SoftBank Lenders Ask More Banks to Join $40 Billion OpenAI Loan

More banks are being invited to join SoftBank Group Corp.’s $40 billion loan backing its investment in US tech giant OpenAI, in one of the biggest tests yet of creditor sentiment toward the Japanese conglomerate’s debt-fueled push further into artificial intelligence.

The deal has recently entered a so-called “soft launch” phase, with additional lenders being invited to join as sub-underwriters, according to people familiar with the matter. Those interested are required to commit around $5 billion each, the people said, who asked not to be identified discussing private matters.

JPMorgan Chase & Co., Goldman Sachs Group Inc. ...