JuventusCryptoInvestor

Tether holds a 10.7% stake in Juventus, worth $149M.
The crypto firm seeks a board seat to influence decisions.Juventus and Exor resist Tether’s push for governance role.Crypto’s role in football grows with WhiteBIT’s sponsorship.Talks are delayed until after the 2025 Club World Cup.
Tether’s Bold Move into Juventus Ownership
Juventus crypto investor Tether Holdings SA acquired a 10.7% stake in Juventus FC, valued at approximately €128 million ($149 million), making it the club’s second-largest shareholder. The investment, announced on February 14, 2025, marks the first time a cryptocurrency company has held a significant share in a major European football club. Tether, known for its USDT stablecoin, now seeks a seat on Juventus’ board to influence the club’s strategic decisions.
The move signals a shift in football’s financial landscape, where digital currency firms are gaining prominence. Tether’s stake places it behind only Exor NV, the Agnelli family’s investment vehicle, which holds 65.4% of Juventus.
Push for Board Influence Faces Resistance
Tether’s ambition to secure a board position has met with limited engagement from Juventus and Exor. CEO Paolo Ardoino expressed frustration over the lack of response, emphasizing Tether’s desire to contribute to the club’s future. “We aim to shape key decisions as part of our investment responsibility,” Ardoino stated, highlighting the firm’s intent to integrate its technological expertise into Juventus’ operations.
Juventus, however, has postponed discussions until after the FIFA Club World Cup in early July 2025. The club’s traditional governance, led by the Agnelli family, remains a hurdle for Tether. The family’s dominance ensures that external investors face challenges in gaining significant control.
Tether’s investment follows its exclusion from a recent $10 million to $115 million funding round, underscoring resistance within the soccer industry. Despite this, Ardoino, a lifelong Juventus fan, remains committed to increasing the firm’s stake and influence.
The crypto firm’s broader portfolio, including investments in agriculture, media, and artificial intelligence, reflects its strategy to diversify beyond digital currencies. Tether believes these resources could enhance Juventus’ off-field operations, such as fan engagement and long-term planning.
Crypto’s Growing Role in Football
Tether’s move coincides with Juventus’ deepening ties to the cryptocurrency sector. The club recently signed a three-year sleeve sponsorship deal with WhiteBIT, a major European crypto exchange. This partnership, announced in June 2025, includes WhiteBIT’s logo on Juventus’ men’s team jerseys and aims to enhance fan experiences through digital content and blockchain-based initiatives.
Football’s embrace of crypto extends beyond Juventus. Clubs like FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have also partnered with digital asset firms, reflecting the sector’s growing influence. FIFA’s launch of an Avalanche L1 blockchain in May 2025 further underscores the trend, enabling new opportunities like on-chain ticketing and NFT-based loyalty programs.
Tether’s push for a board seat could set a precedent for crypto firms seeking active roles in sports governance. However, Juventus’ traditional structure may limit Tether’s immediate impact. The club’s leadership remains focused on maintaining control while exploring digital transformation.
The tension highlights a broader clash between football’s conventional management and tech-driven investors. Tether’s $13 billion in profits and $150 billion portfolio, including $115 billion in US Treasury bonds, position it as a formidable player. Yet, Juventus’ century-old governance model remains a significant barrier.
For now, Tether awaits further talks, with its 10.7% stake granting limited voting rights of 6.18%. The outcome of these negotiations could redefine how crypto investors engage with global sports franchises.
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