SoftBank Launches $11 Billion Junk Bond Sale for OpenAI in One of Biggest Ever Deals
Funding11d agoThe conglomerate issued $10 billion of dollar bonds and €1 billion of euro bonds to facilitate a scheduled $10 billion payment to OpenAI on October 1. Led by Citi and JPMorgan, the debt offering replaces a $10 billion bridge facility. Dollar bond maturities are 3.5, 5.5, and 7.5 years, while euro notes are 4 and 6 years, with pricing and settlement scheduled for September 24 and September 29.
The issuance is one of the largest junk bond sales ever and follows $15 billion in notes SoftBank sold earlier in 2026. Masayoshi Son’s group has committed nearly $65 billion to the ChatGPT creator, resulting in a roughly 13% stake after the latest payment. Borrowing costs for the firm have risen, with its 2031 dollar bond yield hitting 8.2% compared to 6.7% in January.
Key sources
- SOURCE@choblin29“SoftBank has launched $10 billion of dollar bonds plus €1 billion of euro bonds ahead of its next $10 billion payment to OpenAI on October 1”x.com
- SOURCE@business“billionaire Masayoshi Son’s conglomerate ramps up its investments in ChatGPT creator OpenAI”x.com
- SUPPORT@techmeme“issue $10B and €1B in debt for its OpenAI investment”x.com
- SUPPORT@bulltheoryio“borrowing costs are also rising, with its 2031 dollar bond yield hitting 8.2%, up from 6.7% in January”x.com
- SUPPORT@kobeissiletter“SoftBank has sold ~$15 billion worth of notes, making it the biggest junk-rated borrower in bond markets so far in 2026”x.com
- SOURCEmarketbrief.now
- SOURCEthe-decoder.com
- SUPPORT@wallstengine“SoftBank has committed nearly $65B to OpenAI in total, which would give it roughly a 13% stake after the latest investment is completed.”x.com