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Nvidia Weighs $250B Backstop for OpenAI Ohio Data Center
Coverage from The New York Times, Data Center Dynamics, and others
Articles
11
Days Since Update
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The Story
Nvidia is reportedly negotiating a roughly $250 billion financing backstop to help OpenAI lease and fund a proposed 10-gigawatt AI data center campus in southern Ohio. SoftBank's SB Energy is developing the project, which could cost more than $500 billion including equipment and is targeted to begin its first phase in 2028. The proposed structure would rely on Nvidia's credit support for lease and construction debt, while raising scrutiny of the large, interconnected financing arrangements supporting AI infrastructure.
First Article: 07/30/26
Latest Article: 08/01/26
The Bigger Picture
Articles in this story are part of a shaping these topics.
Nvidia Funds AI Data Center Expansion
Nvidia agreed to invest up to $2.1 billion in IREN and collaborate on up to 5 gigawatts of AI infrastructure.
Nvidia-Backed Ohio AI Data Center
OpenAI is reportedly negotiating a lease for a proposed 10-gigawatt site in southern Ohio developed by SoftBank’s energy subsidiary.
Articles
07-30-2026
NBC4 WCMH
The DOE and SB Energy are developing a proposed 10-gigawatt AI data center at the former PORTS site in Pike County, Ohio, with Nvidia and OpenAI reportedly considering a lease.
07-28-2026
The New York Times / Maureen Farrell and Cade Metz
OpenAI, via SoftBank-led development, negotiates a $500 billion Ohio data center lease with Nvidia-backed financial support and 10 gigawatts of power involvement.
07-28-2026
CNBC / Tobias Burns
Nvidia and OpenAI circular financing for a $500 billion data center in southern Ohio coincides with a sharp semiconductor selloff amid AI debt and competition concerns.
07-27-2026
Data Center Dynamics / Sebastian Moss
Nvidia is negotiating a $250 billion financing backstop for an OpenAI data center planned for southern Ohio, supported by SoftBank SB Energy's 10GW natural-gas power buildout.
07-27-2026CNBC / Kate Rooney
OpenAI is negotiating an up to 250 billion Nvidia credit backstop to finance lease and construction debt for a 10 gigawatt AI data center campus in Pike County, Ohio.
07-27-2026CNBC / Zev Fima
Nvidia reportedly discussed financing support for OpenAI to lease a proposed 10-gigawatt data center in southern Ohio, developed by SB Energy.
07-27-2026
New York Post / Marc Vartabedian
Nvidia is reportedly in talks with OpenAI and SB Energy to provide a 250 billion financing package for a 10 gigawatt Ohio data center, tied to tariff-funded gas generation.
07-27-2026
Forbes / Ty Roush
Nvidia and OpenAI discuss a proposed 10-gigawatt Ohio data center near Columbus, with SBEnergy developing the site and first-phase power targeted for 2028.
07-27-2026
The Columbus Dispatch
Nvidia financing guarantee talks are reported to support OpenAI leasing a 10-gigawatt Pike County, Ohio data center as Howard Lutnick allocates government-controlled power access.
07-26-2026
Reuters
Nvidia discussed providing $250 billion in financing guarantees for OpenAI to lease and finance a 10-gigawatt data center in southern Ohio, with 2028 phase completion.
07-26-2026
The Wall Street Journal
NVIDIA reportedly discusses a $250 billion backstop for OpenAI to lease a 10-gigawatt data center project in southern Ohio being developed by SoftBank energy.