OpenAI Spends $7 Billion Buying Back Employee Shares

OpenAI spent $7 billion buying back shares from its own employees, valuing the company at $852 billion — matching its March 2026 fundraising. Bloomberg reported the news first. Rather than connecting employees with outside buyers, OpenAI purchased the shares itself. The move comes before a possible stock market debut, which OpenAI quietly began preparing for in June 2026.