Sharplink Gaming disclosed it has begun using its share buyback program, calling below-net-asset-value repurchases “immediately accretive” as the company leans on a large ether treasury and zero debt to support capital returns.
ETH Treasury Firm Sharplink Begins Repurchases as Shares Trade Under NAV
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Sharplink Initiates Share Repurchases, Says Zero-Debt Profile Supports Returns
Sharplink Gaming, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBET) announced Sept. 9 that it started executing share repurchases to “drive long-term stockholder value.” The company, which describes itself as one of the world’s largest corporate holders of ether (ETH) and a promoter of ethereum adoption, framed buybacks as the preferred use of capital while the stock trades under its net asset value.
Sharplink said its common stock is “significantly undervalued” and that buybacks are compelling at current levels. The company repurchased about 939,000 shares at an average price of $15.98 and further said it expects to buy additional shares depending on market conditions, using cash on hand, cash generated from staking operations, or other financing means.
Some market participants interpret a depressed mNAV as evidence of hidden value—a “bargain”—while others caution it may reflect waning appetite and, in turn, pose the risk of a value trap for ETH-linked equities. Sharplink’s management highlighted a balance sheet anchored by approximately $3.6 billion in ether with no outstanding debt. Nearly all of that ether is staked, the company said, producing meaningful revenue to fund operations and support capital allocation.
Sharplink also stated it has not tapped its at-the-market facility while trading below NAV, noting such issuance would be dilutive on an ether-per-share basis. The company said it may use the ATM in the future if market conditions allow it to do so in a way that benefits existing stockholders.
“Maximizing stockholder value remains our top priority,” co-CEO Joseph Chalom said, citing a “position of strength” built on its ether treasury and income from staking. He added that Sharplink is focused on “disciplined capital allocation — including share repurchases” and on the long-term opportunity it sees in ethereum.
If repurchases persist while shares trade below NAV, Sharplink’s ether-backed balance and staking income could boost per-share ether exposure, benefiting remaining holders. A narrowing discount or ether weakness, however, might redirect capital priorities and test management’s commitment to ongoing buybacks.
Likewise, several U.S. and overseas crypto treasury firms have seen depressed or erratic mNAVs even during periods of rising token prices, stemming from factors such as dilution via equity offerings, absence of redemption mechanisms, and doubts surrounding overall business strategy. Archived metrics indicate ETHZ, BTCS, and ETHM are all reflecting depressed mNAVs this week.
