Microsoft ends exclusive right to sell OpenAI models but retains revenue share through 2030 and 27% ownership stake

Microsoft and OpenAI agreed to end Microsoft's exclusive right to sell OpenAI's models, allowing OpenAI to pursue commercial relationships with other cloud providers including Amazon Web Services, while Microsoft continues as OpenAI's primary cloud provider with new products launching first on Azure.

Microsoft will no longer pay a revenue share on OpenAI products it resells through Azure, but will continue receiving a revenue share from OpenAI through 2030 regardless of progress toward artificial general intelligence, with payments tied to OpenAI's direct product sales capped at an undisclosed level.

Microsoft retains a 27% ownership stake following OpenAI's transition to a for-profit model, maintaining exposure to the startup's long-term growth.