SoftBank Group has completed its $3.1 billion acquisition of DigitalBridge Group. The transaction closed on September 30, 2026. It turns DigitalBridge into a controlled subsidiary of the Japanese investment group.
The deal strengthens SoftBank’s position in digital infrastructure. It also sharpens its focus on AI, cloud platforms, and future connectivity demand. For telecoms players, this signals another major shift toward infrastructure-driven growth.
At the time of the deal, SoftBank said the acquisition would support next-generation services. These services need more computing capacity, connectivity, power, and scalable facilities. In simple terms, AI needs far more physical infrastructure than traditional software.
Masayoshi Son, SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO, said: “As AI transforms industries worldwide, we need more compute, connectivity, power, and scalable infrastructure.
“DigitalBridge is a leader in digital infrastructure, and this acquisition will strengthen the foundation for next-generation AI data centres, advance our vision to become a leading ASI platform provider, and help unlock breakthroughs that move humanity forward.”
DigitalBridge brings deep experience in data centres, fibre, towers, and edge infrastructure. These assets support the networks that carry rising digital traffic. They also serve cloud providers, mobile operators, and enterprise platforms.
For SoftBank, the move adds strategic weight beyond software and chips. It gives the group stronger exposure to physical network assets. That matters as AI workloads move closer to users and devices.
However, the acquisition also brings major execution pressure. AI infrastructure requires huge capital investment and long planning cycles. Power availability remains one of the biggest barriers in many markets.
There is also growing competition for premium infrastructure assets. Cloud providers, private equity firms, and operators all want similar capacity. That could raise prices and slow deployment in crowded regions.
Even so, DigitalBridge will continue to operate independently. CEO Marc Ganzi will remain in charge. This may help maintain investor trust and operational focus.
Ganzi said: “The buildout of AI infrastructure represents one of the most significant investment opportunities of our generation.
“SoftBank shares our DNA as builders and long-term investors committed to scaling transformational digital infrastructure. Their vision, capital strength, and global network will allow us to accelerate our mission with greater flexibility, invest with a longer-term horizon on behalf of our investors, and better serve the world’s leading technology companies as they scale their AI ambitions.”
For telecoms and cloud professionals, the message is clear. AI demand can no longer grow without stronger networks. Data centres, fibre routes, and edge sites now sit at the centre of strategy.
SoftBank’s bet shows how infrastructure has become a core technology battleground. The winners will need capital, scale, and reliable power. They will also need partners that understand global connectivity.
