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GameStop Pursues $56 Billion eBay Acquisition as Burry Sells Stake

Investor Michael Burry has sold his entire stake in GameStop Corp. following reports of the retailer's $56 billion cash-and-stock bid for eBay Inc. Burry cited concerns over debt in a Substack post, marking his first stock sale since launching his newsletter. GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen defended the deal in a CNBC interview, highlighting financing plans and competitive benefits.

ZeroHedge
1 source·May 5, 11:45 AM(16 hrs ago)·1m read
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GameStop Pursues $56 Billion eBay Acquisition as Burry Sells Stakechannelx.world
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Citing the retailer's reported bid for eBay Inc. as a shift that no longer aligns with his investment thesis. ZeroHedge reported that Burry, who backed GameStop in 2019, made the decision after the potential $56 billion cash-and-stock acquisition emerged, a deal valued at nearly five times GameStop's own market value.

In a post to his Substack subscribers on Monday, Burry wrote, 'Wall Street does indeed mistake debt for creativity, and does so constantly. GameStop reportedly offered $125 per eBay share in the bid, which ZeroHedge described as far larger than GameStop itself. Burry noted that this was his first stock sale since launching his newsletter.

The move follows Burry's earlier support for GameStop in 2019, which had helped fuel investor interest in the stock. GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen appeared in a 16-minute interview on CNBC's Squawk Box yesterday morning, on May 4, 2026. 4 billion in cash reserves.

He also mentioned receiving a financing letter from TD Securities for up to $20 billion to support the acquisition. During the interview, CNBC hosts Becky Quick and Michael Santoli pressed Cohen on dilution concerns and the strategic logic behind the acquisition. Cohen argued the deal would help GameStop better compete with Amazon.

He added that his incentives are tied to shareholder performance. Andrew Ross Sorkin highlighted a reported $16 billion financing gap for the acquisition during the discussion. ZeroHedge reported that Cohen's responses leaned on references to the company's website and repetitions of the offer structure, amid growing tension in the exchange.

Clips of the interview spread online, capturing Cohen's pauses and body language as shares reacted.

Key Facts

Burry exits GameStop
Investor Michael Burry sold his entire position in GameStop Corp. amid the eBay bid.
GameStop's eBay bid
GameStop offered $125 per eBay share in a $56 billion cash-and-stock deal, nearly five times its market value.
Cohen interview details
Ryan Cohen stated the offer is half cash half stock, with $9.4 billion in cash and up to $20 billion financing from TD Securities.
Financing gap
A $16 billion financing gap was reported for the acquisition.
Burry quote
Burry wrote: 'Wall Street does indeed mistake debt for creativity, and does so constantly. I of all people should have known.'

Story Timeline

6 events
  1. 2026-05-05

    Michael Burry posted to his Substack subscribers, announcing his exit from GameStop position.

    1 sourceZeroHedge
  2. 2026-05-04

    GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen appeared in a 16-minute interview on CNBC's Squawk Box, discussing the eBay bid.

    1 sourceZeroHedge
  3. 2026-05-04

    GameStop reportedly bid for eBay Inc., offering $125 per share in a $56 billion deal.

    1 sourceZeroHedge
  4. 2019

    Michael Burry backed GameStop.

    1 sourceZeroHedge
  5. Undated (recent)

    GameStop received a financing letter from TD Securities for up to $20 billion.

    1 sourceZeroHedge
  6. Undated (recent)

    Burry noted this was his first stock sale since launching his newsletter.

    1 sourceZeroHedge

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Decline in GameStop shares following the interview and Burry's exit.

  2. 02

    Shift in investor sentiment toward GameStop's strategic direction.

  3. 03

    Potential dilution for GameStop shareholders due to stock component of the deal.

  4. 04

    Possible debt burden on GameStop from financing the large acquisition.

  5. 05

    Increased competition for Amazon if the acquisition succeeds.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score65%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count265 words
PublishedMay 5, 2026, 11:45 AM
Bias signals removed6 across 4 outlets
Signal Breakdown
Loaded 4Speculative 2

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