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GameStop Builds Stake in eBay, WSJ Reports

GameStop is preparing an offer for eBay as CEO Ryan Cohen seeks to increase the videogame retailer's market value more than tenfold. eBay shares rose about 10% in extended trading following the report. GameStop has been building a stake in eBay ahead of a potential bid that could come later this month.

nypost.com
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2 sources·May 1, 10:27 PM(3 days ago)·1m read
GameStop Builds Stake in eBay, WSJ ReportsBilly McCrorie / Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 2.0)
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GameStop is preparing an offer for eBay as CEO Ryan Cohen pursues plans to boost the videogame retailer's market value more than tenfold, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. The report cited people familiar with the matter, who said GameStop has been quietly building a stake in eBay’s shares ahead of a potential offer. GameStop could submit an offer for eBay as soon as later this month.

If eBay is not receptive, Cohen could decide to take the offer directly to eBay’s shareholders, according to the Wall Street Journal. eBay has a market capitalization of about $46 billion, while GameStop has a market value of nearly $12 billion. Shares of eBay jumped about 10% in extended trading.

GameStop’s shares have slumped from all-time highs hit in 2021. GameStop in January unveiled a compensation package worth roughly $35 billion for Cohen. The compensation package for CEO Ryan Cohen hinges on lifting GameStop’s market capitalization to $100 billion and hitting $10 billion in cumulative performance EBITDA.

The companies and CEO Ryan Cohen did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Key Facts

GameStop offer preparation
GameStop is preparing an offer for eBay to boost its market value more than tenfold, as reported by WSJ.
Market values
eBay has a market capitalization of about $46 billion; GameStop has nearly $12 billion.
Share movements
eBay shares jumped about 10% in extended trading; GameStop shares have slumped from 2021 highs.
CEO compensation
GameStop unveiled a $35 billion package for Ryan Cohen in January, hinging on $100 billion market cap and $10 billion EBITDA.
Potential timeline
Offer could be submitted as soon as later this month; if not receptive, could go to shareholders.
mergers-and-acquisitionsretail-sectormarketscorporate-strategyexecutive-compensation

Story Timeline

5 events
  1. 2026-05-03

    Wall Street Journal reported GameStop's preparation of an offer for eBay on Friday.

    1 sourceWall Street Journal
  2. 2026-05-03

    Shares of eBay jumped about 10% in extended trading following the report.

    1 sourceunattributed
  3. Later this month (potential)

    GameStop could submit an offer for eBay as soon as later this month.

    1 sourceWall Street Journal citing people famili
  4. January 2026

    GameStop unveiled a compensation package worth roughly $35 billion for CEO Ryan Cohen.

    1 sourceunattributed
  5. 2021

    GameStop’s shares hit all-time highs.

    1 sourceunattributed

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Volatility in eBay and GameStop stock prices following offer submission

  2. 02

    Potential increase in GameStop's market value if acquisition succeeds

  3. 03

    Changes in executive compensation outcomes for Ryan Cohen based on market cap goals

  4. 04

    Possible shareholder involvement if eBay rejects the offer

  5. 05

    Broader retail sector shifts from merger activity

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced2
Framing risk55/100 (moderate)
Confidence score74%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count180 words
PublishedMay 1, 2026, 10:27 PM
Bias signals removed3 across 3 outlets
Signal Breakdown
Loaded 3
Original Sources
nypost.comGameStop preparing an offer to buy eBay in effort to boost market value: report@KobeissiLetterBREAKING: GameStop, $GME, is preparing to make an offer to acquire eBay, per WSJ.

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