Ethereum Foundation’s Strategic OTC Sale to SharpLink Signals Institutional Confidence

In a landmark move underscoring growing institutional interest in Ethereum, the Ethereum Foundation has sold 10,000 ETH to Nasdaq-listed SharpLink Gaming in a $25.7 million over-the-counter (OTC) deal. This transaction, settled at $2,572.37 per ETH on July 10, 2025, marks the first direct acquisition by a public company from the protocol's core steward. The sale was executed via the foundation's multisig wallet, highlighting the secure and transparent nature of the transaction. SharpLink has framed this purchase as a strategic addition to its treasury reserves rather than a speculative trade, reflecting a long-term bullish outlook on Ethereum's value proposition. This development not only reinforces Ethereum's position as a preferred digital asset for institutional investors but also signals confidence in its future growth potential. The OTC nature of the deal avoids market slippage and demonstrates the increasing maturity of cryptocurrency markets in facilitating large-scale transactions. As Ethereum continues to evolve with its roadmap of upgrades, such high-profile acquisitions by publicly traded companies may pave the way for broader adoption and could positively influence ETH's price trajectory in the coming months.

Ethereum Foundation Sells 10,000 ETH to SharpLink in Landmark OTC Deal

The ethereum Foundation has executed a $25.7 million over-the-counter sale of 10,000 ETH to Nasdaq-listed SharpLink Gaming, marking the first direct acquisition by a public company from the protocol's core steward. The transaction settled at $2,572.37 per ETH via the foundation's multisig wallet on July 10.

SharpLink positions the purchase as a strategic treasury reserve move rather than a speculative trade. The company plans to stake and restake the entire ETH holding, effectively removing the tokens from circulation. "This isn't a trade—it's a commitment," said Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin, who serves as SharpLink's chairman. The deal signals growing institutional confidence in ETH's long-term value proposition.

The transaction coincides with building momentum for Ethereum ecosystem adoption, including accumulating ETF inflows and expanding corporate treasury allocations. Proceeds will fund the Ethereum Foundation's Core development activities.

SharpLink Gaming Stock Surges 14% Following Strategic $25.7M Ethereum Purchase

SharpLink Gaming, Inc. (NASDAQ: SBET) saw its shares jump 14.07% to $21.08 in early trading after announcing a significant acquisition of Ethereum. The company purchased 10,000 ETH from the Ethereum Foundation in an over-the-counter deal valued at $25.7 million, paying approximately $2,572.37 per token.

The transaction, completed on July 10, 2025, expands SharpLink's Ethereum holdings to 215,634 coins, solidifying its position as a major institutional holder. Market reaction was immediate, with the stock briefly touching $22 before settling at $21.08 by mid-morning.

This strategic MOVE signals SharpLink's growing commitment to blockchain technology and Ethereum's ecosystem. "Ethereum is entering a new era of institutional relevance," the company stated, emphasizing its support for the network's long-term strength.

BlackRock's Ethereum ETF Draws Record $300M Inflow Amid Broad ETH Product Resurgence

Ethereum investment products are experiencing their strongest momentum in nearly a year. BlackRock's iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) recorded a single-day inflow record of $300 million, pushing its total assets to $5.6 billion.

The nine U.S.-listed ETH ETFs collectively attracted $703 million this week, marking the third-best weekly performance since their July 2023 launch. This surge comes despite ether's underperformance relative to Bitcoin year-to-date.

Fineqia research reveals ETH-backed ETPs grew assets 61% faster than ether's market cap in H1 2025, signaling sustained institutional demand. The capital influx helped propel ETH to $3,000 - its highest level in four months.

Coinbase Strengthens DeFi Push With Opyn Leadership Acquisition

Coinbase has made a strategic move to bolster its decentralized finance (DeFi) offerings by acquiring the leadership team behind Opyn Markets, a key player in the DeFi derivatives space. This acquisition underscores Coinbase's commitment to transitioning traditional financial systems onchain.

Opyn, known for pioneering DeFi innovations such as options, Power Perpetuals, and the Squeeth protocol, brings a blend of traditional market expertise and onchain technical prowess. The team will now focus on advancing Coinbase's onchain trading infrastructure, including tools like Verified Pools, which aim to provide transparent liquidity access for both institutional and retail users.

Coinbase views this as a critical step in its roadmap, aligning with its long-term vision of faster, more transparent, and decentralized markets. The integration of Opyn's expertise is expected to accelerate the development of advanced DeFi products, particularly in derivatives.