SoftBank Group has launched more than $11 billion in new bonds as it prepares to make another $10 billion investment in OpenAI. The move adds to the Japanese technology group’s already large financial commitment to the AI company.
The bond offering includes $10 billion in U.S. dollar-denominated bonds and €1 billion in euro-denominated notes, according to a term sheet seen by Reuters. SoftBank is expected to use most of the proceeds to help finance its next investment in OpenAI, which is scheduled to close on October 1.
The deal shows the scale of SoftBank’s investment in artificial intelligence and its growing use of debt to finance its commitments to OpenAI.
SoftBank plans another $10 billion investment in OpenAI
SoftBank agreed in February 2026 to invest an additional $30 billion in OpenAI through three separate $10 billion payments. The first two investments were scheduled for April 1 and July 1. The final $10 billion tranche is expected to close on October 1.
After completing the third payment, SoftBank expects its total investment in OpenAI to reach about $64.6 billion. This would give the company an expected ownership stake of around 13% in OpenAI. The latest bond sale is closely linked to SoftBank’s plan to complete this third investment.
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SoftBank’s $11 Billion Bond Sale Includes Dollar and Euro Notes
SoftBank’s new bond offering includes $10 billion in U.S. dollar-denominated bonds and €1 billion in euro-denominated notes. The bonds come with different repayment periods, giving investors several maturity options.
The dollar bonds have 3.5-year, 5.5-year and 7.5-year maturities, while the euro notes have four-year and six-year maturities. According to the term sheet, the bonds are expected to be priced on September 24 and settle on September 29.
Fitch Ratings has assigned the proposed bonds a BB+ rating, which is below investment grade. The rating reflects the financial risks linked to SoftBank’s large investment commitments and its expected borrowing needs as it continues to fund major technology investments.
SoftBank Uses New Bonds to Fund OpenAI Investment
SoftBank plans to use proceeds from its new bond sale to help fund its next $10 billion investment in OpenAI. The financing will also help the company replace some of the short-term borrowing it arranged for the investment.
SoftBank had previously secured a $10 billion bridge loan facility to help finance its OpenAI commitment. The new bonds are expected to provide longer-term funding for the planned October payment, along with money for general corporate purposes.
SoftBank has increasingly relied on different forms of financing to support its large technology investments. By raising money through bonds, the company can secure funding for its OpenAI investment while continuing to allocate capital to other AI-related businesses.
SoftBank’s Bond Sale Could Set an Asia-Pacific Record
The size of SoftBank’s bond offering could make it one of the largest corporate debt deals in the Asia-Pacific region this year. If the sale is completed at the planned size, it could become the largest bond sale by a non-financial company in the Asia-Pacific and Japan region.
The deal would surpass the $10.93 billion bond sale by 7-Eleven in January 2021, which currently holds the regional record. The transaction would also rank among the largest corporate bond deals globally in 2026, highlighting the scale of SoftBank’s financing plans as it prepares for another major investment in OpenAI.
OpenAI investment is part of SoftBank’s wider AI strategy
OpenAI has become a major part of SoftBank’s plans for artificial intelligence. SoftBank has said its additional investment will support OpenAI’s growth and its wider ambitions around artificial superintelligence.
The size of the investment also reflects the amount of money major technology investors are putting into AI companies. At the same time, SoftBank is taking on significant financial commitments to support its strategy.
The company will need to manage its debt while depending on the future value and performance of its technology investments.
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SoftBank’s OpenAI Investment Moves Toward October Closing
SoftBank’s bond offering is expected to be priced on September 24, with the bonds scheduled to settle on September 29. The timing comes just days before the planned October 1 closing of SoftBank’s $10 billion investment in OpenAI.
After completing the payment, SoftBank expects its total investment in OpenAI to reach about $64.6 billion, giving it an expected ownership stake of roughly 13%.
The bond sale will help SoftBank finance the next stage of its investment in OpenAI as the company continues to expand its focus on artificial intelligence.
