SoftBank Seeks $11B via Junk Bonds to Fund OpenAI Investment

Key Facts

In a move reflecting the Japanese conglomerate's ambitions to dominate the artificial intelligence sector, SoftBank is planning to raise over $11 billion through high-yield junk bonds. According to reports, the group intends to split the issuance into $10 billion and €1 billion, with the majority of proceeds earmarked for a specific $10 billion third follow-on investment in OpenAI. This capital raise is designed to solidify SoftBank's stake in the ChatGPT creator and accelerate its aggressive expansion into AI infrastructure.

The news comes as SoftBank increases leverage to back its major tech bets, marking one of the largest junk bond deals in history. Per market data, SFTBY shares closed at $20.36 on September 18, 2026, trading within a range of $19.85 to $20.38. This pivot to dual-currency debt markets underscores Chairman Masayoshi Son's strategy of diversifying funding sources to capture high-growth opportunities within the emerging technology landscape.

Investors are currently monitoring SoftBank's ability to manage rising debt levels while SFTBY remains at $20.36 (close of September 18, 2026). Looking at the economic calendar for September 21, 2026, there are no immediate catalysts for the company; however, markets await the final pricing terms of the bonds and their impact on the group's credit profile following the clarification of the $10 billion commitment to OpenAI.