Tether’s audacious attempt to acquire Italian soccer club Juventus has been rebuffed by Exor, the holding company controlled by the Agnelli family that has owned the Serie A giants for more than a century. The cryptocurrency firm’s all‑cash offer, valued at approximately €1.1 billion (US$1.3 billion) and pitched at €2.66 per share for Exor’s 65.4% controlling stake, was unanimously rejected by the Exor board, which reaffirmed that “Juventus is not for sale.”
Tether, best known as the issuer of the widely used USDT stablecoin, had also signalled it would extend the same price per share to other shareholders through a public tender offer if Exor accepted the proposal. The company already holds a minority position in Juventus, reportedly just over 10% of shares, and in recent months placed a nominee on the club’s board, underscoring its growing interest in integrating with the football business.
Exor’s decision comes amidst a turbulent period for Juventus. The club has faced financial losses in recent seasons, and its share price has lagged, creating an opening that outside investors such as Tether sought to exploit. Despite the premium offer, reportedly about 21% above the club’s recent closing price, the Agnelli family and Exor leadership emphasised that historic and cultural ties to the club outweigh any financial incentive to sell. “Juventus, our history and our values, are not for sale,” Exor CEO John Elkann stated, highlighting the family’s century‑long stewardship of the club.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino expressed a personal connection to Juventus, saying that growing up with the team inspired his proposal. The firm also pledged to invest an additional €1 billion (US$1.2 billion) into developing the club if the acquisition had proceeded, a commitment aimed at supporting both sporting operations and long‑term growth.
The move marked one of the most high‑profile intersections between the cryptocurrency sector and traditional sports ownership to date, underscoring how digital‑finance entities are expanding into legacy markets such as professional football. However, Exor’s swift rejection signals that historic family ownership and brand identity remain dominant factors in decisions over Italy’s most decorated football club.
Juventus’ current leadership emphasizes continuity rather than disruption. With seven Serie A titles in the club’s history and a global fan base, the Agnelli family’s stance suggests confidence in its long‑term strategy, even as rivals like AC Milan and Inter Milan operate under foreign investment firms.
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