Sam Altman says he’ll buy Twitter for $9.74B
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reacted to an Elon Musk–led $97.4 billion offer for control of OpenAI with a terse post on X (formerly Twitter): “no thank you but we will buy twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.” (Posted Feb 10, 2025). ReutersX (formerly Twitter)
The backdrop: a $97.4B takeover attempt
On February 10, 2025, a consortium led by Elon Musk submitted a $97.4B bid to acquire the nonprofit entity that controls OpenAI. The move followed months of legal and public disputes over OpenAI’s governance and future structure. Reuters
The following day, reports indicated OpenAI’s leadership intended to reject the offer. Altman told staff the board had “no interest” in the “supposed bid,” according to coverage at the time. Reuters
By February 14, OpenAI’s board formally rejected the unsolicited proposal, stating the organization was not for sale. Reuters
Why Altman’s line matters
Altman’s post, while laconic, lands at the intersection of AI, social networks, and control over distribution. Musk owns X; OpenAI relies on massive scale for data, users, and developer mindshare. The quip underscored how the AI rivalry now extends into platform ownership and public narrative-setting. Multiple reports in subsequent months noted that the bid—and Altman’s swift dismissal—further strained relations between the two leaders. Reuters+1
What to watch next
- Governance & structure: OpenAI’s nonprofit/capped-profit framework remains under scrutiny; external pressure has already influenced the company’s approach to control and corporate form. Wikipedia
- Product and platform moves: Any OpenAI initiatives that touch social feeds or distribution rails could escalate competitive dynamics with X. Reuters
- Legal timeline: Musk’s ongoing litigation and related disclosures may keep new details emerging around the February bid and communications. Reuters
