GameStop Joins the Bitcoin Bandwagon: Adds BTC to Balance Sheet, Shares Surge 11.65%

By Globalfinserve Business Desk
March 2025

GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME) announced on March 25 that it has added Bitcoin (BTC) to its corporate balance sheet, becoming the latest publicly traded company to embrace cryptocurrency as a treasury reserve asset. The move sent GameStop shares soaring by 11.65%, driven by enthusiastic market reaction and renewed retail investor interest.

The decision has also caught the attention of Bitcoin advocate Michael Saylor, co-founder of MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), which recently rebranded as Strategy. Saylor welcomed GameStop into the corporate Bitcoin club, sharing a photo with GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen and posting, “Welcome to Team Bitcoin” on X (formerly Twitter).


GameStop’s Bitcoin Strategy: Key Highlights

In a statement, GameStop confirmed that it had purchased an undisclosed amount of Bitcoin and intends to allocate more of its cash reserves toward BTC over time.

1. No Cap on Bitcoin Holdings

  • GameStop’s SEC filing revealed that the company has not set a maximum limit on its Bitcoin acquisitions.
  • The retailer could potentially convert billions in cash reserves into BTC over the coming quarters.

2. Growing Crypto Treasury Trend

  • GameStop joins a growing list of corporations adding BTC to their balance sheets, including MicroStrategy, Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), and Block Inc. (NYSE: SQ).
  • With $4.8 billion in cash reserves as of February 1, GameStop has significant purchasing power to continue expanding its BTC holdings.

Market Reaction: GameStop Shares Climb 11.65%

Following the Bitcoin announcement, GameStop’s stock price surged 11.65%, continuing the meme-stock momentum reminiscent of its 2021 short squeeze.

1. Retail Investor Optimism

  • Retail investors on social media platforms like Reddit’s WallStreetBets and X celebrated the Bitcoin move, viewing it as a strategic pivot toward innovation.
  • The company’s blockchain-friendly stance is seen as an attempt to reignite investor confidence after declining net sales.

2. Crypto Enthusiasm Drives Gains

  • Bitcoin’s rising value also played a role in boosting GameStop’s stock price.
  • At the time of the announcement, BTC was trading at $86,702.62, up more than 40% over the past six months.

Michael Saylor’s Support for GameStop’s Bitcoin Move

Michael Saylor, whose company Strategy is the largest corporate holder of BTC, enthusiastically welcomed GameStop’s Bitcoin adoption.

1. Saylor’s Social Media Campaign

  • On March 26, Saylor posted a poll on X, asking the crypto community to vote on the “minimum amount of BTC GameStop should buy to be respected by Bitcoiners.”
  • The results were telling:
    • 48% voted for a “King Move” — $3 billion or more in BTC.
    • 28% supported $1 billion, similar to Tesla’s BTC purchase.
    • 18% suggested $250 million, mirroring MicroStrategy’s initial investment in 2020.

2. Growing the Corporate Bitcoin Tribe

  • Following GameStop’s announcement, Saylor shared an image of himself with GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen, captioning it “Welcome to Team Bitcoin.”
  • This public endorsement signals Saylor’s bullish outlook on corporate Bitcoin adoption.

Why Is GameStop Betting on Bitcoin?

GameStop’s Bitcoin treasury strategy is part of a broader effort to revitalize its brand and appeal to tech-savvy investors.

1. Strategic Appeal to Tech Audiences

  • According to N7 Capital CEO Anton Chashchin, GameStop’s decision to hold BTC is aimed at repositioning itself as a tech-savvy, innovative company.
  • With declining net sales (down approximately 20% annually), the company is adopting new strategies to attract investors and enhance market relevance.

2. Diversifying Treasury Holdings

  • Bitcoin’s historical gains—up over 1,245% in five years—make it an attractive inflation hedge.
  • By holding BTC, GameStop diversifies its cash reserves, reducing exposure to fiat devaluation.

3. Mimicking MicroStrategy’s Model

  • GameStop’s Bitcoin strategy mirrors MicroStrategy’s aggressive BTC accumulation, which has boosted its market valuation significantly.
  • By following Saylor’s playbook, GameStop could potentially enhance its financial stability through long-term BTC appreciation.

The Risks of Bitcoin Adoption

While GameStop’s Bitcoin move offers potential upside, it also introduces significant financial risks, including volatility and regulatory uncertainties.

1. Volatility Concerns

  • Bitcoin’s price swings could cause fluctuations in GameStop’s financial statements, potentially spooking investors.
  • A sharp BTC downturn could lead to paper losses, affecting shareholder confidence.

2. Regulatory Challenges

  • The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to closely monitor corporate crypto holdings.
  • GameStop may face increased scrutiny over its BTC strategy, especially if it expands significantly.

3. Share Dilution Risks

  • If GameStop funds BTC purchases through future equity issuances, existing shareholders could face dilution.
  • This could impact earnings per share (EPS) and potentially pressure the stock price.

Institutional Adoption of Bitcoin Gains Momentum

GameStop’s Bitcoin move reflects the growing trend of corporate crypto adoption.

1. MicroStrategy’s Aggressive BTC Holdings

  • MicroStrategy currently holds 506,137 BTC, worth over $45 billion, making it the largest corporate BTC holder.
  • Its stock price has surged alongside BTC’s price gains, inspiring other companies to follow suit.

2. Wall Street’s Embrace of Crypto

  • Major financial institutions, including BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) and Fidelity, have launched Bitcoin ETFs, providing institutional investors with exposure to BTC.
  • GameStop’s BTC holdings align it with Wall Street’s growing crypto adoption.

Key Takeaways

  • GameStop Corp. announced it will add Bitcoin to its balance sheet with no cap on future purchases.
  • The move sent GME shares soaring 11.65%, fueled by retail investor enthusiasm.
  • Michael Saylor publicly welcomed GameStop to the corporate Bitcoin club, encouraging the company to invest billions in BTC.
  • The decision could boost GameStop’s financial stability if BTC continues its bullish trajectory.
  • However, volatility risks and regulatory scrutiny remain concerns.

Conclusion

GameStop’s bold move to integrate Bitcoin into its treasury reserves underscores the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate corporate asset.

While the decision has bolstered GameStop’s share price, the company must navigate the volatility and regulatory complexities associated with holding BTC.

If Bitcoin’s long-term value continues to climb, GameStop’s BTC bet could prove to be a strategic masterstroke.

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