Tether, the issuer of the USDT stablecoin, is seeking a greater role in the management of Italian football club Juventus by nominating its own candidates to the club's board of directors. This move comes as Tether has increased its stake in the Turin-based club to 10.7%, making it the second-largest shareholder after the Agnelli family-owned investment company Exor, which holds 65% of the shares. The nominations are slated to be presented at the annual general meeting of shareholders on November 7, 2025.
In addition to proposing board members, Tether intends to suggest "governance reforms" at the upcoming meeting in Milan, although the specifics of these changes have not been disclosed. The company also plans to participate in Juventus' capital increase of up to €110 million (approximately $129 million), demonstrating its commitment to the club's financial stability.
Tether's initial investment in Juventus occurred in February 2025, and it expanded its position to over 10% in April. CEO Paolo Ardoino characterized this initial investment as a demonstration of "commitment to innovation and long-term collaboration". This marked Tether's entry into European sports ownership.
However, reports in June indicated that the relationship between Tether and Juventus had been "difficult," with limited communication between Tether's management and the club despite repeated attempts by Tether to arrange meetings. Ardoino stated in July that "communication between Tether, Juventus, and Exor has been limited". He also expressed a desire to find common ground and explore collaboration opportunities. This lack of engagement is reportedly a significant factor in Tether's decision to seek board representation and influence the club's corporate strategy.
Juventus, despite its status as one of Europe's most prominent football clubs, has faced financial challenges in recent years. The club reported a €199 million loss from 2023 to 2024 and anticipates a further loss of around €18 million this year. The club's management hopes that new investment, including Tether's contribution, will help stabilize the financial situation and improve both on-field and off-field performance.
Tether's investment in Juventus is part of a broader strategy to diversify its assets and expand its presence in the real economy. The company has been actively investing in various sectors, including financial institutions, mining, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and now sports. Furthermore, Tether acquired a 30% stake in Italian media firm Be Water in May, with Ardoino emphasizing the importance of independent media. Tether also announced a $775 million investment in the video platform Rumble last December.
The stablecoin issuer's increasing influence extends beyond the cryptocurrency space, with CEO Paolo Ardoino cultivating relationships with U.S. policymakers. Ardoino attended a ceremony in July where President Trump signed the GENIUS stablecoin bill into law, a legislative framework providing regulatory clarity for dollar-backed digital currencies.
The upcoming shareholder meeting on November 7 will be a crucial moment for both Tether and Juventus. Tether's stake positions it as a significant voice in the club's strategic direction. The meeting will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the proposed governance changes and the potential impact of Tether's growing influence on the traditional business sector.
