Tether, a leading company in the cryptocurrency sector, has recently acquired a stake in Juventus, one of Italy’s most prestigious football clubs. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, shared insights into this decision during an interview on “A Cripto,” a podcast by Il Sole 24 Ore (via Ilbianconero) .
According to Ardoino, the investment stems from Tether’s ambition to explore synergies between cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and the sports industry.
“The idea of investing in Juventus came a few months ago as part of our broader strategy to integrate technology into new sectors,” he explained. While the stake remains relatively small, Tether has been actively investing in artificial intelligence, having allocated over $2 million to the sector in the past 18 months.
Tether’s commitment to innovation goes beyond finance. The company recently acquired a majority share in a U.S. based firm specializing in brain chip technology, which supports individuals with multiple sclerosis and motor impairments.
Ardoino emphasized that partnering with Juventus aligns with Tether’s long-term vision: “Juventus is one of the most iconic sports brands in the world. We see an opportunity to bring innovation into the sports sector and contribute to the club’s future success.”
While Juventus is deeply rooted in tradition, Ardoino believes the rapid pace of technological advancement requires clubs to embrace change. “The sports world is evolving quickly, and we are confident that our expertise can provide valuable input to Juventus’ management and operations,” he stated.
Ardoino acknowledged that the specific benefits for Juventus supporters are still under discussion with the club’s leadership. However, he hinted at potential developments in payment systems and AI driven enhancements for fan engagement.
“For now, we hold a small share, slightly over 5% of voting rights, and have followed the necessary regulatory disclosures,” he noted.
Despite speculation, Ardoino dismissed any notion of a hidden agenda: “There is no grand scheme behind this. We are simply exploring ways to contribute to Juventus’ success, working collaboratively with the club, its management, and its fans.”
Tether’s investment in Juventus is part of a larger strategy to expand its influence beyond stablecoins. The company’s flagship product, USDt, is currently the most widely used stablecoin globally, with a market capitalization exceeding $140 billion and a strong presence in emerging markets.
Beyond cryptocurrency, Tether has been actively expanding into artificial intelligence, Bitcoin mining, and biotechnology. The Juventus deal marks a significant step in integrating blockchain technology into the sports industry, potentially paving the way for digital payment solutions and fan engagement tools.
Tether has also formed strategic partnerships with notable figures in the sports industry, such as Juan Sartori, who has connections with Sunderland AFC and AS Monaco. These collaborations aim to enhance the adoption of digital assets within football and beyond.
This investment aligns with Tether’s ongoing efforts to promote blockchain and stablecoin adoption in everyday life. Previously, the company launched “Plan ₿” in partnership with the city of Lugano, which included sponsoring the FC Lugano football team.
Now, with a stake in Juventus, Tether continues to strengthen the relationship between technology and sports, signaling its intent to expand further into mainstream industries.
As blockchain and cryptocurrency continue to play a growing role in global finance and commerce, Tether’s move into the football industry may set the stage for broader innovation within the sports sector.
With this investment, Juventus could become a testing ground for cutting-edge financial and technological solutions, redefining the future of club management and fan experiences.
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