GameStop May Drop eBay Bid for Partnership

GameStop is reportedly considering withdrawing its $56 billion unsolicited acquisition bid for eBay and pursuing a partnership or joint venture instead, according to a report from Bloomberg. The potential shift marks a significant strategic pivot for the video game retailer after months of resistance from eBay's board.

Under the revised approach being weighed by GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen, the companies would explore a deal that would allow eBay to utilize GameStop's network of roughly 1,600 U.S. retail locations. The partnership would focus on higher-margin product categories, particularly trading cards and collectibles, an area where both companies have been seeking growth. As part of any agreement, GameStop would also seek seats on eBay's board of directors.

The report sent eBay's stock tumbling more than 4% to around $107 per share on Monday, while GameStop's stock rose approximately 1.6%. Neither company has commented on the potential deal.

The saga began in early May 2026 when GameStop, then valued at around $12 billion, formally submitted its unsolicited offer to acquire eBay, then valued at roughly $46 billion. The proposal offered $125 per eBay share in an equal mix of cash...