The ongoing legal battle between Elon Musk and OpenAI has taken another turn, with new filings revealing that Musk attempted to bring Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg into his $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI earlier this year.
Musk’s Outreach to Zuckerberg
According to the filing, Musk disclosed under sworn testimony that he had discussed potential financing arrangements with Zuckerberg related to the OpenAI deal. While details remain limited, the revelation underscores how central figures in the AI arms race are exploring cross-industry alignments—even if temporary—when it comes to the future of one of the most influential companies in artificial intelligence.
Neither Musk nor his AI startup, xAI, responded to requests for comment. Meta also declined to elaborate on whether Zuckerberg engaged with Musk’s proposal.
OpenAI’s Legal Push
As part of the proceedings, OpenAI is pressing for access to Meta’s internal documents and communications tied to OpenAI’s recapitalization or restructuring, including any discussions with Musk. OpenAI argues that such evidence could shed light on the motivations behind the bid and the role rival companies may have played.
Meta, however, pushed back, saying that OpenAI should seek those documents directly from Musk and xAI, calling its own internal records “not relevant” to the case.
A High-Stakes Dispute
The dispute builds on a broader clash between Musk and OpenAI. Musk originally co-founded the company but later filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, accusing them of abandoning the nonprofit mission in favor of profit-driven priorities. OpenAI counter-sued Musk earlier this year, claiming his legal maneuvers and public commentary—including what it called a “sham bid”—were designed to undermine the company.
In early August, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Musk must face OpenAI’s claims, setting the stage for a jury trial scheduled in spring 2026.
Strategic Implications
Beyond the legal drama, the case highlights the extraordinary value now tied to the AI sector. A $97.4 billion valuation signals both the scale of OpenAI’s perceived market dominance and the strategic urgency felt by competitors like Musk’s xAI and Zuckerberg’s Meta.
For Meta, distancing itself from the legal entanglement may help protect its AI roadmap, particularly as it doubles down on generative AI partnerships such as its recently announced deal with Midjourney. For Musk, however, the filings suggest he views partnerships—even with rivals—as potential pathways to secure influence in the AI ecosystem.
The Bigger Picture
As the trial date approaches, the AI industry will be watching closely. The case does not just pit Musk against OpenAI—it frames a broader question: how far will tech giants go to control the future of artificial intelligence, and what alliances (or rivalries) will shape that battle?
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