sports?

This isn't a full-time whistle on crypto in sports, far from it. But it is a clear offside call against a specific type of takeover. The playbook is now being rewritten. Expect more targeted, partnership-focused deals rather than outright control bids. The game goes on, just with a different formation.

Tether sets a proposal to acquire Exor’s holdings

Tether’s proposal is aimed at acquiring Exor’s holding, which accounts for about 65.4% of Juventus’ outstanding shares. Subject to regulatory approvals and acceptance by the seller, Tether stated that it WOULD launch a public tender offer for the remaining shares at the same price.

JUST IN: Tether has submitted an all-cash offer to acquire Juventus by buying Exor’s controlling stake. pic.twitter.com/PmjjtiL1c6

— Cryptopolitan (@CPOfficialtx) December 13, 2025

The offer is priced at €2.66 per share, valuing 100% of the company at approximately €1.1 billion. This is a massive sum, which would have marked one of the most sensational deals in recent European football history.

Additionally, Tether stated that, if the acquisition were to proceed, it would provide Juventus with approximately an additional €1 billion to strengthen the first team and support the club’s overall development.

“Tether is in a position of strong financial health and intends to support Juventus with stable capital and a long horizon,” CEO Paolo Ardoino said

Tether has pushed aggressively into new sectors over the past year. It has invested in artificial intelligence, robotics and health-tech ventures. However, its MOVE into football has been gradual. 

So far, Tether has acquired an 11.5% stake in Juventus, making it the club’s second-largest shareholder. Both Tether and the Agnelli family’s investment company have shown commitment to the club. In November, they participated in a €97.8 million capital increase aimed at reducing debt and supporting the club’s strategic plan.

Tether has gained influence inside the club. In October, the crypto giant nominated Deputy Investment Chief Zachary Lyons and Francesco Garino to Juventus’s board, and shareholders approved Garino’s appointment last month.

Meanwhile, Juventus is valued at roughly €944 million ($1.1 billion). It saw its share price rise 2.3% after Tether’s interest to €2.23 ($2.62).

Tether surges 50% amidst scrutiny over money laundering 

Analysts say that Tether will make almost $15 billion this year. Matt Hougan, the chief investment officer at Bitwise, has said that Tether might become the most profitable corporation in the world, possibly even more so than Saudi Aramco.

It’s the world’s third-largest digital asset with a market cap of $183.8 billion, up 50% compared to this time last year. Tether maintains strong cash reserves. However, recent reports suggest that the company may seek $20 billion in new capital for a 3% stake in ownership.

The firm has simultaneously expanded its precious metals holdings, with its Gold reserves now exceeding $12 billion.

Meanwhile, Tether remains under scrutiny over its role in the global crypto system. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists said that investigations have linked a lot of USDT transactions to wallets that US authorities later found to be tied to money laundering.

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