In a new post on social media, GameStop’s CEO, Ryan Cohen, has confirmed and outlined a proposal that would see his gaming-centric firm acquire eBay, the retail titan that has been online since 1995. In a press release, the team at GameStop Corp. confirmed a ‘non-binding proposal’ to secure the online retailer for $125.00 per share in cash and stock.
This would be a 100% acquisition, putting GameStop in full financial control of the eBay platform, one of the most recognizable digital storefronts ever created, and a haven for folks selling their old junk.
GameStop Wants to Buy eBay
The proposal will see Ryan Cohen take up a dual CEO role, overseeing both GameStop and eBay, and likely securing one hell of a payday for doing so. The proposal stressed that he ‘will be compensated solely based on the performance of the combined company.’
GameStop would acquire eBay with a slate comprising 50% cash and 50% GameStop stock, with shareholders given the option to choose, with a pro-rated final mix arranged.
The substantial offer price was noted as being 46% higher than eBay’s price before GameStop started buying shares in February 2026, and it’s 36% above the 90-day average price, showing a hefty bid is going into the attempted acquisition.
When totalled, the acquisition would be valued at around $55 billion, with up to $9.4 billion of that coming from GameStop’s ‘cash and liquid investments’, and up to $20 billion coming from financing options.
This isn’t just an acquisition endeavour, but a recovery one. GameStop wants to tidy things up at eBay, and claims it can cut $2 billion per year from the company’s operating expenses, including up to $1.2 billion from sales and marketing.
By using the 1,600 GameStop stores across the United States, eBay would effectively become part of the firm’s distribution network. Recently, GameStop confirmed that every store in the nation would start accepting retro gaming technology in trade, likely in anticipation of this acquisition.
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Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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