Announcement • 8h
eBay Inc. Announces Launch of its Authenticity Guarantee Service for Trading Cards in UK eBay Inc. announced the launch of its Authenticity Guarantee service for trading cards in the UK. The authentication service will start rolling out for eligible trading cards – including collectable card games, sports trading cards and non-sports cards – sold for GBP 500 and above. Ebay Inc. will be the first online marketplace in the UK to make authentication as the standard for qualifying purchases, bringing an added layer of trust and confidence for one of Ebay Inc.'s most passionate enthusiast communities. Trading cards continue to see strong demand from collectors, as new record sales are set across the industry. On ebay.co.uk, collector interest spans everything from Pokémon to Formula 1, with cards such as Charizard ex and Ancient Mew among the most searched in 2025, and Lando Norris ranking as the most searched British athlete on the site. With the introduction of Authenticity Guarantee for trading cards, alongside categories including sneakers, luxury watches and handbags, Ebay Inc. continues to deliver market-leading experiences across the UK. When a service-eligible trading card is purchased, the seller ships it directly to Ebay Inc.'s authentication facility, for a comprehensive, multi-point physical inspection carried out by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Following this rigorous assessment, the card is sent via tracked, next day delivery to the buyer. Details of the authentication process include: Thorough Inspection: Using an extensive database, authenticators assess the card's condition and quality, ensuring it matches the listing description and verifying authenticity. Proof of Authentication: A tamper-evident e-tag featuring a unique QR code is attached to the card's protective packaging, preserving the condition of the card itself. Buyers can scan the code to view details about the card and its authentication journey. Verified Returns: For sellers who offer returns, Ebay Inc. ensures the exact item is returned via a verified process. Items are sent back to the authentication centre, where experts confirm condition and authenticity before returning to the seller. In addition to marketplace listings, Ebay Inc.'s Authenticity Guarantee for trading cards will also apply to eligible purchases made through Ebay Inc. Live, bringing the same level of trust and confidence to interactive live streams. This ensures that collectors buying high-value cards on Ebay Inc. Live benefit from expert verification, secure handling and a seamless post-purchase experience. Eligible listings will display an Authenticity Guarantee blue badge, making it easy for buyers to shop with confidence. The service will begin rolling out across ebay.co.uk at no additional cost to buyers or sellers from 6 May, with eligibility expanding throughout the month and all trading cards priced at GBP 500 and above expected to be included by June. Pokémon cards such as Charizard ex and Ancient Mew were among the most searched in 2025. 1999 Pokemon 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard Base Set Holo Rare #4 BGS 9 MINT was the highest value trading card sold in the UK, at GBP 16,500. Football leads the way for top searched sports in the trading card category in the UK, with Arsenal being the top searched football club. 2025 Formula 1 Champion Lando Norris was the most searched British athlete on ebay.co.uk in 2025. Recent Insider Transactions • May 07
CEO, President & Director recently sold US$4.3m worth of stock On the 4th of May, Jamie Iannone sold around 41k shares on-market at roughly US$106 per share. This transaction amounted to 7.4% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. This was the largest sale by an insider in the last 3 months. Jamie has been a net seller over the last 12 months, reducing personal holdings by US$8.9m. EBAY
Live News • May 06
GameStop Proposes $56 Billion eBay Takeover as eBay Expands Trading Card Authentication GameStop has made an unsolicited, non-binding proposal to acquire eBay for about US$56b, offering US$125 per share in a mix of cash and stock.
The offer includes US$20b in committed debt financing and targets US$2b in annual cost savings within a year of closing, according to GameStop.
Separately, eBay has launched its Authenticity Guarantee for trading cards in the UK on eligible purchases of £500 and above.
GameStop’s approach puts eBay at the center of a potential large-scale consolidation in used goods and collectibles. The proposed combination focuses on using GameStop’s physical stores to support eBay’s fulfillment and on cutting costs across the combined business. eBay has confirmed that it received the unsolicited bid and is reviewing it with financial and legal advisers, so for now this remains at the proposal stage rather than a confirmed transaction. There is no assurance a deal will be agreed, what terms might change, or how regulators and shareholders would respond.
At the same time, eBay’s expansion of its Authenticity Guarantee for higher-value trading cards in the UK fits with its push to build trust in categories where condition and authenticity matter. For you as an investor, the key issues to watch are whether eBay’s board chooses to engage with or reject the GameStop proposal, any revised terms that might emerge, and how eBay continues to develop services around collectibles and authenticated goods regardless of the bid outcome.