GameStop Eyes eBay Acquisition in Potential $100B Power Play

In a move that could reshape both gaming retail and online marketplaces, GameStop is reportedly preparing a bid to acquire eBay.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, GameStop has been quietly building a stake in eBay ahead of a potential offer. The scale of the deal is massive GameStop is currently valued at around $11 billion, while eBay sits closer to $45 billion. If completed, the combined entity could exceed a $100 billion valuation.

The push is being driven by CEO Ryan Cohen, who has been vocal about expanding GameStop beyond its traditional retail roots. Earlier this year, the company restructured Cohen’s compensation package, with incentives that could see him earn up to $35 billion in stock if aggressive growth targets are met.

Markets have already reacted. Following the report, eBay shares jumped more than 10% in after-hours trading, while GameStop saw a roughly 5% bump continuing a broader upward trend that’s seen its stock rise about 30% this year.

Cohen has previously hinted at ambitions like this, stating in a January interview that he’s looking for “diamonds in the rough” with untapped potential. If this deal moves forward, it would mark a dramatic evolution for GameStop from struggling brick-and-mortar retailer to a major force in global e-commerce.

For now, the deal remains unconfirmed but if it materializes, it could be one of the most significant shakeups the industry has seen in years. 1-Up will continue to monitor the story and report any details regarding GameStop and a potential eBay purchase if it turns out to be legitimate.