Kris invests hundreds of millions in a top-tier domain matrix, making a strong foray into the AI ​​field

On February 6, 2026, a domain name transaction shocked the global cryptocurrency industry: Kris, founder and CEO of crypto.com, acquired AI.com for $70 million. This deal, facilitated by Larry Fisher, not only broke global domain name transaction records but also ushered in a new chapter of cross-industry integration between cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence through innovative digital asset payment methods. What is little known is that this record-breaking transaction was actually completed as early as April 2025; the official announcement now seems more like a declaration of Crypto.com’s formal entry into the field of artificial intelligence.

此次天价收购并非孤例，而是Crypto.com长期域名战略的关键组成部分。其联合创始人兼首席执行官Kris Marszalek已投入约1亿美元打造高端域名生态系统。从Crypto.com和XBT.com到OG.com，再到如今的AI.com，每个域名都兼具行业专属性和通用性，在其各自领域拥有战略价值。作为一位经验丰富的行业领袖，Kris的远见卓识令人钦佩。他果断收购AI.com，并计划在超级碗期间投入超过1000万美元推广其人工智能业务，充分展现了他对人工智能领域的坚定信心和远大抱负。

The industry is generally optimistic about this move. After all, premium domain names are the core entry point in the digital age, and AI.com is extremely rare – two-letter .com domains are inherently limited in number, and given that “AI” is a globally recognized abbreviation for artificial intelligence, its brand value and traffic potential are immeasurable. Leveraging the expertise of Kris’s team and Crypto.com’s resources, many predict that AI.com-related projects could quickly surpass a $10 billion valuation, and even approach the $100 billion target. With Crypto.com now holding at least two two-letter .com domains, industry insiders speculate that $10 million per domain transaction may become the norm, and this record-breaking transaction is expected to drive a continued recovery in the domain name market from 2026 onwards.

Beyond its precise domain name strategy, Crypto.com’s global brand exposure is equally impressive. Back in November 2021, the company reached an agreement with AEG to acquire the naming rights to the Staples Center in Los Angeles for 20 years, with a cash installment payment of $700 million, valid until 2041. This iconic arena, home to the Lakers and Clippers and having hosted international events such as the Grammy Awards, underwent a complete rebranding in June 2022, becoming a crucial brand window for Crypto.com’s global reach.

Its foray into the sports arena has never ceased. Since 2021, Crypto.com has become the official cryptocurrency platform for the NBA, partnered with stars like Stephen Curry to launch co-branded NFTs, and dabbled in sponsoring top sporting events such as the UFC and the World Cup, gradually building a global sports marketing system. From securing digital entry points through domain name acquisition to expanding brand influence through sports marketing, and now venturing into new avenues through AI, Crypto.com is breaking down the boundaries between cryptocurrency, digital assets, artificial intelligence, and the sports industry with its diversified strategy, writing a new chapter in the integration of technology and commerce.