Tether, the company behind the popular USDT stablecoin, has made a bold move into European football by acquiring a 10.7% stake in Juventus Football Club, valued at approximately $149 million (€128 million). This investment positions Tether as the second-largest shareholder in one of Italy’s most famous football clubs.
Juventus Ownership Landscape
| Shareholder | Stake Percentage | Approximate Value |
| Exor NV (Agnelli family) | 65.4% | Majority control |
| Tether | 10.7% | ~$149 million (€128 million) |
| Other Investors | 24% | Remaining shares |
Exor NV, the Agnelli family’s investment firm, remains the dominant owner with over 65% of Juventus shares. Tether’s entry as a major shareholder marks the first time a cryptocurrency company has gained such a significant foothold in a top European football club.
The Current Situation at Juventus
Juventus has faced financial challenges in recent years. The club reported losses totaling €199 million over recent periods and is projected to post an €18 million deficit in the upcoming annual report. To address these issues, Juventus plans to raise capital ranging from €15 million up to €100 million.
Tether is actively seeking a board seat to influence the club’s strategic direction and participate in upcoming capital raises. Despite this, Juventus and Exor have been cautious, limiting communication and excluding Tether from governance discussions so far. Formal talks are expected to take place after the 2025 Club World Cup in July.
Tether’s Vision for Juventus
Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO and a lifelong Juventus fan, aims to bring innovation to the club through blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. The goal is to modernize club operations and improve competitiveness both on and off the pitch.
This vision, however, has not yet been embraced by Juventus leadership, reflecting a broader tension between traditional sports governance and emerging crypto investors.
Why This Matters
- First major crypto investment in a top European football club: Tether’s stake breaks new ground in sports finance.
- Financial urgency for Juventus: The club needs fresh capital to stabilize after years of losses.
- Governance challenges: Juventus’ reluctance to give Tether a board seat highlights the cautious approach to integrating crypto firms.
- Potential for innovation: Tether’s plans could transform how football clubs operate using new technologies.
Key Takeaways
- Tether owns 10.7% of Juventus, worth about $149 million.
- Exor NV remains the majority shareholder with 65.4%.
- Juventus is financially strained and plans to raise significant capital.
- Tether is pushing for a board seat and a role in financial decisions.
- The club’s leadership is cautious about crypto involvement.
- Tether wants to use blockchain and AI to modernize Juventus.
FAQs
Q: Why is Juventus hesitant to give Tether a board seat?
- Juventus and Exor are cautious due to regulatory concerns and the traditional nature of sports governance, which often resists rapid change from new industries like crypto.
Q: How much does Exor own in Juventus?
- Exor NV owns about 65.4%, maintaining majority control.
Q: What motivates Tether’s investment?
- Tether aims to support Juventus’ growth, influence strategic decisions, and introduce blockchain and AI innovations.
Q: Is Juventus financially stable?
- No, the club has reported large losses and faces an €18 million projected deficit.
Q: When will Juventus discuss Tether’s proposals?
- Discussions are planned after the Club World Cup in July 2025.
Tether’s investment in Juventus signals a new chapter in sports and finance. It raises questions about how traditional clubs will adapt to digital-age investors.
Will Juventus embrace this change and leverage blockchain technology?
The coming months will reveal how this relationship unfolds.
