SoftBank to Acquire DigitalBridge for $4B, Boost AI Infrastructure via Stargate Project

The deal between SoftBank Group and DigitalBridge is a calculated move by SoftBank to solidify its role not just as a financier, but as a builder of the physical infrastructure necessary for large-scale AI deployment. By acquiring a firm that manages over US$108 billion in digital infrastructure—including data centers, cell towers, fiber, edge networks—SoftBank gains immediate access to global assets that are essential for scaling AI workloads, especially under its stated goal of delivering Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). [4][6][7]

The financial terms indicate a modest premium—US$16 per share paid in cash—making DigitalBridge public shareholders beneficiaries, though the leverage needed to fund this acquisition (and other concurrent initiatives) factors heavily into SoftBank’s balance sheet risk. The price reflects ~15% over the immediate pre-deal closing price and roughly double the unaffected average over the prior 52 weeks, suggesting considerable appreciation already priced in. [6][10]

This acquisition dovetails with SoftBank’s crucial involvement in the Stargate project—an initiative with OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX to build US AI infrastructure with a target of US$500 billion investment and 10 GW capacity by 2029. Recent expansions have already brought Stargate close to ~7 GW with ~US$400 billion committed by end-2025. DigitalBridge’s portfolio strengthens SoftBank’s capacity to deliver on infrastructure—especially connectivity and edge—with projects in power, data transmission, and hardware deployment. [2][1]

Strategically, SoftBank appears consolidating its AI ecosystem exposure: it has sold its Nvidia stake (≈US$5.8 billion), redirected capital toward OpenAI, and now secures a supply of infrastructure assets via acquisition rather than just financial investment. This emphasizes its focus on the “platform layer” of AI—compute, power, interconnect—rather than software alone. [15][6][4]

However, execution risks remain substantial. Regulatory approvals are not guaranteed, especially in cross-border infrastructure and asset concentration contexts. Also, SoftBank must integrate—or at least coordinate—ongoing infrastructure rollout (e.g., under Stargate) with DigitalBridge’s existing projects without diluting value or overextending capital. The timeline—closing in H2 2026—may stretch given the geopolitical sensitivities around data infrastructure, power supply, and environmental permitting. [4][6]

Open questions to watch:

• How will DigitalBridge assets—particularly those outside the US—be leveraged to support SoftBank’s ASI vision?
• What financing mix (debt, equity, internal cash) will SoftBank employ to fund this deal and satisfy its Stargate obligations?
• How will SoftBank manage regulatory scrutiny, potential national security concerns (especially over data infrastructure), and environmental/power supply constraints?
• Will DigitalBridge’s existing LPs (limited partners) see synergies or disruptions under SoftBank ownership?