SharpLink stock rockets 420% on $425m strategic crypto placement

SharpLink Gaming is raising $425 million in a private placement to adopt Ethereum as its primary treasury asset, with Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin joining as Chairman.

The PIPE (private investment in public equity) round includes 69.1 million shares priced at $6.15 each ($6.72 for management), with Consensys Software Inc., founded by Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin, as the lead investor. 

Other participants include leading crypto venture firms like ParaFi Capital, Pantera, Electric Capital, Galaxy Digital, and Arrington Capital, according to a company release. 

Upon closing, SharpLink plans to adopt Ethereum (ETH) as its primary treasury reserve asset, a strategy reminiscent of MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin play.

SharpLink Gaming shares surged over 420% in pre-market trading on May 27, jumping from $6.72 to $34.75 following the news.

The company said it will continue to serve the U.S. sports betting and global iGaming markets, but the ETH strategy signals a dual identity as a public vehicle with crypto exposure.

“This is a significant milestone in SharpLink’s journey,” said CEO Rob Phythian. “We look forward to working with Consensys and welcoming Joseph to the Board.”

Joseph Lubin to join the company’s Board 

Joseph Lubin will become Chairman of the Board after the deal closes, marking a deeper alignment between SharpLink and the Ethereum ecosystem. 

“This is an exciting time for the Ethereum community,” said Lubin. “We look forward to working with SharpLink to explore and develop their Ethereum Treasury Strategy.”

The offering was conducted in reliance on private placement exemptions and includes a registration rights agreement for resale of the shares. A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners acted as sole placement agent.

The move positions SharpLink as one of the first public companies to center its treasury around Ethereum, signaling a new investment thesis for traditional investors seeking ETH exposure.