Meta, Anthropic weigh AI compute deal

Meta Platforms is in talks with Anthropic about leasing computing capacity from Meta’s artificial intelligence data centers. The discussions center on Anthropic potentially using Meta’s AI infrastructure rather than building or sourcing all of the capacity elsewhere. Reports characterize the negotiations as early or very preliminary, and they may not result in a finalized agreement. Both companies have declined to comment on the potential arrangement.

The outline under consideration would position Meta as a provider of AI computing resources to a third-party AI startup. This would reflect a shift beyond Meta’s historical focus on using its infrastructure primarily for its own social platforms and AI products. Any agreement would add Anthropic to the list of major buyers of AI compute capacity globally, though the outcome of the talks remains uncertain.

Reporting indicates that the prospective Meta–Anthropic arrangement could be worth as much as $10 billion over two years. Other coverage highlights that this figure is based on reporting and should be treated as speculative rather than confirmed. The talks remain in flux, and both the overall size and detailed terms of the deal could change or the negotiations could end without an agreement.

Accounts of the proposed structure say Anthropic would make payments to Meta in monthly increments over the two-year period. Both Meta and Anthropic would have the ability to opt out of the agreement early if circumstances changed. This framework would give each side flexibility while still providing a path to a sizable, multi-year commitment if the arrangement moves forward.

The discussions come as Meta is investing heavily in AI and data-center infrastructure. Reports state that Meta plans to spend roughly $125 billion to $145 billion in capital expenditures in 2026, largely to support its AI and data-center buildout. These investments are intended to expand Meta’s capacity to train and run advanced AI systems at scale.

Meta’s chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, has previously said that leasing spare compute is an option if the company overbuilds its infrastructure. He has also noted that outside firms regularly ask to buy compute from Meta. The talks with Anthropic illustrate how Meta could begin to monetize excess or flexible capacity if its buildout exceeds internal needs at times.

Anthropic’s discussions with Meta follow a separate infrastructure agreement with SpaceX (SPCX). Reporting describes that SpaceX (SPCX) deal as roughly $45 billion over three years for capacity at the Colossus 1 facility. That commitment underscores the scale of computing power Anthropic is seeking to support its AI models.

By exploring a potential arrangement with Meta alongside its existing SpaceX (SPCX) agreement, Anthropic is engaging multiple large-scale infrastructure providers. This approach reflects the intense demand for AI computing capacity and the emergence of new suppliers. Whether the talks with Meta lead to a signed contract, they highlight the growing market for leasing advanced AI compute.