SoftBank Group Corp. has announced a groundbreaking $4 billion acquisition of DigitalBridge Group, Inc., a leading digital infrastructure investment firm, as part of its ambitious strategy to scale next-generation AI infrastructure.
This deal, revealed on December 29, 2025, aims to bolster SoftBank’s capabilities in data centers, cell towers, fiber networks, and edge infrastructure, all critical components for supporting the surging demand for AI computing power.
Strategic Importance of DigitalBridge in AI Expansion
DigitalBridge, with its extensive portfolio of digital assets valued at over $108 billion, provides SoftBank with a robust foundation to address the infrastructure challenges posed by AI’s exponential growth.
Under the leadership of Masayoshi Son, SoftBank has been aggressively investing in AI technologies, viewing this acquisition as a pivotal step to secure a dominant position in the global AI race.
Historical Context: SoftBank’s Visionary Investments
Historically, SoftBank has made bold moves in tech, from early investments in Alibaba to the creation of the Vision Fund, which has funneled billions into innovative startups worldwide.
The acquisition of DigitalBridge aligns with SoftBank’s long-standing vision of anticipating and shaping future tech trends, particularly in artificial intelligence and connectivity.
Impact on the AI and Tech Industry
The deal is expected to have a ripple effect across the tech industry, intensifying competition among giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, who are also investing heavily in AI infrastructure.
For smaller players, SoftBank’s expanded capacity could either present new partnership opportunities or create barriers due to the sheer scale of its data center network.
Future Outlook: A $500 Billion Ambition
Looking ahead, this acquisition ties into SoftBank’s reported Project Stargate, a rumored $500 billion initiative to build massive AI data centers, potentially revolutionizing how AI models are trained and deployed.
The integration of DigitalBridge’s assets could accelerate SoftBank’s timeline for these ambitious projects, positioning it as a leader in the next decade of AI innovation.
While the deal is targeted to close in the second half of 2026, industry watchers are already speculating on how this will reshape global digital infrastructure landscapes.
As AI continues to transform industries, SoftBank’s latest move underscores the critical role of physical infrastructure in powering the digital future, a narrative that will likely dominate tech discussions in the coming years.
Alfred Lee
