After eBay’s Resounding Rejection, GameStop Reconsiders Its $56 Billion Acquisition Bid
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen is reconsidering his ambitious $56 billion acquisition offer for eBay following the platform’s rejection of the deal. eBay dismissed the May 2026 bid as “neither credible nor attractive,” but Cohen—who reportedly conceived the plan while on the toilet—continued pursuing the acquisition. According to Bloomberg, Cohen is now considering withdrawing the acquisition bid in favor of a revised approach.
Instead of a full acquisition, GameStop is exploring a potential partnership or joint venture between the two companies. Under this alternative arrangement, eBay would gain access to GameStop’s approximately 1,600 retail locations across the United States, creating potential synergy between the online marketplace and GameStop’s physical footprint. This pivot represents a significant shift in strategy from Cohen’s initial aggressive pursuit of the takeover.
Cohen had previously demonstrated commitment to the acquisition by forfeiting a potential $35 billion personal payout to allow GameStop to focus entirely on acquiring eBay. However, eBay’s firm rejection prompted the company to explore collaborative alternatives that could achieve strategic objectives without the complexities of a full buyout.