OpenAI’s $180B chip bet hits a wall

Broadcom wants Microsoft to commit before money moves

May 13, 2026

Jon Peddie

OpenAI and Broadcom are building custom AI chips to reduce dependence on Nvidia — a project that has the potential to reach $180B by 2029. But the $18B first phase has stalled: Broadcom wants Microsoft to pre-buy 40% of the chips before releasing funds, but Microsoft has not yet committed to that part of the deal. For IT leaders and silicon teams, the snag signals that hyperscale AI infrastructure deals are harder to close than press releases suggest—maybe it’s the nine zeros. … OpenAI and Broadcom announced their custom silicon partnership in October 2025, framing it as a done deal.

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OpenAI’s $180B chip bet hits a wall

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