Tether, the cryptocurrency firm behind one of the world's leading stablecoins, has invested in Juventus, Italy's most popular football club. Holding a 5% stake valued at approximately E50 million, Tether revealed it has acquired shares gradually over recent months.
CEO Paolo Ardoino, a Juventus supporter, highlighted the firm's desire to explore collaborative opportunities while remaining a minority investor.
Tether has expressed its willingness to cooperate with Juventus' management and owners, aiming to enhance the club's brand globally. Potential collaboration may include utilising Tether's payment platform and vast user base of 400 million, particularly in emerging markets.
Ardoino noted that football clubs must adopt forward-looking strategies to connect with fans using innovative technologies.
Juventus, controlled by the Agnelli family through investment company Exor, has faced financial challenges recently, including losses nearing E200 million in the last fiscal year. Exor has denied any plans to sell its majority stake, which currently stands at 64%.
Ardoino emphasised that Tether's goal is supportive rather than aggressive, focusing on unlocking the club's untapped potential.
Tether remains a dominant player in the stablecoin market, with over$140 billion tokens in circulation. Despite regulatory concerns about stablecoins' risks to financial systems, Tether's profitability exceeded$13 billion in 2024, providing ample resources for strategic investments like its stake in Juventus.