Tether’s Bold Move: Northern Data Acquisition to Make It Rumble’s Top Shareholder

Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin USDT, is set to become the biggest shareholder in video platform Rumble through its planned acquisition of Northern Data Group’s media unit. The deal, still subject to final approvals, would see Tether take over Northern Data’s media assets, which include its stake in Rumble, positioning the stablecoin giant as the largest single shareholder of the platform. Rumble, known for its focus on free speech and alternative media distribution, has seen steady growth in user base and creator engagement over the past few years. By securing a major stake, Tether is signaling a broader diversification strategy beyond its core crypto operations, expanding into media and digital content. Northern Data, a Germany-based high-performance computing company, has been restructuring its business to focus on AI and data center infrastructure, making the media asset sale a strategic move. The acquisition could align with Tether’s push to integrate blockchain-based solutions into media platforms, potentially offering new monetization models for content creators and alternative payment rails for audiences. While neither party has disclosed the full financial details, market watchers see the move as a potential game-changer in blending cryptocurrency-backed companies with traditional and digital media ecosystems. The acquisition may also strengthen Rumble’s competitive position against mainstream video platforms by leveraging Tether’s global reach, liquidity, and blockchain expertise. If completed, this deal would mark one of the most notable cross-industry acquisitions involving a major stablecoin issuer, reflecting the increasingly blurred lines between fintech, media, and technology sectors. Tether’s entry into Rumble’s ownership circle is expected to spark discussions on the role of crypto firms in shaping online content platforms and the implications for free speech, decentralization, and the monetization of digital media in the Web3 era.