In February 2026, one of the most significant domain transactions in internet history was confirmed: Kris Marszalek, the co-founder and CEO of Crypto.com, acquired the premium domain AI.com for a reported $70 million — making it the largest publicly disclosed domain sale ever recorded.

This isn’t just another expensive URL. It reflects a strategic move by Marszalek to cement a position at the heart of the fast-growing artificial intelligence sector. The acquisition was conducted via cryptocurrency, showcasing the increasing maturity of digital assets in high-value tech deals.

What AI.com Will Be
Marszalek plans to launch a consumer-focused AI platform on the domain, debuting it with a Super Bowl commercial — one of the world’s biggest media stages. The initial pitch is centered around autonomous AI agents that help users with everyday tasks like sending messages, managing calendars, trading stocks, and more, all within a secure environment.

The vision ties together:

• Artificial intelligence adoption
• Mass consumer usage
• Brand credibility through a simple, memorable domain

By controlling AI.com, the project instantly gains a front-door address that’s synonymous with its mission, rather than an obscure branded URL requiring explanation.

Why $70 Million for a Domain Is Worth It

Unmatched Brand Authority
Domains like AI.com are as close to digital real estate worth owning as it gets:

1. It’s short, memorable, and directly tied to the biggest tech theme of the decade: AI.
2. Users trust intuitive addresses — and AI.com doesn’t need a marketing campaign to explain what it is.

In branding terms, owning the exact name of a universally understood concept can be exponentially more valuable than a clever but indirect name

Strategic Positioning and Future Growth
Marszalek isn’t just buying a name — he’s buying future positioning. The AI industry is expected to continue growing rapidly. By owning a domain that encapsulates AI itself, the new business starts with a strategic advantage:

• Higher organic search traffic
• Instant credibility with users
• Better visibility in media and advertising

In many markets, the brand name is the product, especially for consumer-facing tech. AI.com gives the project that edge from day one.

Record-Breaking, But Not Unprecedented
While $70 million is a huge headline number, the domain market has seen other high-value sales (e.g., Voice.com at $30 million in 2019). But none have matched this figure — making AI.com not just expensive, but historic.

This sets a new benchmark for how much premium domains can be worth when they tie directly to major technology trends.

Marketing Impact and Attention
A domain like AI.com generates wave after wave of publicity — particularly with a launch tied to a major event like the Super Bowl. From investor discussions to tech news coverage, the name alone drives free media impressions that might otherwise cost millions to buy.

What Comes Next
While ownership of AI.com is a powerful starting point, the long-term success of the platform will depend on execution — how well the service works, how it protects user data, and how it competes with other AI products from established tech giants.

But for now, the purchase stands as a statement: in the digital age, the name on the internet can be worth more than many companies themselves — and for innovators betting on where technology is headed, securing the right domain can be a smart first move.