UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2025
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______ to ________
Commission file number: 001-41962
SHARPLINK GAMING, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 87-4752260 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
333 Washington Avenue North, Suite 104 Minneapolis, Minnesota |
55401 |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (612) 293-0619
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | ||
| Common Stock | SBET | The Nasdaq Capital Market |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “emerging growth company” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ |
| Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of August 14, 2025, there were shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| 2 |
| PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
| ITEM 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
SHARPLINK GAMING, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| June 30, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current Assets | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | 5,071,744 | $ | 1,436,729 | ||||
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $0 | 271,905 | 264,831 | ||||||
| Other receivables | 3,088,313 | 272,813 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 799,245 | 310,180 | ||||||
| Due from RSports Interactive, Inc. | 419 | 307 | ||||||
| Current assets from discontinued operations | 281,197 | 269,788 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 9,512,823 | 2,554,648 | ||||||
| Crypto assets | 61,462,203 | |||||||
| Digital intangible assets | 382,422,632 | |||||||
| Investment, cost | 500,000 | |||||||
| Equipment, net | 3,935 | 3,359 | ||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 10,713 | 13,162 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 453,912,306 | $ | 2,571,169 | ||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 1,351,975 | $ | 478,280 | ||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses - related party | 40,011 | |||||||
| Current liabilities from discontinued operations | 970 | 10,020 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 1,392,956 | 488,300 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 1,392,956 | 488,300 | ||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Series A-1 preferred stock, $ par value; authorized shares: ; issued and outstanding shares: and ; liquidation preference: $116,997 | 1 | |||||||
| Series B preferred stock, $ par value; authorized shares: ; issued and outstanding shares: and ; liquidation preference: $529,122 | 1 | |||||||
| Common stock, $ par value; authorized shares ; issued and outstanding shares: and , respectively | 6,617 | 41 | ||||||
| Treasury stock, shares of common stock at cost | (29,000 | ) | (29,000 | ) | ||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 634,748,320 | 79,920,785 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (182,206,587 | ) | (77,808,959 | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 452,519,350 | 2,082,869 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 453,912,306 | $ | 2,571,169 | ||||
See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements
| 3 |
SHARPLINK GAMING, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
| For the Three Months Ended June 30, | For the Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 697,291 | $ | 981,272 | $ | 1,439,022 | $ | 1,957,218 | ||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 488,202 | 701,142 | 1,098,138 | 1,389,876 | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 209,089 | 280,130 | 340,884 | 567,342 | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 2,333,167 | 1,484,680 | 3,390,506 | 3,456,755 | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation, related party | 16,379,368 | 16,379,368 | ||||||||||||||
| Impairment of digital intangible assets | 87,813,295 | 87,813,295 | ||||||||||||||
| Realized gains on crypto assets, net | (5,373,583 | ) | (5,373,583 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Unrealized loss on crypto assets | 2,437,026 | 2,437,026 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating loss | (103,380,184 | ) | (1,204,550 | ) | (104,305,728 | ) | (2,889,413 | ) | ||||||||
| Other income and expense | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 36,935 | 15,931 | 48,867 | 32,028 | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (324 | ) | (324,518 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Other income | 297,387 | (312 | ) | 297,387 | ||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of convertible debenture and warrant liabilities | 17,996 | 255,819 | ||||||||||||||
| Total other income | 36,935 | 330,990 | 48,555 | 260,716 | ||||||||||||
| Net loss before income taxes | (103,343,249 | ) | (873,560 | ) | (104,257,173 | ) | (2,628,697 | ) | ||||||||
| Income tax (expense) | (27,286 | ) | (43,104 | ) | (30,094 | ) | (48,778 | ) | ||||||||
| Net loss from continuing operations | (103,370,535 | ) | (916,664 | ) | (104,287,267 | ) | (2,677,475 | ) | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (52,192 | ) | 453,706 | (110,361 | ) | 14,564,872 | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (103,422,727 | ) | $ | (462,959 | ) | $ | (104,397,628 | ) | $ | 11,887,397 | |||||
| Numerator for basic and diluted net loss per share: | ||||||||||||||||
| Net loss from continuing operations | $ | ) | $ | ) | $ | ) | $ | ) | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations | ) | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | (103,422,727 | ) | (462,959 | ) | (104,397,628 | ) | 11,842,778 | |||||||||
| Denominator for net loss per share: | ||||||||||||||||
| Basic weighted average shares for continuing and discontinued operations | 24,202,467 | 282,709 | 12,989,772 | 270,876 | ||||||||||||
| Diluted weighted average shares for discontinued operations | 24,202,467 | 343,444 | 12,989,772 | 331,611 | ||||||||||||
| Net earnings (loss) per share: | ||||||||||||||||
| Net loss from continuing operations per share - basic | $ | (4.27 | ) | $ | (3.24 | ) | $ | (8.03 | ) | $ | (10.05 | ) | ||||
| Net income from discontinued operations per share – basic | $ | $ | 1.60 | (0.01 | ) | 53.77 | ||||||||||
| Net loss per share - basic | $ | (4.27 | ) | $ | (1.64 | ) | $ | (8.04 | ) | $ | 43.72 | |||||
| Net loss from continuing operations per share - diluted | $ | (4.27 | ) | $ | (2.67 | ) | $ | (8.03 | ) | $ | (10.05 | ) | ||||
| Net income from discontinued operations per share – diluted | $ | $ | 1.32 | (0.02 | ) | 43.92 | ||||||||||
| Net loss per share - diluted | $ | (4.27 | ) | $ | (1.35 | ) | $ | (8.05 | ) | $ | 33.87 | |||||
See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements
| 4 |
SHARPLINK GAMING, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
FOR THE three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024
(UNAUDITED)
| Common/Ordinary shares | Series A-1 preferred stock | Series B preferred stock | Additional Paid-In | Treasury | Accumulated | Total shareholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Capital | stock | deficit | equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2023 | 238,645 | $ | 47,729 | 601 | $ | 120 | 1,040 | $ | 208 | $ | 78,438,630 | $ | (29,000 | ) | $ | (87,857,456 | ) | (9,399,769 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | 12,350,356 | 12,350,356 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestication equity adjustment - Note 1 | - | (47,704 | ) | - | (119 | ) | - | (207 | ) | 48,030 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | - | - | - | 42,152 | 42,152 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for vested restricted stock | 6,250 | - | - | 108,000 | 108,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for exercise of warrants | 22,222 | 2 | - | - | 159,998 | 160,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warrant settlement agreement - Note 8 | - | - | - | (900,000 | ) | (900,000 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for exchange of warrants - Note 8 | 13,017 | 1 | - | - | 210,893 | (6,503 | ) | 204,391 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warrant exchange agreement - deemed dividend - Note 8 | - | - | - | 44,619 | (44,619 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warrant exchange agreement, issuance of pre-funded warrants - Note 8 | - | - | - | 287,150 | 287,150 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | 280,134 | $ | 28 | 601 | $ | 1 | 1,040 | $ | 1 | $ | 78,439,472 | $ | (29,000 | ) | $ | (75,558,222 | ) | 2,852,280 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | (462,959 | ) | (462,959 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | - | - | - | 43,052 | 43,052 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for vested restricted stock | 6,250 | - | - | 104,800 | 104,800 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares sold for cash | 5,934 | 1 | - | - | 71,349 | 71,350 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warrant exchange amendment - Note 8 | - | - | - | 152,386 | 152,386 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at June 30, 2024 | 292,318 | $ | 29 | 601 | $ | 1 | 1,040 | $ | 1 | $ | 78,811,059 | $ | (29,000 | ) | $ | (76,021,181 | ) | 2,760,909 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | 407,295 | $ | 41 | 601 | $ | 1 | 1,040 | $ | 1 | $ | 79,920,785 | $ | (29,000 | ) | $ | (77,808,959 | ) | 2,082,869 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss | - | - | - | (974,901 | ) | (974,901 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | - | - | - | 69,460 | 69,460 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock from exercise of warrants | 25,000 | 3 | - | - | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock sold in at-the-market offering | 142,960 | 14 | - | - | 907,171 | 907,185 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2025 | 575,255 | $ | 58 | 601 | $ | 1 | 1,040 | $ | 1 | $ | 80,897,416 | $ | (29,000 | ) | $ | (78,783,860 | ) | $ | 2,084,616 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss | - | - | - | (103,422,727 | ) | (103,422,727 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | - | - | - | 16,415,902 | 16,415,902 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued for vested restricted stock | 37,502 | 4 | - | - | 261,038 | 261,042 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for exchange agreement | 38,683 | 4 | (601 | ) | (1 | ) | (1,040 | ) | (1 | ) | 2 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for exercise of warrants | 69,842 | 7 | - | - | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock sold in private placement May 20, 2025 | 34,000 | 3 | - | - | 3,847,997 | 3,848,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock sold in a private placement May 26, 2025 | 58,704,673 | 5,871 | - | - | 404,618,078 | 404,623,949 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock sold in at-the-market offering | 6,694,837 | 670 | - | - | 128,707,887 | 128,708,557 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at June 30, 2025 | 66,154,792 | $ | 6,617 | $ | $ | $ | 634,748,320 | $ | (29,000 | ) | $ | (182,206,587 | ) | $ | 452,519,350 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 5 |
SHARPLINK GAMING, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 6 |
SHARPLINK GAMING, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by SharpLink Gaming, Inc. (the “Company” or “SharpLink”), pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of the Company, the foregoing statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, as well as its results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts therein. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results in future periods may differ from the estimates.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted from this report, as is permitted by rules and regulations of the SEC. Accordingly, the condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for a complete financial statement presentation. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2024, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2025 and Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on March 17, 2025.
Background and Nature of Business
Headquartered in Minneapolis, SharpLink, a Delaware corporation, recently undertook a significant strategic shift by adopting Ether (“ETH”), the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain (“Ether” or “ETH”) as its primary treasury asset. This strategy reflects the Company’s commitment to align the corporate treasury with the future of programmable finance, digital capital markets and decentralized infrastructure. The Company also operates an online performance marketing company that delivers unique fan activation solutions to its sportsbook and online casino gaming partners. Through its global affiliate iGaming marketing network, known as PAS.net, SharpLink drives qualified traffic and player acquisitions, retention and conversions to U.S. regulated sportsbooks and global casino gaming partners worldwide. In addition, SharpLink owns a performance marketing platform through which the Company owns and operates U.S. state-specific web domains designed to attract, acquire and drive local sports betting and casino traffic directly to its sportsbook and casino partners which are licensed to operate in each respective state.
On May 26, 2025, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement for a private placement in public equity (“PIPE”), offering an aggregate of (i) shares of common stock of the Company, par value $ per share, at an offering price of $ per share, and (ii) pre-funded warrants (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase up to an aggregate of 10,400,553 shares of Common Stock at an offering price of $ per Pre-Funded Warrant. Each of the Pre-Funded Warrants is exercisable for one share of Common Stock at the exercise price of $0.0001 per Pre-Funded Warrant Share, immediately exercisable, and may be exercised at any time until all of the Pre-Funded Warrants issued in the Offering are exercised in full. The gross proceeds from the PIPE, before deduction the placement agents fees and offering expenses, were approximately $425,000,000 funded in a combination of cash and Ether. On June 2, 2025, SharpLink launched its treasury reserve strategy with the commencement of its purchasing of ETH, serving as the Company’s primary treasury reserve asset. Consensys Software Inc. acted as the lead investor in the PIPE, along with prominent crypto venture capital firms and infrastructure providers, with an intent to assist the Company in earning distinction as one of the largest ETH-focused treasury strategies in the public markets. The Company also implemented native and liquid staking activities in the second quarter of 2025 to earn staking rewards from the Company’s digital assets held. See Note 2 - Digital Asset Holdings and Note 6 - Warrants.
| 7 |
On May 20, 2025, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) for an offering of shares (the “Shares”) of common stock, $ par value per share, and Pre-Funded Warrants (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase up to 1,496,612 shares of common stock . The Shares were offered at an offering price of $ per share. The gross proceeds from the Purchase Agreement, before deducting the placement agent fees and offering expenses, were approximately $4,500,000. See Note 6 - Warrants.
Issue of shares and pre-funded warrants were recorded at the offering price in equity in accordance with ASC 505, Equity, with any amounts above the par value of shares were recorded in Additional paid-in capital.
Prior to the sale of SharpLink’s Sports Gaming Client Services and SportsHub Gaming Network (“SHGN”) business units in January 2024 (the “Sale of Business”) to RSports Interactive, Inc. (“RSports”), a Minnesota corporation, the SHGN unit owned and operated an online gaming business that primarily facilitated daily and seasonal peer-to-peer fantasy contests for its end users. The SHGN business unit also operated a website that provided a variety of services to private fantasy league commissioners, including secure online payment options, transparent tracking and reporting of transactions, payment reminders, in-season security of league funds and facilitation of prize payouts.
On January 18, 2024, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement (the “PA”) with RSports to sell the Company’s fantasy sports and sports game development business units to RSports. All of the membership interests of Sports Technologies, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company, SHGN and Holdings Quinn, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (collectively referred to as the “Divested Operations”) were sold for $22,500,000 in an all cash transaction. The transaction resulted in SharpLink selling a majority of its assets and the classification of the Divested Operation’s financial results as discontinued operations. All prior periods presented have been restated to present the Divested Operations financial results as discontinued operations. All explanations and amounts relating to discontinued operations are referred throughout the consolidated financial statements to Note 12 - Discontinued Operations.
On February 13, 2024, SharpLink Gaming Ltd. (“SharpLink Israel” and former parent company) completed its previously announced domestication merger (“Domestication Merger”), pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Domestication Merger Agreement”), dated June 14, 2023 and amended July 24, 2023, among SharpLink Gaming, Inc. (“SharpLink US”), SharpLink Israel, SharpLink Merger Sub Ltd., an Israeli company and a wholly owned subsidiary of subsidiary of SharpLink US (“Domestication Merger Sub”) . The Domestication Merger was achieved through a merger of Domestication Merger Sub Ltd. with and into SharpLink Israel, with SharpLink Israel surviving the merger and becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of SharpLink US. The Domestication Merger was approved by the shareholders of SharpLink Israel at an extraordinary special meeting of shareholders held on December 6, 2023. SharpLink US’s Common Stock commenced trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the same ticker symbol, SBET, on February 14, 2024.
As a result of the Domestication Merger, all SharpLink Israel ordinary shares outstanding immediately prior to the Domestication Merger automatically converted, on a one-for-one basis, into the right to receive, and become exchangeable for, shares of SharpLink US common stock, par value $ per share (“Common Stock”) and all preferred shares, options and warrants of SharpLink Israel outstanding immediately prior to the Domestication Merger converted into or exchanged for equivalent securities of SharpLink US on a one-for-one basis.
| 8 |
| Ordinary Shares | ||||
| Par value for ordinary shares at $ as reported at February 13, 2024 | $ | 572,770 | ||
| Par value for common stock at $ at February 13, 2024 | 294 | |||
| Net change in par value — reflected in additional paid-in capital | $ | 572,476 | ||
| Preferred Shares | ||||
| Par value for Series A-1 preferred stock at $ par value as reported at February 13, 2024 | $ | 1,440 | ||
| Par value for Series A-1 preferred stock at $ par value as reported at February 13, 2024 | 1 | |||
| Net change in par value — will be reflected in additional paid-in capital | $ | 1,439 | ||
| Par value for Series B preferred stock at $ par value as reported at February 13, 2024 | 2,496 | |||
| Par value for Series B preferred stock at $ par value at February 13, 2024 | 1 | |||
| Net change in par value — reflected in additional paid-in capital | $ | 2,495 | ||
Exchange of Series A-1 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock for Common Stock and Prefunded Warrants
On April 2, 2025, SharpLink entered into an exchange agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) with Alpha Capital Anstalt (“Alpha”), whereby, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Exchange Agreement and in reliance on Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), shares of the Company’s Series A-1 Preferred Stock and shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock (collectively, the “Existing Securities”) held by Alpha were exchanged for shares of SharpLink’s common stock (“Common Stock”) and 44,650 prefunded warrants to purchase shares of SharpLink’s common stock (“Alpha Prefunded Warrants”) at an exercise price of $0.012. With the exchange of Alpha’s Existing Securities for Common Stock and Alpha Prefunded Warrants, SharpLink no longer has any Series A-1 Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SharpLink Gaming, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation.
Functional Currency
The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the transaction. The resulting monetary assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Revenue and expense components are translated to U.S. dollars at weighted-average exchange rates in effect during the period. Foreign currency translation adjustments, which arise from the remeasurement of foreign-denominated monetary assets and liabilities, are typically recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) in accordance with U.S. GAAP, however, the Company does not have material operations in a foreign currency which require a translation into U.S dollar. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses resulting from remeasurement are recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses within the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Reverse Share Split
On May 5, 2025, the Company effected a one-for-twelve (1:12) reverse stock split of all the Company’s share capital, whereby the Company decreased the number of issued and outstanding common shares from to . Proportional adjustments for the reverse stock split were made to the Company’s outstanding stock options, warrants and equity incentive plans. All share and per-share data and amounts have been retrospectively adjusted as of the earliest period presented in the financial statements to reflect the reverse stock split.
At-The-Market (“ATM”) Offerings
On May 2, 2024, Company entered into an ATM Sales Agreement (the “ATM Sales Agreement”) with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“AGP” or the “Agent”) pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time, through the Agent, as sales agent and/or principal, shares of the Company’s Common Stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $1,676,366, subject to certain limitations on the amount of Common Stock that may be offered and sold by the Company set forth in the ATM Sales Agreement (the “Offering”). On February 4, 2025, the Company, under the terms of the ATM Sales Agreement, filed a prospectus supplement that amended the number shares of Common Stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $1,835,052.
On May 30, 2025, SharpLink entered into a second ATM Sales Agreement with the Agent relating to the sale of shares of our Common Stock from time to time, having an aggregate offering price of up to $1,000,000,000.
As of June 30, 2025, SharpLink raised total net proceeds of $126,045,108 from sales of Shares under our ATM Sales Agreements. The proceeds were used to further the Company’s ETH treasury reserve strategy as well as provide for working capital.
Acquisition of 10% Equity Stake in Armchair Enterprises
On February 24, 2025, SharpLink entered into a subscription agreement (“Subscription Agreement”) with U.K-based Armchair Enterprises Limited (“Armchair”), which owns and operates CryptoCasino.com. The acquisition of a 10% equity stake in Armchair was made for $500,000 in cash, along with a right of first refusal to acquire a controlling interest in Armchair. The investment was recorded at cost and will be measured at cost less impairment, adjusted for any observable price changes. There was no impairment as of June 30, 2025.
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Significant Accounting Policies
Digital Assets
The Company’s digital assets primarily include ETH and Liquid Staked ETH (“LsETH”). The Company distinguishes between digital assets which fall within the scope of ASC 350-60 and those which do not. The Company refers to digital assets which fall within the scope of ASC 350-60 (e.g., ETH) as “crypto assets.” Digital assets which do not fall within the scope of ASC 350-60, Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets, are referred to as “digital intangible assets.”
As of June 30, 2025, the Company held $61.5 million of crypto assets comprised of ETH that are in the scope of ASC 350-60 at fair value. The Company reflects crypto assets held at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets within the Crypto assets line item. In determining the fair value of the crypto assets in accordance with ASC 820, the Company utilizes Coinbase as the principal market. The activity from remeasurement of crypto assets at fair value is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations within Unrealized loss on crypto assets. Realized gains and losses from the derecognition of crypto assets are included in Realized gain on crypto assets, net in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company uses a first-in, first-out methodology to assign costs to crypto assets for purposes of the crypto assets held and realized gains and losses disclosures in Note 2, Digital Asset Holdings. Sales and purchases of crypto assets are reflected as cash flows from investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Contributions of crypto assets received as part of the consideration received in the PIPE and deposits of ETH into liquid staking protocol are presented as noncash investing and financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
As of June 30, 2025, the Company held $382.4 million of digital intangible assets comprised of LsETH that are intangible assets outside the scope of ASC 350-60. A receipt token, in general and by design, entitles the holder to redeem the crypto intangible asset(s) for which it was exchanged. Therefore, it fails the ‘other goods and services criterion’ in paragraph 350-60-15-1(b), and thus is outside the scope of Subtopic 350-60.
These digital intangible assets are recorded at cost, less impairment within digital intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheets in accordance with ASC 350-30. The Company tests digital intangible assets for impairment annually and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. The test for impairment consists of a comparison of the fair value of the digital intangible assets with their carrying amounts. Refer to Note 2, Digital Asset Holdings, for additional information.
ETH Staking
Beginning in June 2025, the Company used the proceeds from its capital raising activities to acquire and deploy ETH in staking activities, which can include native staking, liquid staking and restaking. The Company has entered into separate contractual agreements with various third-party entities to facilitate its ETH staking activities. The Company commenced both native staking and liquid staking in June of 2025. The Company intends for staking to become a primary yield generation strategy of the Company within the current fiscal year.
Native Staking
The Company utilized two third-party asset managers to manage and stake ETH on its behalf as of June 30, 2025. Through its agreements with these asset managers, the Company’s ETH is held by qualified custodians, staked in the Ethereum protocol, and the stake is delegated to third party validators. When chosen as validators by the Ethereum network, these validators earn staking rewards and transaction fees proportional to the amount of stake delegated to them. The Company recognizes rewards from native staking as revenue in accordance with ASC 606. However, since the amount of rewards are not known by the Company until a validation activity is completed and the Company receives rewards in their custodial account, the staking rewards are constrained under the Topic 606 guidance on variable consideration, until such time.
Because the Company is not the principal to the block validation service, it does not control the full output of the reward-generating activity, and instead receives net staking rewards, after validator commissions are deducted. As such, the Company presents staking revenue on a net basis, reflecting only the portion of protocol rewards to which it is entitled. Asset manager fees are presented as separate operating expenses.
Liquid Staking
The Company participates in liquid staking, which is similar to native staking. One key difference and intended benefit of liquid staking is that it provides for liquidity by allowing the Company to earn staking rewards while still maintaining the ability, provided through the receipt token, to enter into to other transactions. When the Company’s ETH is staked, the Company is provided with a digital intangible asset (i.e., LsETH) which represents the crypto asset (i.e., ETH) which has been staked. LsETH is a non-rebasing liquid staking receipt token. It uses a floating redemption rate between LsETH and the underlying staked ETH. The redemption rate is determined by the underlying staked ETH and the current value of accumulated staking rewards, penalties, and fees associated with the underlying staked ETH. As a result, staking rewards earned from the Company’s liquid staking activities are not recognized as revenue.
These staking rewards will be recognized as gains or losses upon redemption or sale of the LsETH in accordance with ASC 610-20 Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets as the Company is unable to determine the staking rewards to which is entitled at the time of the initial staking such that the staking rewards are constrained under the ASC 606 guidance on variable consideration which also applies to transfers of non-financial assets under ASC 610-20. No LsETH was redeemed or sold in the quarter ended June 30, 2025.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04, Debt - Debt with Conversions and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20): Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments (“ASU 2024-04”). ASU 2024-04 is intended to clarify requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments, including convertible debt instruments with cash conversion features or convertible debt instruments that are not currently convertible, should be accounted for as an induced conversion. This ASU is effective for all entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on its disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“ASU 2024-03”), and in January 2025, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-01, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Clarifying the Effective Date (“ASU 2025-01”). ASU 2024-03 requires additional disclosure of the nature of expenses included in the income statement as well as disclosures about specific types of expenses included in the expense captions presented in the income statement. ASU 2024-03, as clarified by ASU 2025-01, is effective for us for our annual reporting for fiscal 2028 and for interim period reporting beginning in fiscal 2029 on a prospective basis. Both early adoption and retrospective application are permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of these standards will have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”). ASU 2023-09 requires enhanced disclosures surrounding income taxes, particularly related to rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. In particular, on an annual basis, companies will be required to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. Companies will also be required to disclose, on an annual basis, the amount of income taxes paid, disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign taxes, and also disaggregated by individual jurisdictions above a quantitative threshold. The standard is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning January 1, 2025 on a prospective basis, with retrospective application permitted for all prior periods presented. The Company will adopt ASU 2023-09 for the annual period ending December 31, 2025 and is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its disclosures.
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Note 2 – Digital Asset Holdings
Crypto Assets
The following table sets forth the units held, cost basis, and fair value of crypto assets held, as shown on the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2025:
| Units | Cost Basis | Fair Value | ||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| ETH | 24,704 | $ | 63,899,229 | $ | 61,462,203 | |||||||
| Total | 24,704 | $ | 63,899,229 | $ | 61,462,203 | |||||||
Cost basis is equal to the cost of the crypto assets net of any transaction fees, if any, at the time of purchase or upon receipt. Fair value represents the quoted crypto asset prices within the Company’s principal market at the time of measurement (midnight UTC).
As of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025, the Company did not hold any crypto assets.
The following table represents a reconciliation of crypto assets held:
| For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | ||||
| Fair Value, December 31, 2024 | $ | |||
| Fair Value, March 31, 2025 | ||||
| Additions | 529,214,163 | |||
| Deposits of ETH into liquid staking activities | (465,343,468 | ) | ||
| Receipt and accrual of ETH from native staking activities | 28,534 | |||
| Unrealized loss | (2,437,026 | ) | ||
| Fair Value, June 30, 2025 | $ | 61,462,203 | ||
Additions are the result of purchases and receipts of ETH in connection with the PIPE, see Note 1- Basis of Presentation. The receipts of ETH from native staking represent the rewards earned from native staking. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company recognized cumulative realized gains of $9.8 million, and cumulative realized losses of $4.4 million upon the deposit of ETH into liquid staking.
Digital Intangible Assets
The following table sets forth the cost basis, impairment amount, and carrying amount of digital assets held, as shown on the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2025:
| Units | Cost | Impairment | Net | |||||||||||||
| LsETH | 164,731 | $ | 470,235,927 | $ | (87,813,295 | ) | $ | 382,422,632 | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 470,235,927 | $ | (87,813,295 | ) | $ | 382,422,632 | |||||||||
The cost of LsETH was initially recorded at fair value of LsETH on the date of receipt. Following the receipt of LsETH in early June of 2025, the price of LsETH decreased; and it was determined that the carrying amount of the LsETH exceeded its fair value during the period ending June 30, 2025. The Company performs an analysis each quarter to identify whether events or changes in circumstances, principally decreases in the quoted prices on the Company’s principal market, indicate that it is more likely than not that the assets are impaired. In determining if an impairment has occurred, the Company considers the lowest price of one LsETH quoted on the principal market at any time since acquiring the specific LsETH held by the Company. For the period ending June 30, 2025, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $87.8 million in the condensed consolidated statement of operations within impairment of digital intangible assets.
The fair value of the LsETH is determined in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. For valuation purposes, the Company utilizes Coinbase as the principal market for LsETH.
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Note 3 – Additional Balance Sheet Information
Equipment, net
Equipment consists of computers, furniture and fixtures and is presented net of accumulated depreciation from continuing operations for a net book value of $3,935 and $3,359 as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Depreciation expense from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 was $1,630 and $4,343, respectively.
Intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 consisted of the following:
| Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years) | Cost, Net of Impairment | Accumulated Amortization | Net | |||||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| Acquired technology | 5 | $ | 24,700 | $ | 13,987 | $ | 10,713 | |||||||||
| $ | 24,700 | $ | 13,987 | $ | 10,713 | |||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Acquired technology | 5 | $ | 24,700 | $ | 11,538 | $ | 13,162 | |||||||||
| $ | 24,700 | $ | 11,538 | $ | 13,162 | |||||||||||
Amortization expense from continuing operations on intangible assets for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 was $2,448 and $2,461, respectively.
Note 4 - Convertible Debenture and Warrant
Convertible Debenture at Fair Value
The Company accounts for convertible debentures using the fair value method. The discount for warrants, the Original Issuance Discount (“OID”) and the initial allocation of fair value of compound derivatives reduce the initial carrying amount of the convertible notes. The carrying value is the stated principal amount at contractual maturity using the effective-interest method with a corresponding charge to interest expense. Debt discounts are presented on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that related debt.
The Company made an irrevocable election at the time of issuance of the Debenture to record the Debenture at its fair value (the “Fair Value Option”) with changes in fair value recorded through the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations within other income (expense) at each reporting period. The Fair Value Option provides the Company with a measurement basis election for financial instruments on an instrument-by-instrument basis.
On February 14, 2023, the Company entered into the Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) with Alpha, a current shareholder of the Company, pursuant to which the Company issued to Alpha an 8% Interest Rate, 10% Original Issue Discount, Senior Convertible Debenture (the “Debenture”) in the aggregate principal amount of $4,400,000 for a purchase price of $4,000,000 on February 15, 2023. The Debenture is convertible, at any time, and from time to time, at Alpha’s option, into shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Conversion Shares”), at an initial conversion price equal to $84.00 per share, subject to adjustment as described in the debenture agreement. A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No.: 333-271396) was filed with the SEC on April 21, 2023, and as a result, the reset price was set to $50.13.
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Pursuant to Section 8(a)(vi) of the Debenture, it is an event of default if the Company is party to a Fundamental Transaction or agrees to sell or dispose of all or in excess of 33% of its assets in one transaction or a series of related transactions. On January 19, 2024, SharpLink and Alpha entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) whereby Alpha agreed to waive (i) the event of default under Section 8(a)(vi) of the Debenture in connection with the Sale of Business; and (ii) payment of the Mandatory Default Amount; and the parties agreed that the Company would pay 110% of the outstanding principal amount of the Debenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, in the aggregate total amount of $4,484,230 (the “Debenture Redemption Amount”).
On January 19, 2024, the Company paid Alpha the Debenture Redemption Amount. As a result, the Company’s obligations under the Debenture have been satisfied.
Purchase Warrant
On February 15, 2023, the Company also issued to Alpha a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 73,333 common shares of the Company at an initial exercise price of $105.01 (the “Warrant Shares,” and, together with the Conversion Shares, and any other common shares of the Company that may otherwise become issuable pursuant to the terms of the Debenture and Warrant, the “Underlying Shares”). The Warrant is exercisable in whole or in part, at any time on or after February 15, 2023 and before February 15, 2028.
At the time of execution, the Company classified the Warrant as an equity contract and performed an initial fair value measurement. As the Warrant was issued with the assumption of the Debenture, the value assigned to the Warrant was based on an allocation of proceeds, subject to the allocation to the Debenture. The Company recorded a debt discount for the Warrant of $1,174,229, based on the Black Scholes option-pricing model which was calculated independently of the fair value of the Debenture, and recorded the Warrant as additional paid-in capital.
The Warrant provided that in the event of a Fundamental Transaction (as defined in the Debenture), SharpLink, at Alpha’s option, would repurchase the Warrant from Alpha on the terms set forth in Section 3(e)(ii) of the 2023 Warrant (the “Warrant Repurchase”). On January 19, 2024, SharpLink and Alpha entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) whereby Alpha agreed to waive (i) the event of default under Section 3(e)(ii) of the Warrant in connection with the Sale of Business.
Pursuant to Section 5(1) of the Warrant, Alpha further agreed to waive its right to elect that, in connection with and at the closing of the Sale of Business, the Warrant shall be repurchased by the Company as set forth in Section 3(e) of the 2023 Warrant. The parties agreed in the Settlement Agreement that the Warrant Repurchase for its Black Scholes value shall take place upon the earlier of (a) June 30, 2024; (b) the Company raising a gross amount of not less than $3,000,000 whether by equity or debt; and (c) the Company entering into a Fundamental Transaction as defined in the 2023 Warrant. The parties further agreed in the Settlement Agreement value of the 2023 Warrant for purposes of the Warrant Repurchase at $900,000, which was based on a Black Scholes model.
On March 6, 2024, SharpLink entered into an Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with Alpha to change the Warrant Repurchase of $900,000. Pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Exchange Agreement, the Company agreed to exchange the 2023 Warrant to purchase 73,333 shares of common stock for (i) 13,017 shares of Common Stock (the “Shares”), (ii) a pre-funded warrant in the amount of 39,130 shares of Common Stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrant”) and (iii) the unexchanged balance of the 2023 Warrant Repurchase (the “Warrant Repurchase Balance”). The Warrant Repurchase Balance of 21,186 warrants was valued at $170,636 and shall be subject to the repurchase terms set forth in the Settlement Agreement. The Pre-Funded Warrant and the Warrant Repurchase Balance were valued using Black Scholes option-pricing model. As part of this transaction, the Company recorded a deemed dividend of $44,619 as presented in the statement of stockholders’ equity for the six months ended June 30 , 2024.
The fair value of the Warrant Repurchase balance and the Pre-Funded Warrant are estimated on the following dates using the Black Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
| January 19, 2024 | March 6, 2024 | March 31, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Expected volatility | 112.98 | % | 90.90 | % | 87.36 | % | 88.06 | % | ||||||||
| Expected dividends | 0.00 | % | 0.00 | % | 0.00 | % | 0.00 | % | ||||||||
| Expected term (years) | 4.08 | 3.92 | 3.90 | 3.63 | ||||||||||||
| Risk-free rate | 3.75 | % | 4.12 | % | 4.21 | % | 4.33 | % | ||||||||
On June 30, 2024, SharpLink negotiated an Amendment to the Exchange Agreement (the “Amendment”) to reduce the strike price per warrant of the unexchanged balance of the 2023 Warrants Repurchase Balance from $48.85 to $0.0012 and to remove the re-purchase option.
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Note 5 - Fair Value
In accordance with fair value accounting guidance, the Company determines fair value based on the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.
As disclosed in Note 4, SharpLink entered into a Settlement Agreement on January 19, 2024 for the 2023 Warrant for purposes of the Warrant Repurchase at $900,000. On March 6, 2024, SharpLink entered into an Exchange Agreement with Alpha to change the Warrant Repurchase of $900,000. Pursuant to the terms set forth in the Exchange Agreement, the Company agreed to exchange the 2023 Warrant for (i) 13,107 shares of Common Stock (the “Shares”), (ii) a pre-funded warrant in the amount of 39,130 shares of Common Stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrant”) and (iii) the remaining unexchanged balance of the 2023 Warrant Repurchase (the “Warrant Repurchase Balance”).
On June 30, 2024, SharpLink negotiated an Amendment to the Exchange Agreement (the “Amendment”) to reduce the strike price per warrant of the unexchanged balance of the 2023 Warrants Repurchase Balance from $4.07 to $0.0001 and to remove the re-purchase option. The fair value of the warrant liability was zero as of June 30, 2024.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Debenture measured at fair value on a recurring basis that uses significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) and the related expenses and losses recorded in the consolidated statement of operations during the six months ended June 30, 2024:
| Fair Value, December 31, 2023 | $ | 4,395,753 | ||
| Principle and interest convertible debenture repayments | (4,395,753 | ) | ||
| Issuance of warrant repurchase balance | 900,000 | |||
| Conversion of warrants to shares and pre-funded warrants | (498,029 | ) | ||
| Change in fair value of warrant repurchase balance | (231,589 | ) | ||
| Change in fair value of warrant amendment | (17,996 | ) | ||
| Settlement of warrant liability due to amendment | (152,386 | ) | ||
| Fair Value, June 30, 2024 | $ |
The fair value of the Debenture was determined using a Monte Carlo Simulation (“MCS”), which incorporates the probability and timing of the consummation of a Fundamental Transaction event and conversion of the Debenture as of the valuation date.
As disclosed in Note 1, the Company purchased crypto assets held at fair value in June of 2025. The fair value of the Company’s crypto assets is disclosed in Note 2. The crypto assets are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using observable prices (Level 1).
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Note 6 - Warrants
| Number of Shares Underlying the Warrants | Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years) | ||||||||||
| Outstanding as of December 31, 2024 | 50,569 | $ | 1.07 | |||||||||
| Exercised | (94,967 | ) | - | |||||||||
| Issued | 18,160,847 | 2.49 | ||||||||||
| Expired | - | |||||||||||
| Outstanding as of June 30, 2025 | 18,116,449 | $ | 2.49 | |||||||||
The Company recognized $ of stock-based compensation expense for 3,455,019 of Strategic Advisor Warrants to purchase shares of common stock issued to Consensys in conjunction with the Strategic Advisory Agreement. The Strategic Advisor Warrants have various exercise prices as follows: (i) 1,382,007 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $6.15 per share of common stock; (ii) 691,004 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.765 per share of common stock; (iii) 691,004 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.38 per share of common stock; and (iv) 691,004 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.995 per share of common stock. See Note 13 - Related Party Transactions.
The Company recognized $ of stock-based compensation expense recognized as contra-equity for the 2,764,013 Placement Agent Warrants to purchase shares of common stock issued to the Agent in conjunction with the PIPE Offering. The warrants have an exercise price of $7.68 per share of common stock.
The strategic advisor and placement agent warrants are accounted for under ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. Both warrants are fully vested, nonforfeitable and not subject to any clawback provisions on the grant date. Accordingly, the grant-date fair value of the strategic advisor warrants is recognized in full as compensation in the income statement upfront. The grant date fair value of the placement agent warrants is recorded as contra-equity as the warrants represent noncash consideration for costs of placement agent services which are directly attributable costs to raise capital in the PIPE.
The Company issued 1,496,612 Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase shares of common stock to Consensys in conjunction with the $4.5 Million Registered Offering. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.0001 per share of common stock.
The Company issued 3,966,340 Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase shares of common stock to Consensys in conjunction with the PIPE Offering. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.0001 per share of common stock.
The Company issued 6,434,213 Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase shares of common stock to Joseph Lubin in conjunction with the PIPE Offering. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.0001 per share of common stock.
The Company issued 44,650 Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase shares of common stock to Alpha in conjunction with the April 2, 2025 Exchange Agreement. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.0001 per share of common stock and were exercised during the period ended June 30, 2025.
The Pre-Funded Warrants met the criteria for classification within stockholders’ equity as permanent equity, with no subsequent remeasurement required. The fair value of each warrant awarded for compensation is estimated on the date of grant using a Black Scholes option-pricing model. The Company uses historical option exercise and termination data to estimate the term the options are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected dividend yield is calculated using historical dividend amounts and the stock price at the option issue date. The expected volatility is determined using the volatility of peer companies.
| June 30, 2025 | ||||
| Expected volatility | % | |||
| Expected dividends | % | |||
| Expected term (years) | - | |||
| Risk-free rate | % | |||
| Fair value of Ordinary Shares on grant date | $ | |||
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Following is a summary of the Company’s warrant activity for the six months ended June 30, 2024:
| Number of Shares Underlying the Warrants | Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share | Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years) | ||||||||||
| Outstanding as of December 31, 2023 | 96,502 | $ | 41.16 | |||||||||
| Previously issued regular warrants | (60,324 | ) | 49.20 | - | ||||||||
| Revalued regular warrants | 60,324 | |||||||||||
| Exercised | (35,240 | ) | 22.68 | - | ||||||||
| Outstanding as of June 30, 2024 | 61,262 | $ | 3.36 | |||||||||
Stock Options
Option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s Common Stock at the date of grant; those options generally vest based on three years of continuous service and have ten-year contractual terms. Certain option and share awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control, as defined in the plans. For the six months ended June 30, 2025the Company managed the following equity plans: SharpLink Gaming Ltd. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, SharpLink, Inc. 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, SharpLink Gaming, Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan and SHGN 2018 Stock Incentive Plan.
The Company granted options for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company recognized stock compensation expense for stock options of $ and $ for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, of which $0 and $12,041 of expense are recorded in discontinued operations. The Company recognized stock compensation expense for stock options of $ and $ for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, of which $0 and $0 of expense are recorded in discontinued operations.
| Weighted | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted | average | |||||||||||||||
| average | remaining | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
| exercise | contractual | intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
| Options | Shares | price | term | value | ||||||||||||
| Outstanding as of December 31, 2024 | 9,022 | $ | 91.06 | 7.6 | $ | |||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ||||||||||||||||
| Expired | ||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding as of June 30, 2025 | 9,022 | $ | 91.06 | 7.1 | $ | |||||||||||
| Exercisable as of June 30, 2025 | 7,214 | $ | 95.85 | 7.1 | $ | |||||||||||
The summary of activity under the plans as of June 30, 2024, and change during the six months ended June 30, 2024, is as follows:
| Weighted | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted | average | |||||||||||||||
| average | remaining | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
| exercise | contractual | intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
| Options | Shares | price | term | value | ||||||||||||
| Outstanding as of December 31, 2023 | 34,568 | $ | 105.48 | 7.7 | $ | 3,750 | ||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | (8,564 | ) | $ | 68.40 | ||||||||||||
| Expired | (13,998 | ) | $ | 105.60 | ||||||||||||
| Outstanding as of June 30, 2024 | 12,006 | $ | 131.64 | 7.9 | $ | 1,500 | ||||||||||
| Exercisable as of June 30, 2024 | 7,429 | $ | 163.44 | 7.7 | $ | 1,500 | ||||||||||
Unamortized stock compensation expense of $ will be recognized through 2026 for of unvested options which have a weighted average recognition period of seven () years.
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Restricted Stock Units
The Company’s Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors and the Board approved the granting of certain restricted stock units (“RSU”) to members of the senior leadership team and the Board of Directors that vest over the passage of time. The Company recognized stock compensation expense for RSU awards of $ and $ for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company recognized stock compensation expense for RSU’s of $ and $ for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
The following is a summary of RSU activity for the six months ended June 30, 2025:
| Weighted | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted | Average | |||||||||||||||
| Average Grant | Remaining | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
| Date Fair | Contractual | Intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
| Shares | Value | Term | Value | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding as of December 31, 2024 | 12,501 | $ | 8.9 | - | ||||||||||||
| Granted | 29,168 | - | ||||||||||||||
| Cancelled | - | |||||||||||||||
| Vested and released | (37,502 | ) | 1.98 | - | 325,517 | |||||||||||
| Outstanding and unvested as of June 30, 2025 | 4,167 | $ | 8.89 | 10.94 | $ | |||||||||||
The total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs as of June 30, 2025 was $.
The following is a summary of RSU activity for the six months ended June 30, 2024:
| Weighted | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted | Average | |||||||||||||||
| Average Grant | Remaining | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
| Date Fair | Contractual | Intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
| Shares | Value | Term | Value | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding as of December 31, 2023 | $ | - | ||||||||||||||
| Granted | 24,999 | 16.77 | - | |||||||||||||
| Cancelled | - | |||||||||||||||
| Vested and released | (12,501 | ) | 16.77 | - | 3,200 | |||||||||||
| Outstanding and unvested as of June 30, 2024 | 12,498 | $ | 16.77 | 3.78 | $ | |||||||||||
Note 8 - Operating Segments
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer serves as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and evaluates the financial performance of the business and makes resource allocation decisions on the basis of its two different revenue sources. Our Affiliate Marketing segment is focused on performance-based customer acquisition services for leading sportsbooks and online casino gaming operators worldwide. Our Ethereum Staking (“ETH Staking”) segment captures ETH-based yield generated by participating in the Ethereum network’s staking protocol which is currently comprised of rewards received from native staking.
As a result, the Company operates two reportable segments under ASC 280, Segment Reporting, Affiliate Marketing and ETH Staking.
Total Affiliate Marketing net loss from continuing operations before income taxes was $(1,492,219) and $(2,406,143) million for the three- and six-month periods ending June 30, 2025. Total ETH Staking net loss from continuing operations before income taxes was $(101,851,030) for the three- and six-month periods ending June 30, 2025.
| 17 |
Affiliate Marketing
The Company’s Affiliate Marketing operations include performance marketing services, lead generation, and data analytics. The Company focuses on delivering quality traffic and player acquisitions, retention and conversions to global casino gaming partners worldwide in exchange for a commission (cost per acquisition or portion of net gaming revenues) paid to the Company by the partners for the new players referred to them. The CODM assesses financial performance based on consolidated revenue, operating profit, and key operating expenses as detailed below.
The following table presents significant segment expenses regularly provided to and reviewed by the CODM for the Affiliated Marketing Segment:
| Affiliate Marketing Segment | Affiliate Marketing Segment | |||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 | For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 668,757 | $ | 981,272 | $ | 1,410,488 | $ | 1,957,218 | ||||||||
| Less: | ||||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 488,202 | 701,142 | 1,098,138 | 1,389,876 | ||||||||||||
| Segment gross profit | 180,555 | 280,130 | 312,350 | 567,342 | ||||||||||||
| Less: | ||||||||||||||||
| Salaries and benefits | 741,110 | 247,839 | 1,043,810 | 708,798 | ||||||||||||
| Contractors and consulting expense | 132,649 | 51,005 | 203,440 | 138,630 | ||||||||||||
| Marketing expense | 21,186 | 60,463 | 41,636 | 136,260 | ||||||||||||
| Other segment expenses (1) | 777,829 | 794,383 | 1,429,607 | 2,212,351 | ||||||||||||
| Segment net loss from continuing operations before income taxes | (1,492,219 | ) | (873,560 | ) | (2,406,143 | ) | (2,628,697 | ) | ||||||||
| Reconciliation of profit or loss | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments and reconciling items | ||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net loss from continuing operations before income taxes | (1,492,219 | ) | (873,560 | ) | (2,406,143 | ) | (2,628,697 | ) | ||||||||
| (1) | - other segment items included in Segment net loss include: professional fees, insurance, general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, foreign currency exchange gains and losses, other income and interest expense. |
ETH Staking
Beginning in June 2025, the Company used the proceeds from its capital raising activities to acquire and deploy ETH in staking activities, which can include native staking, liquid staking and restaking. The Company has entered into separate contractual agreements with various third-party entities to facilitate its ETH staking activities. The Company commenced both native staking and liquid staking in June of 2025. The Company intends for staking to become a primary revenue generation strategy of the Company within the current fiscal year.
Native Staking
The Company utilized two third-party asset managers to manage and stake ETH on its behalf as of June 30, 2025.
Through its agreements with these asset managers, the Company’s ETH is held by qualified custodians, staked in the Ethereum protocol, and the stake is delegated to third party validators. When chosen as validators by the Ethereum network, these validators earn staking rewards and transaction fees proportional to the amount of stake delegated to them. The Company recognizes rewards from native staking as revenue in accordance with ASC 606.
All native staking revenue is earned within the United States as the validators are domiciled within the United States.
Liquid Staking
The Company participates in liquid staking, which is similar to native staking. One key difference and intended benefit of liquid staking is that it provides for liquidity by allowing the Company to earn staking rewards while still maintaining the ability, provided through the receipt token, to enter into to other transactions. When the Company’s ETH is staked, the Company is provided with a digital intangible asset (i.e., LsETH) which represents the crypto asset (i.e., ETH) which has been staked. Liquid staking rewards will be recognized as gains or losses within other income upon redemption or sale of the LsETH in accordance with ASC 610-20. No LsETH was redeemed or sold in the period ended June 30, 2025.
The CODM assesses financial performance based on consolidated revenue, operating profit and key operating expenses as detailed below.
| 18 |
The following table presents significant segment expenses regularly provided to and reviewed by the CODM for the ETH Staking segment:
| ETH Staking Segment | ||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 | For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | |||||||
| Revenue | $ | 28,534 | $ | 28,534 | ||||
| Segment gross profit | 28,534 | 28,534 | ||||||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Salaries and benefits | 118,961 | 118,961 | ||||||
| Contractors and consulting expense | 43,511 | 43,511 | ||||||
| Asset manager fees | 377,841 | 377,841 | ||||||
| Legal expenses | 83,145 | 83,145 | ||||||
| Realized gains on crypto assets, net | (5,373,583 | ) | (5,373,583 | ) | ||||
| Unrealized loss on crypto assets | 2,437,026 | 2,437,026 | ||||||
| Impairment on digital intangible assets | 87,813,295 | 87,813,295 | ||||||
| Other segment expenses (1) | 16,379,368 | 16,379,368 | ||||||
| Segment net loss from continuing operations before income taxes | (101,851,030 | ) | (101,851,030 | ) | ||||
| Reconciliation of profit or loss | ||||||||
| Adjustments and reconciling items | ||||||||
| Consolidated net loss from continuing operations before income taxes | (101,851,030 | ) | (101,851,030 | ) | ||||
| (1) | - other segment items included in Segment net loss include: stock-based compensation - related party. |
These expenses represent the key cost components reviewed by the CODM in assessing the Company’s performance.
The CODM evaluates income generated from the Company’s assets using net income (loss) as a key metric. The CODM utilizes this measure to assess return on assets when making strategic decisions, including whether to reinvest profits into the affiliate marketing platform or ETH staking business, enhance technology and data analytics capabilities, or expand partnerships with advertisers and publishers.
Summarized revenues by country in which the Company operated for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 are shown below. All ETH staking revenue occurred within the United States.
For the three months ended June 30, 2025:
| United States | $ | 177,704 | ||
| Rest of the World | $ | 519,587 | ||
| Revenue | $ | 697,291 |
For the six months ended June 30, 2025:
| United States | $ | 408,432 | ||
| Rest of the World | $ | 1,030,590 | ||
| Revenue | $ | 1,439,022 |
For the three months ended June 30, 2025:
| United States | $ | 230,725 | ||
| Rest of the World | $ | 750,547 | ||
| Revenue | $ | 981,272 |
For the six months ended June 30, 2024:
| United States | $ | 438,726 | ||
| Rest of the World | $ | 1,518,492 | ||
| Revenue | $ | 1,957,218 |
| 19 |
The Company does not have material assets in foreign jurisdictions.
The Company’s Affiliate Marketing Services segment derives a significant portion of its revenues from several large customers. The table below presents the percentage of consolidated revenues derived from large customers:
| June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2024 | |||||||
| Customer A | 44 | % | 37 | % | ||||
| Customer B | 14 | % | 22 | % | ||||
| Customer C | 22 | % | 0 | % | ||||
Note 9 - Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”).
To determine revenue recognition for contracts with customers, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, including variable consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant future reversal will not occur, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the respective performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies the performance obligation.
The Company recognizes revenue when it transfers its goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in such exchange.
For the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company has recognized its revenue at a point in time. The Company is currently engaged in the provision of Affiliate Marketing services and Ethereum Staking activities.
The Company’s assets and liabilities related to its contracts with customers were as follows:
| June 30, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Accounts receivable | $ | 271,905 | $ | 264,831 | ||||
Affiliate Marketing
The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers and these timing differences result in contract advanced billings on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company recognized unbilled revenue when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing.
Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Company has determined that its contracts generally do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing the Company’s services, and not to facilitate financing arrangements.
ETH Staking
In native staking, the Company retains the right and ability to direct the use of the underlying ETH, subject to a bonding period. As such, the Company does not derecognize the ETH when participating in native staking. The Company recognizes rewards from native staking as revenue in accordance with ASC 606. The Company acts as an agent in native staking transactions as it delegates ETH to third-party validator operators who perform the technical validation responsibilities. Native staking rewards are recognized as revenue at the end of each epoch, or block processing time, or when earned and measurable and when the Company’s share of rewards is known. The amount of revenue recognized is measured at fair value and is presented net of validator or other protocol fees.
The Company also participates in liquid staking, which is similar to native staking; however, one key difference and intended benefit of this method is the ability to provide the Company with tokens representing digital assets in exchange for its ETH. Liquid staking rewards are accumulated through the protocol conversion rate for the LsETH and will be recognized as gains or losses within other income upon redemption or sale of the LsETH in accordance with ASC 610-20. No LsETH was redeemed or sold in the period ended June 30, 2025.
As of June 30, 2025, the Company had native staked ETH on the Ethereum blockchain. For the period ended June 30, 2025, the Company earned ETH and recognized revenue from native staking rewards of $28,534.
| 20 |
Note 10 – Income Taxes
On a quarterly basis, we estimate our annual effective tax rate and record a quarterly income tax provision based on the anticipated rate. As the year progresses, we refine our estimate based on the facts and circumstances, including discrete events, by each tax jurisdiction. The effective tax rate for the six-month ended June 30, 2025 was (0.0%). The Company has NOLs available to offset 80% of the current year taxable income and the gain, net of tax is classified as discontinued operations in the financial statements. The Company is in the process of dissolving certain legal entities to simplify its legal structure. The tax impact of these legal entities being dissolved is not expected to be significant. The launch of the treasury reserve strategy during the second quarter of 2025 increased the Company’s deferred tax asset by approximately $20 million for a deferred tax asset of approximately $27 million for the period ended June 30, 2025. The Company has a full valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets as of the period ended June 30, 2025
We follow the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions which requires us to determine whether a tax position of the Company is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals of litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the uncertain tax benefit amount recognized in the financial statements is reduced to the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon the ultimate settlement with the relevant taxing authority. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are included in the provision for income taxes in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In accordance with the Sale of Business (See Note 3), management performed an evaluation of the technical merits of the Israeli Controlled Foreign Corporate Rules to determine the taxability of the gain from the Sale of Business from an Israeli tax perspective. This analysis also considered the results of the U.S. income tax. Management determined that the technical merits for uncertain tax exposure resulting from the gain for Israeli tax purposes did not exceed the more-likely-than-not threshold and has not recorded any income tax liability at June 30, 2025. Management’s determination is based on known facts and circumstances and requires judgment of a complex set of rules and regulations. If facts and circumstances change, such as closing, liquidating or selling of the businesses’ equity that is remaining, including events outside the Company’s control, this could have a material impact on the management’s determination.
On July 4, 2025, subsequent to the end of the reporting period, the U.S. federal government enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”), which includes significant amendments to the Internal Revenue Code. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the legislation on its consolidated financial statements, including deferred tax assets and liabilities.
Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders, adjusted for preferred stock discount accretion and dividends accrued on preferred stock, by the weighted-average number of common stock outstanding during the period excluding the effects of any potentially dilutive securities. Diluted net loss per share is computed similar to basic loss per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common stock that would have been outstanding if potential shares of common stock had been issued if such additional common stock were dilutive.
As the Company had a net loss from continuing operations and net income from discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, the following presents dilutive and anti-dilutive securities.
| Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | |||||||
| Dilutive: | ||||||||
| Prefunded warrants | 11,897,165 | 11,817,165 | ||||||
| Regular warrants | 6,219,032 | 6,219,032 | ||||||
| Restricted Stock Units | 4,167 | 4,167 | ||||||
| Total Dilutive | 18,120,364 | 18,040,364 | ||||||
| Anti-Dilutive: | ||||||||
| Stock options | 9,022 | 9,022 | ||||||
| SportsHub warrants | 252 | 252 | ||||||
| Total Anti-dilutive | 9,274 | 9,274 | ||||||
As the Company had a net loss from continuing operations and net income from discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024, the following presents dilutive and anti-dilutive securities. For continuing operations, since there was a net loss, all securities presented below were excluded from weighted average shares outstanding. For discontinued operations, dilutive securities presented below were included in the net income per share calculation and the anti-dilutive securities were excluded in weighted average shares outstanding:
| Three
Months Ended June 30, 2024 | Six Months
Ended June 30, 2024 | |||||||
| Dilutive: | ||||||||
| Purchase warrants Alpha | 39,130 | 39,130 | ||||||
| Regular warrants Alpha | 21,187 | 21,187 | ||||||
| MTS warrants | 209 | 209 | ||||||
| MTS stock options | 209 | 209 | ||||||
| Total Dilutive | 60,735 | 60,735 | ||||||
| Anti-Dilutive: | ||||||||
| Stock options | 9,022 | 9,022 | ||||||
| Series A-1 preferred stock | 601 | 601 | ||||||
| Series B preferred stock | 1,040 | 1,040 | ||||||
| MTS warrants | 487 | 487 | ||||||
| SportsHub warrants | 252 | 252 | ||||||
| Restricted Stock Units | 12,498 | 12,498 | ||||||
| Total Anti-dilutive | 23,900 | 23,900 | ||||||
| 21 |
| For the Three Months Ended June 30, | For the Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Net loss from continuing operations | $ | (103,370,535 | ) | $ | (916,664 | ) | $ | (104,287,267 | ) | $ | (2,677,475 | ) | ||||
| Less: deemed dividends on series B preferred stock | (44,619 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders | (103,370,535 | ) | (916,664 | ) | (104,287,267 | ) | (2,722,094 | ) | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, available to common stockholders | (52,192 | ) | 453,706 | (110,361 | ) | 14,564,872 | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) available to common stockholders | $ | (103,422,727 | ) | $ | (462,959 | ) | $ | (104,397,628 | ) | $ | 11,842,778 | |||||
| Basic weighted-average shares for continuing and discontinued operations | 24,202,467 | 282,709 | 12,989,772 | 270,876 | ||||||||||||
| Diluted weighted average shares for discontinued operations | 24,202,467 | 343,444 | 12,989,772 | 331,611 | ||||||||||||
| Basic: | ||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) from continuing operations per share | $ | (4.27 | ) | $ | (3.24 | ) | $ | (8.03 | ) | $ | (10.05 | ) | ||||
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per share | 1.60 | (0.01 | ) | 53.77 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) per share | $ | (4.27 | ) | $ | (1.64 | ) | $ | (8.04 | ) | $ | 43.72 | |||||
| Fully Diluted: | ||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) from continuing operations per share | $ | (4.27 | ) | $ | (2.67 | ) | $ | (8.03 | ) | $ | (10.05 | ) | ||||
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per share | 1.32 | (0.02 | ) | 43.92 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) per share | $ | (4.27 | ) | $ | (1.35 | ) | $ | (8.05 | ) | $ | 33.87 | |||||
Note 12 – Discontinued Operations
In accordance with ASC 205-20 Presentation of Financial Statements: Discontinued Operations, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported as discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major impact on an entity’s operations and financial results when the components of an entity meets the criteria in ASC paragraph 205-20-45-10. In the period in which the component meets the held for sale or discontinued operations criteria the major assets, other assets, current liabilities and non-current liabilities shall be reported as a component of total assets and liabilities separate from those balances of the continuing operations. At the same time, the results of all discontinued operations, less applicable income taxes (benefit), shall be reported as components of net income (loss) separate from the income (loss) of continuing operations.
| 22 |
Sale of SHGN and Sports Gaming Client Services
On January 18, 2024, SharpLink Israel (“Parent Seller”) and SLG1 Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of SharpLink (“Subsidiary Seller”), SHGN Acquisition Corp. (“SHGN,” and together with Parent Seller and Subsidiary Seller, the “Seller”), a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of SharpLink, entered into a Purchase Agreement (the “PA”) with RSports Interactive, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“Buyer”). The Subsidiary Seller owns all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Sports Technologies, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company, SHGN and Holdings Quinn, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (collectively referred to as the “Targets”). The PA contemplated the sale of the Company’s Sports Gaming Client Services and SportsHub Gaming Network business units to the Buyer, by selling all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of the Targets and the Acquired Subsidiaries for $22,500,000 in an all cash transaction. SHGN owns all of the membership interests in Virtual Fantasy Games Acquisitions, LLC , a Minnesota limited liability company; LeagueSafe Management, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company; SportsHub Reserve, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company; SportsHub PA, LLC, a Pennsylvania limited liability company; SportsHub Operations, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company; SportsHub Holdings, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company; SportsHub Regulatory, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company; and SportsHub Player Reserve, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company (collectively, the “Acquired Subsidiaries”).
As a result of the Sale of Business, we ceased our Sports Game Client Services and SportsHub Gaming Network segments. The historical results of these business segments have been reflected as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements for all periods prior to the closing date of the Sale of Business on January 18, 2024.
In connection with the Sale of Business, the Company entered into with the Buyer a Transition Services Agreement to provide for an orderly transfer and the continuity of business services. The Parent Seller would be able to use certain Buyer employees at an agreed upon hourly rate. The Buyer would be charged monthly amounts for business services such as accounting software, insurance and data services.
On May 8, 2024, SharpLink entered into an amended and fully restated Post Closing Assignment Agreement with RSports, whereby SharpLink and RSports agreed to amend the PA to exclude the transfer/sale of SHGN and agreed to the assignment/sale of the Acquired Subsidiaries membership interests in SHReserve and SHPA to be made directly to RSports upon and subsequent to the approval of a petition by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Based on this amended agreement, the Sale of Business is an asset sale for legal and tax purposes instead of an equity sale.
The $14.6 million gain was calculated by measuring the difference between the fair value of consideration received less the carrying amount of assets and liabilities sold in accordance with ASC 810.
In the statement of cashflows for the six months ended June 30 2024, the net cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations is due to cash received from the sale of business of $22,500,000, net of the cash transferred of $41,357,834. The majority of the cash transferred of $41,357,834 was reflected in discontinued operations customer deposits liability and deferred revenue of $36,959,573 and $4,888,704, respectively.
During the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, SharpLink paid RSports $2,287 and $70,420, respectively, for use of accounting service personnel under the Post Closing Covenant Agreement (the “PCCA”); and RSports paid SharpLink $2,175 and $21,588 under the PCCA for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
| 23 |
Sale of MTS
The Company negotiated a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement which was closed on December 31, 2022. The majority of the assets of the primary reporting unit within MTS were sold. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the MTS business were separately reported as assets and liabilities from discontinued operations as of June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024. The results of operations and cash flows of MTS for all periods are separately reported as discontinued operations.
Summary Reconciliation of Discontinued Operations
For the Three Months Ended | For the Three Months Ended | For the Six Months Ended | For Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | $ | 14,765 | $ | $ | 413,578 | ||||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | 708 | 4,078 | (8,173 | ) | 158,569 | |||||||||||
| Gross Profit | (708 | ) | 10,687 | 8,173 | 255,009 | |||||||||||
| Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 35,450 | 35,651 | 104,504 | 355,174 | ||||||||||||
| Operating Loss | (36,158 | ) | (24,964 | ) | (96,331 | ) | (100,165 | ) | ||||||||
| Interest income | (28,000 | ) | (9,651 | ) | (39,000 | ) | 88,510 | |||||||||
| Other (expense) income | 13,966 | 503,320 | 27,970 | 501,320 | ||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | (0 | ) | 14,670,811 | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (9,027 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total other income and expense | (14,034 | ) | 493,669 | (11,030 | ) | 15,251,614 | ||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | (50,192 | ) | 468,705 | (107,361 | ) | 15,151,449 | ||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 2,000 | 15,000 | 3,000 | 586,577 | ||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net | $ | (52,192 | ) | $ | 453,705 | $ | (110,361 | ) | $ | 14,564,872 | ||||||
The following table presents a reconciliation of the carrying amounts of major classes of assets and liabilities of the Company classified as discontinued operations as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024:
| June 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Carrying amounts of major classes of assets included as part of discontinued operations: | ||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | 31,000 | $ | 105,127 | ||||
| Restricted cash | 16 | |||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 250,181 | 164,661 | ||||||
| Total current assets | $ | 281,197 | $ | 269,788 | ||||
| June 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Carrying amounts of major classes of liability included as part of discontinued operations: | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 970 | $ | 10,020 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | $ | 970 | $ | 10,020 | ||||
| 24 |
Note 13 - Related Parties
Strategic Advisory Agreement with Consensys Software Inc.
In connection with the PIPE transaction, the Company entered into a Strategic Advisor Agreement with Consensys Software Inc. (“Consensys”), a Delaware corporation, and a related party. Consensys is a global blockchain technology company that provides decentralized applications and enterprise solutions, focusing on building and scaling blockchain-based systems primarily on the Ethereum blockchain. Under the terms of the agreement, Consensys will provide a broad range of advisory services related to the Company’s ETH treasury strategy to the Company for three years. As consideration for these services, Consensys received warrants to purchase up to 3,455,019 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Strategic Advisor Warrants”). The Strategic Advisor Warrants have various exercise prices as follows: (i) 1,382,007 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $6.15 per share of common stock; (ii) 691,004 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.765 per share of common stock; (iii) 691,004 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.38 per share of common stock; and (iv) 691,004 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.995 per share of common stock. The Company recorded $ as stock-based compensation expense, related party, determined using a Black Scholes model, on the statement of operations for the period ended June 30, 2025.
Secondment Agreements with Consensys Employees
As part of the ongoing collaboration between the Company and Consensys, three employees of Consensys have been seconded to SharpLink under secondment agreements. These employees provide key services in areas including strategic planning, treasury management, technology integration and business development. The secondment agreements outline the terms of the assignment, the duration, which began during the month of June 2025 and terminate September 30, 2025, total monthly compensation of approximately $ payable to Consensys and stock-based compensation of a total of approximately $ for RSU’s to be awarded in July, and the allocation of responsibilities between the parties. The seconded employees remain employees of Consensys, but perform their duties for the Company during the secondment period and report to the Company’s Chief Executive Office and Chief Financial Officer. In exchange for these services, the Company compensates Consensys for the associated costs on a monthly basis, including the employees’ salaries, benefits and other related expenses. For the period ended June 30, 2025, approximately $43,000 was accrued in selling, general and administrative expenses in relation to these agreements and their applicable start date.
Note 14 – Subsequent Events
Letter Agreements
Between July 8, 2025 and July 10, 2025, the Company entered into letter agreements (“Letter Agreements”) with the holders of the Company’s common stock and pre-funded warrants which were issued in connection with the Company’s private placement pursuant to the two Securities Purchase Agreements dated May 20, 2025 and May 26, 2025, respectively. Pursuant to section 4.9 of each Securities Purchase Agreements, the Company agreed to reserve and keep available at all times a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock for the purpose of enabling the Company to issue shares in accordance with each of the Securities Purchase Agreements and the shares underlying the exercise of any Strategic Advisor Warrants, Placement Agent Warrants, Private Placement Pre-Funded Warrants, and Best Efforts Pre-Funded Warrants.
| 25 |
Pursuant to the Letter Agreements, the Holders waive the SPA Share Reserve Provision such that the Company may reserve for issuance under the ATM Sales Agreement between the Company and A.G.P/Alliance Global Partners, entered into on May 30, 2025, any of the authorized shares of Common Stock that would otherwise be reserved for issuance under the Strategic Advisor Warrants, Placement Agent Warrants, Private Placement Pre-Funded Warrants, and Best Efforts Pre-Funded Warrant, with the understanding that (i) the Company may issue such shares pursuant to the ATM Facility at any time after the execution of the Letter Agreements and before the date on which the Company receives the requisite stockholder approval (the “Stockholder Approval”) to increase the Company’s authorized shares (the “Permitted ATM Sales”), and (ii) following the receipt of the Stockholder Approval with respect to the authorized share increase, the Company shall reserve the shares underlying the Placement Agent Warrants, Strategic Advisor Warrants, Private Placement Pre-Funded Warrants, and Best Efforts Pre-Funded Warrants. Following the increase in authorized share capital on July 24, 2025, the Letter Agreements were terminated.
Amendment to ATM Sales Agreement
On July 17, 2025, SharpLink entered into an Amendment to its ATM Sales Agreement (the “Amendment”) with AGP, dated May 30, 2025, to increase the number of shares that may be sold from time to time in connection with the ATM facility from $1,000,000,000 to $6,000,000,000; and to permit the forward sale of shares to be sold in the ATM Offering pursuant to Master Forward Confirmation Letter Agreements. We filed a supplement to the Prospectus Supplement, dated May 30, 2025, with the SEC to address the Amendment and the Forward Sales Agreements on July 17, 2025.
Results of Special Meeting of Stockholders
At a Special Meeting of Stockholders held on July 24, 2025, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment and restatement of the Company’s 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Plan by shares to shares. In addition, the stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock, par value $, of the Company from to . In connection with the increase in the authorized shares of common stock of the Company, we filed a Second Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which became effective at 5:10 p.m. Eastern Time on July 24, 2025.
Appointment of Co-Chief Executive Officers and Entry into New Employment Agreements
On July 24, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), the Board appointed Joseph Chalom as Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company, to serve with Rob Phythian as the Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Phythian will remain the Company’s principal executive officer. It is anticipated that Mr. Phythian will transition to the role of President over the next quarter and remain a member of the Board.
Mr. Chalom, age 54, has served in senior leadership roles over the course of his 20 year career at BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”). Most recently, from October 2021 to June 2025 he was the Head of Strategic Ecosystem Partnerships at BlackRock and was responsible for executing BlackRock’s strategy in the digital assets, data and technology innovation ecosystems. This included product innovation and strategic partnerships to drive digital asset ecosystem innovation and institutional client adoption. Under Mr. Chalom’s leadership, in 2024, BlackRock launched its IBIT and ETHA exchange traded products and the BUIDL tokenized treasury fund, making it the largest manager of digital assets. Prior to this role, he served as BlackRock’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer on an interim basis from March 2021 to October 2021; and, for over a decade, was the Chief Operating Officer of BlackRock Solutions, which delivers the firm’s Aladdin financial technology capabilities clients globally. Mr. Chalom served on the boards of Securitize, Inc., a leading provider in the tokenized assets and digital transfer agency space for real world assets, from May 2004 until June 2025; and Clarity AI, Inc., a leading AI-powered sustainability platform and data provider, from January 2021 to June 2025. Prior to joining BlackRock, Mr. Chalom worked as a corporate and technology attorney at Skadden Arps and at Arnold & Porter. Mr. Chalom earned a B.A. degree, with honors, in International Studies from Johns Hopkins University and a J.D. degree from Columbia University School of Law.
Chalom Employment Agreement
In connection with his appointment as the Company’s Co-Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Chalom entered into an employment agreement with the Company effective as of the Effective Date, which provides for (i) an annual base salary of $750,000; (ii) a target short-term incentive opportunity equal to 100% of his base salary, with a maximum opportunity of up to 150% of his base salary; (iii) a sign-on restricted stock unit award, to be granted within 30 days after the Effective Date, with an award value of $7,000,000, which value will be converted to a number of shares (rounded down to the nearest whole share) by dividing (x) the award value, by (y) the average closing per-share price of the Company’s common stock for the seventy five (75) trading days immediately preceding the Effective Date, and which will be allocated two-thirds (2/3) to time-based vesting conditions, with one-third (1/3) of such time-based vesting units vesting on the first (1st) anniversary of the Effective Date and the remaining time-based vesting units vesting in equal quarterly installments thereafter, in each case subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company, and one-third (1/3) to performance-based vesting conditions, which will vest based on the extent that certain annual performance goals, selected by the Board or a committee thereof, are achieved over a three-year performance cycle; (iv) a long-term incentive opportunity for the 2026 fiscal year commencing July 1, 2026 with a “target” value of not less than $4,000,000; and (v) payment for an annual executive physical. Mr. Chalom’s employment agreement also provides for certain severance benefits if his employment were terminated by the Company without cause, death or disability, or upon his resignation for good reason, including an amount equal to two (2) times his base salary and target bonus, any short-term incentive earned for the prior fiscal year but not yet paid, a pro-rated short-term incentive for the year of termination, based on actual results, subsidized health insurance premiums for eighteen (18) months, full vesting of any time-based equity awards and pro-rated vesting of any performance-based equity awards, based on actual results for the entire performance period. Moreover, upon a change in control, all of his equity awards will vest in full (with performance-based awards vesting based on performance through the date of the transaction). In exchange for the severance benefits, Mr. Chalom must sign a release of claims in favor of the Company. Mr. Chalom’s employment agreement also includes standard confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement covenants.
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Phythian Employment Agreement
In connection with his appointment as the Company’s Co-Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Phythian entered into a new employment agreement with the Company, which replaces and supersedes his prior employment agreement with the Company dated as of February 14, 2024, as amended on March 19, 2025, and as amended on June 29, 2025. The employment agreement provides for (i) an annual base salary of $660,000, (ii) a target short-term incentive opportunity equal to 100% of his base salary, with a maximum opportunity of up to 150% of his base salary, (iii) a sign-on restricted stock unit award, to be granted within 30 days after the Effective Date, with an award value of $3,700,000, which value will be converted to a number of shares (rounded down to the nearest whole share) by dividing (x) the award value, by (y) the average closing per-share price of the Company’s common stock for the seventy five (75) trading days immediately preceding the Effective Date, and which will be allocated two-thirds (2/3) to time-based vesting conditions, with one-third (1/3) of such time-based vesting units vesting on the first (1st) anniversary of the Effective Date and the remaining time-based vesting units vesting in equal quarterly installments thereafter, in each case subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company, and one-third (1/3) to performance-based vesting conditions, which will vest based on the extent that certain annual performance goals, selected by the Board or a committee thereof, are achieved over a three-year performance cycle; (iv) a long-term incentive opportunity for the 2026 fiscal year commencing July 1, 2026 with a “target” value of not less than $3,700,000; and (v) payment for an annual executive physical. Mr. Phythian’s employment agreement also provides for certain severance benefits if his employment were terminated by the Company without cause, death or disability, or upon his resignation for good reason, including an amount equal to two (2) times his base salary and target bonus, any short-term incentive earned for the prior fiscal year but not yet paid, a pro-rated short-term incentive for the year of termination, based on actual results, subsidized health insurance premiums for eighteen (18) months, full vesting of any time-based equity awards and pro-rated vesting of any performance-based equity awards, based on actual results for the entire performance period. Moreover, upon a change in control, all of his equity awards will vest in full (with performance-based awards vesting based on performance through the date of the transaction). In exchange for the severance benefits, Mr. Phythian must sign a release of claims in favor of the Company. Mr. Phythian’s employment agreement also includes standard confidentiality, non-solicitation and non-disparagement covenants.
DeLucia Employment Agreement
In connection with these appointments, Mr. Robert DeLucia, our Chief Financial Officer, entered into a new employment agreement with the Company, which replaces and supersedes his prior employment agreement with the Company dated as of February 14, 2024, as amended on March 19, 2025, and as amended on June 29, 2025. The employment agreement provides for (i) an annual base salary of $450,000, (ii) a target short-term incentive opportunity equal to 100% of his base salary, with a maximum opportunity of up to 150% of his base salary, (iii) a sign-on restricted stock unit award, to be granted within 30 days after the Effective Date, with an award value of $1,150,000, which value will be converted to a number of shares (rounded down to the nearest whole share) by dividing (x) the award value, by (y) the average closing per-share price of the Company’s common stock for the seventy five (75) trading days immediately preceding the Effective Date, and which will be allocated two-thirds (2/3) to time-based vesting conditions, with one-third (1/3) of such time-based vesting units vesting on the first (1st) anniversary of the Effective Date and the remaining time-based vesting units vesting in equal quarterly installments thereafter, in each case subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company, and one-third (1/3) to performance-based vesting conditions, which will vest based on the extent that certain annual performance goals, selected by the Board or a committee thereof, are achieved over a three-year performance cycle; and (iv) a long-term incentive opportunity for the 2026 fiscal year commencing July 1, 2026 with a “target” value of not less than $1,150,000. Mr. DeLucia’s employment agreement also provides for certain severance benefits if his employment were terminated by the Company without cause, death or disability, or upon his resignation for good reason, including an amount equal to two (2) times his base salary and target bonus, any short-term incentive earned for the prior fiscal year but not yet paid, a pro-rated short-term incentive for the year of termination, based on actual results, subsidized health insurance premiums for eighteen (18) months, full vesting of any time-based equity awards and pro-rated vesting of any performance-based equity awards, based on actual results for the entire performance period. Moreover, upon a change in control, all of his equity awards will vest in full (with performance-based awards vesting based on performance through the date of the transaction). In exchange for the severance benefits, Mr. DeLucia must sign a release of claims in favor of the Company. Mr. DeLucia’s employment agreement also includes standard confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement covenants.
Registered Direct Offerings
$200 Million Offering
On August 6, 2025, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “August Purchase Agreement”) with certain institutional investors to sell in a registered direct offering (the “August Offering”) an aggregate of shares of the Company’s common stock. The price per share was $, and the gross proceeds from the August Offering, before deducting the placement agent fees, financial advisor fees, and offering expenses, were approximately $200 million. The shares were offered and sold pursuant to a prospectus, dated May 30, 2025, and a prospectus supplement, dated August 6, 2025, in connection with a takedown from the Company’s effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR (File No. 333-287708). In addition, on August 6, 2025, the Company entered into a placement agency agreement (the “Placement Agency Agreement”) with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“AGP”). AGP, as lead placement agent and SG Americas Securities, LLC, as co-placement agent (“SocGen,” and together with AGP, the “Placement Agents”), pursuant to which the Company engaged the Placement Agents as the exclusive placement agents in connection with the August Offering. Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”) acted as financial advisor to the Company pursuant to an engagement letter with the Company (the “Engagement Letter”). Pursuant to the Placement Agency Agreement, the Company paid the Placement Agents a cash fee equal to their pro rata allocation of 5.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised from the sale of the shares sold in the August Offering (the “Cash Fee”). The Cash Fee was allocated 45.0% to AGP and 10.0% to SocGen. In addition, pursuant to the Engagement Letter, Cantor was paid a cash fee equal to 45.0% of the aggregate amount of the Cash Fee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Cash Fee paid to AGP did not exceed 2.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised from the sale of the securities sold in the offering. The balance of the Cash Fee not payable to the Placement Agents or Cantor was credited back to the Company. The Offering closed on August 8, 2025.
$400 Million Offering
On August 10, 2025, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Second August Purchase Agreement”) with certain institutional investors to sell in a registered direct offering (the “Second August Offering”) an aggregate of shares of the Company’s common stock. The price per share was $, and the gross proceeds from the Second August Offering, before deducting the placement agent fees, financial advisor fees, and offering expenses, were approximately $400 million. The shares were offered and sold pursuant to a prospectus, dated May 30, 2025, and a prospectus supplement, dated August 10, 2025, in connection with a takedown from the Company’s effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR (File No. 333-287708). In addition, on August 10, 2025, the Company entered into a placement agency agreement (the “Placement Agency Agreement”) with AGP. AGP, as lead placement agent and SocGen, and together with AGP, the “Placement Agents”), pursuant to which the Company engaged the Placement Agents as the exclusive placement agents in connection with the August Offering. Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”) acted as financial advisor to the Company pursuant to an engagement letter with the Company (the “Engagement Letter”). Pursuant to the Placement Agency Agreement, the Company paid the Placement Agents a cash fee equal to their pro rata allocation of 5.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised from the sale of the shares sold in the August Offering (the “Cash Fee”). The Cash Fee was allocated 45.0% to AGP and 10.0% to SocGen. In addition, pursuant to the Engagement Letter, Cantor was paid a cash fee equal to 45.0% of the aggregate amount of the Cash Fee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Cash Fee paid to AGP did not exceed 2.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised from the sale of the securities sold in the offering. The balance of the cash fee not payable to the Placement Agents or Cantor was credited back to the Company. The Offering closed on August 12, 2025.
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| ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The discussions in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions with respect to the future and management’s current expectations, involve certain risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning our strategy, competition, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, profitability, expected cost reductions, capital adequacy, expectations regarding demand and acceptance for our technologies, growth opportunities and trends in the markets in which we operate, prospects and plans and objectives of management. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “would,” “predicts” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Future results may differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that we make. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the risks set forth in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as amended, and that are otherwise described or updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The discussion of such risks is not an indication that any such risks have occurred at the time of this filing. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Industry and Market Data
Although we are responsible for all disclosure contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in some cases we have relied on certain market and industry data obtained from third-party sources that we believe to be reliable. Market estimates are calculated by using independent industry publications in conjunction with our assumptions regarding the Ethereum industry and market. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding any market, industry or similar data presented herein, such data involves risks and uncertainties and is subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the headings “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as amended, and Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
The following discussion of SharpLink Gaming, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, “SharpLink Gaming,” “SharpLink,” “our Company,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us”), highlights the principal factors that have affected our financial condition and results of operations as well as our liquidity and capital resources for the periods described. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2025 and the Form 10-K/A filed on March 17, 2025. As discussed in the section titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless the context indicates otherwise, references to “SharpLink Gaming,” “SharpLink,” “SharpLink US,” “our Company,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” refer to SharpLink Gaming, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries. References to “SharpLink Israel” refer to SharpLink Gaming, Ltd., an Israel limited liability company, with which SharpLink US completed a domestication merger in February 2024.
Business Overview
Headquartered in Minneapolis, SharpLink, a Delaware corporation, recently undertook a significant strategic shift by becoming one of the world’s largest publicly traded companies to adopt Ether (“ETH”) as its primary treasury asset. This strategy reflects the Company’s commitment to align the corporate treasury with the future of programmable finance, digital capital markets and decentralized infrastructure. The Company also operates an online performance marketing company that delivers unique fan activation solutions to its sportsbook and online casino gaming partners.
In tandem with this transformation, SharpLink has streamlined its business-building operations around two distinct reportable segments: Ethereum Staking and Affiliate Marketing.
Our Ethereum Staking segment seeks to benefit from any price appreciation in the value of ETH and ETH-based yield generated by participating in the Ethereum network’s staking protocol. As part of Ethereum’s proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, staking enables network participants to help validate transactions and secure the blockchain in exchange for staking rewards paid in ETH. SharpLink delegates our ETH holdings to validators in accordance with the protocol’s staking requirements, thereby earning consistent, protocol-level rewards. These staking rewards represent an operationalized form of yield generation that is both blockchain-native and capital-efficient. Our staking operations are designed to be transparent, compliant and institutionally scalable, with infrastructure and security protocols built to meet the performance and custodial standards of a publicly traded company.
Our Affiliate Marketing segment is focused on performance-based customer acquisition services for leading sportsbooks and online casino gaming operators worldwide. Through our iGaming affiliate marketing network, known as PAS.net, SharpLink focuses on driving qualified traffic and player acquisitions, retention and conversions to U.S. regulated and global iGaming operator partners worldwide. In addition, we own and operate a portfolio of direct-to-player, state-specific, affiliate marketing websites designed to attract, acquire and drive local sports betting and online casino gaming traffic to its valued partners which are licensed to operate in each respective state.
ETH Treasury Management Strategy
WE ARE NOT REGISTERED AS AN INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, AND STOCKHOLDERS DO NOT HAVE THE PROTECTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH OWNERSHIP OF SHARES IN A REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANY NOR THE PROTECTIONS AFFORDED BY THE COMMODITIES EXCHANGE ACT.
In May 2025, our Board adopted a Treasury Reserve Policy, with ETH serving as the primary treasury reserve asset on an ongoing basis, subject to market conditions and anticipated needs of the business. As a result of the Treasury Reserve Policy, in future periods, we may purchase additional ETH and increase our overall holdings of ETH or sell our ETH and decrease our overall holdings of ETH.
SharpLink’s decision to accumulate ETH as a core treasury asset is grounded in a forward-looking view of the evolving global financial ecosystem. We believe Ethereum’s unparalleled programmability, security and developer momentum will make it a foundational layer for the next generation of decentralized financial applications. Ethereum’s transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism and the rise of Layer 2 blockchain networks with high scalability have transformed ETH into a yield-bearing, productive Crypto asset with increasing institutional adoption and intrinsic network value. We believe that ETH’s value proposition at its core is a digital trust commodity and that an investment in ETH represents an asymmetric long-term growth opportunity as more stablecoins and other tokenized real-world assets are secured by the Ethereum ecosystem.
A key aspect of our ETH treasury strategy is to raise capital to be used to increase our ETH position in a manner which is accretive to shareholders. This can come in the form of equity, equity-linked debt or other forms of offerings designed to maximize shareholder exposure to ETH within a prudent risk management framework. We have not set a specific target for the maximum amount of ETH we seek to hold.
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SharpLink diligently tracks and routinely reports key performance indicators designed to offer investors transparency and insight into the execution and effectiveness of our ETH treasury strategies. Among these metrics, the Company’s ETH concentration (“ETH Concentration”) has emerged as a central performance benchmark and “north star” metric by which we gauge our progress. ETH Concentration, which is calculated by dividing the Company’s total ETH holdings by every 1,000 Assumed Diluted Shares outstanding, reflects both the scale of SharpLink’s ETH accumulation efforts and the capital efficiency of our treasury operations. By prioritizing this metric, we underscore our commitment to driving long-term shareholder value, rather than short-term fluctuations in asset prices or market capitalization.
Assumed Diluted Shares Outstanding represents the sum of (i) SharpLink’s actual shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of the end of each reporting period, plus (ii) the additional shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise or settlement of all outstanding warrants, pre-funded warrants, stock option awards, and restricted stock units. Assumed Diluted Shares Outstanding is not calculated using the treasury stock method. It does not account for equity award vesting conditions, stock option exercise prices, or contractual restrictions limiting the convertibility of debt instruments. Additionally, it excludes any assumed share repurchases that would ordinarily be considered under the treasury stock method.
By systematically acquiring and staking ETH, we are engaged in building a resilient, Ethereum-native treasury designed to generate sustainable yield through staking rewards while maintaining significant upside exposure to any ETH price appreciation.
Importantly, SharpLink’s ETH treasury strategy is complemented by our active participation in the Ethereum ecosystem. We are a founding member of the Linea Consortium, a leading governance body supporting the development of Ethereum’s most aligned Layer 2 blockchain network. Our participation in the consortium enables us to help steer capital allocation toward high-impact infrastructure, public goods and innovation pipelines that are intended to strengthen the long-term utility and defensibility of the Ethereum network, reinforcing the intrinsic value of our own ETH treasury assets.
To further institutionalize our ETH-centered strategy, SharpLink has bolstered its leadership team with executives who bring deep expertise in both traditional and decentralized finance. In July 2025, we appointed former BlackRock senior executive and digital asset leader Joseph Chalom as Co-Chief Executive Officer, who greatly complements the May 2025 appointment of Joseph Lubin, Co-Founder of Ethereum and Founder and CEO of Consensus, as SharpLink’s new Chairman of the Board. This structure affirms our intent to build a deeply experienced leadership team across global institutional finance and Ethereum ecosystems.
Continuing Operations – Affiliate Marketing
In December 2021, SharpLink acquired certain assets of FourCubed, including FourCubed’s online casino gaming-focused affiliate marketing network, known as PAS.net (“PAS”). For more than 18 years, PAS has focused on delivering quality traffic and player acquisitions, retention and conversions to regulated and global casino gaming operator partners worldwide. In fact, PAS won industry recognition as the European online gambling industry’s Top Affiliate Manager, Top Affiliate Website and Top Affiliate Program for four consecutive years by both igambingbusiness.com and igamingaffiliate.com. The strategic acquisition of FourCubed brought SharpLink talent with proven experience in affiliate marketing services and recurring net gaming revenue (“NGR”) contracts with many of the world’s leading online casino gambling companies, including Party Poker, bwin, UNIBET, GG Poker, 888 poker, betfair, World Poker Tour and others.
As part of our strategy to expand our affiliate marketing services to the emerging American sports betting market, in November 2022, we began a systematic roll-out of our U.S.-focused performance-based marketing business with the launch of 15 state-specific, content-rich affiliate marketing websites. Our user-friendly, state-specific domains are designed to attract, acquire and drive local sports betting and casino traffic directly to our sportsbook and casino partners’ which are licensed to operate in each respective state. As of January 2024, we are licensed to operate in 18 jurisdictions and own and operate sites serving 17 U.S. states (Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming). As more states legalize sports betting, our portfolio of state-specific affiliate marketing properties may expand to include them. We largely utilize search engine optimization and programmatic advertising campaigns to drive traffic to our direct-to-player (“D2P”) sites.
Continuing Operations – Ethereum Staking
In June 2025, SharpLink formally launched its ETH-centered treasury strategy and established staking as a dedicated operating segment, recognizing its potential to deliver recurring, yield-based revenue. Our staking revenues are derived from the rewards we earn by actively participating in the Ethereum network’s proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. Specifically, SharpLink delegates its ETH holdings to validators that process and verify transactions on the blockchain. In return, the Company receives protocol-level rewards in ETH, typically proportional to the amount staked and the network’s overall activity and performance.
It is noteworthy to mention that the Company’s ETH Staking segment includes both native and liquid staking activities. In native staking, the Company utilized two third-party asset managers to manage and stake ETH on its behalf as of June 30, 2025. This strategy allows the Company, through its agreements with custodians and asset managers, to stake assets with third party validators. Participants stake ETH through these validator nodes and, when chosen as validators by the network, earn staking rewards and transaction fees proportional to their staked amount. Liquid staking is similar to native staking; however, one key difference and intended benefit of this method is the ability to provide the Company with tokens representing digital assets in exchange for its ETH. Liquid staking rewards are accumulated through the protocol conversion rate for the LsETH and will be recognized as gains or losses within other income upon redemption or sale of the LsETH.
Since initiating our staking operations on June 2, 2025, we have accumulated approximately 598,800 ETH as of August 10, 2025. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, revenues generated from native staking rewards totaled $28,534 for both reporting periods, as staking only commenced two-thirds of the way through the second quarter of this year. These figures represent the ETH-based rewards accumulated through the delegation of ETH to staking validators, which we expect to scale materially in future quarters in correlation with growth in our treasury balance and broader ETH market performance.
SharpLink views its staking operations as a core strategic pillar of its broader alignment with the Ethereum ecosystem. Our participation not only yields economic return but also contributes directly to Ethereum’s decentralization, scalability, and security. Moreover, we believe staking is foundational to a new generation of blockchain-native capital structures that enable corporations to earn yield without relying on traditional debt instruments, equities, or centralized intermediaries. Our staking efforts are focused on maximizing yield, managing risk and ensuring that SharpLink’s operations meet institutional standards for transparency and efficiency.
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Sales of Business - SHGN and Sports Gaming Client Services
SharpLink’s business-building platform previously included the provision of Free-To-Play (“F2P”) sports game and mobile app development services to a marquis list of customers, which included several of the biggest names in sports and sports betting, including Turner Sports, NBA, NFL, PGA TOUR, NASCAR and BetMGM, among others. In addition, we previously owned and operated a variety of proprietary real-money fantasy sports and sports simulation games and mobile apps through our SHGN sports business unit, which also owned and operated LeagueSafe, one of the fantasy sports industry’s most trusted sources for collecting and protecting private fantasy league dues.
On January 18, 2024, SharpLink sold all of the issued and outstanding membership interests, as applicable, in our Sports Gaming Client Services and SHGN business units to RSports for $22.5 million in an all-cash transaction, pursuant to the signing of a purchase agreement and other related agreements. Nearly all of the employees of these acquired business units moved to RSports to help ensure a seamless transition.
The historical results of our Sports Gaming Client Services and SHGN businesses have been reflected as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods prior to the Sale of Business.
Regaining Compliance with Nasdaq Continued Listing Standards
As previously reported on Form 10-K in the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC by the Company on March 14, 2025 and 10-K/A filed with the SEC by the Company on March 17, 2025, the Company received a letter on July 17, 2024 from Nasdaq notifying the Company that, because of the closing bid price for its common stock had been below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive trading days, it was not compliant with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement (the “Bid Price Deficiency Notice”). In accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5810 (c)(3)(A), the Company had a period of 180 calendar days, or until January 7, 2025, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. Further, as previously reported on the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with SEC on November 22, 2024, the Nasdaq Staff notified the Company that it did not comply with the $2.5 million minimum stockholders’ equity requirement, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). The Company had 45 calendar days to submit a plan to regain compliance or until January 6, 2025.
On June 4, 2025, the Company received formal notification from Nasdaq confirming the Company had regained compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules. The Company will be subject to a mandatory panel monitor for a period of one year from June 4, 2025. If, within that one-year monitoring period, the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications staff (the “Staff”) finds the Company is again out of compliance with the Equity Rule, then the Staff will issue a delist determination letter, and the Company will have an opportunity to request a new hearing with the initial Nasdaq hearing panel (the “Panel”) or a newly convened hearing panel if the initial Panel is unavailable. Notwithstanding Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(2), the Company will not be permitted to provide the Staff with a plan of compliance with respect to a deficiency under the Equity Rule that arises during the one-year monitoring period, and the Staff will not be permitted to grant additional time for the Company to regain compliance with respect to such deficiency.
Redomestication from Israel to Delaware
On February 13, 2024, SharpLink Israel completed its previously announced domestication merger (“Domestication Merger”), pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Domestication Merger Agreement”), dated June 14, 2023 and amended July 24, 2023, among SharpLink Israel, SharpLink Merger Sub Ltd., an Israeli company and a wholly owned subsidiary of SharpLink US (“Domestication Merger Sub”) and SharpLink Gaming, Inc. (“SharpLink US”). The Domestication Merger was achieved through a merger of Domestication Merger Sub with and into SharpLink Israel, with SharpLink Israel surviving the merger and becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of SharpLink US. The Domestication Merger was approved by the shareholders of SharpLink Israel at an extraordinary special meeting of shareholders held on December 6, 2023. SharpLink US’s Common Stock commenced trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the same ticker symbol, SBET, on February 14, 2024.
Exchange of Series A-1 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock for Common Stock and Prefunded Warrants
On April 2, 2025, SharpLink entered into an exchange agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) with Alpha Capital Anstalt (“Alpha”), whereby, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Exchange Agreement and in reliance on Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), 600 shares of the Company’s Series A-1 Preferred Stock and 1,040 shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock (collectively, the “Existing Securities”) held by Alpha were exchanged for 38,683 shares of SharpLink’s common stock (“Common Stock”) and 44,650 prefunded warrants to purchase shares of SharpLink’s common stock (“Alpha Prefunded Warrants”) at an exercise price of $0.012. With the exchange of Alpha’s Existing Securities for Common Stock and Alpha Prefunded Warrants, SharpLink no longer has any Series A-1 Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.
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Acquisition of 10% Equity Stake in Armchair Enterprises
On February 24, 2025, SharpLink entered into a subscription agreement (“Subscription Agreement”) with U.K.-based Armchair Enterprises Limited (“Armchair”), which owns and operates CryptoCasino.com. The acquisition of a 10% equity stake in Armchair was made for $500,000 in cash, along with a right of first refusal to acquire a controlling interest in Armchair. The investment was recorded at cost and will be measured at cost minus impairment, adjusted for any observable price changes. There was no impairment as of June 30, 2025.
Reverse Stock Split
On May 5, 2025, the Company effected a one-for-twelve (1:12) reverse stock split of all the Company’s share capital, whereby the Company decreased the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock from 7,916,206 to 659,684. Proportional adjustments for the reverse stock split were made to the Company’s outstanding stock options, warrants and equity incentive plans. All share and per-share data and amounts have been retrospectively adjusted as of the earliest period presented in the financial statements to reflect the reverse stock split.
$4.5 Million Registered Offering
On May 20, 2025, SharpLink entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “May 20 Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and issue, in a reasonable best efforts registered offering (the “May 20 Offering”), an aggregate of 34,000 shares (the “May 20 Shares”) of the Company’s common stock and Pre-Funded Warrants (the “May 20 Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase up to 1,496,612 shares of Common Stock (the “May 20 Pre-Funded Warrant Shares”). The May 20 Shares were offered at an offering price of $2.94 per May 20 Share. The gross proceeds from the May 20 Offering, before deducting the placement agent fees and offering expenses, were approximately $4.5 million. A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners acted as the sole placement agent for the May 20 Offering.
$425 Million Registered Offering
On May 26, 2025, we entered into a securities purchase agreement for a private placement in public entity (the “May 26 PIPE”), raising gross proceeds of $425,000,000 funded in a combination of fiat and Ether. On June 2, 2025, SharpLink announced the closing of the May 26 PIPE was May 30, 2025, and launched our treasury reserve strategy to hold the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain, commonly referred to as “Ether” or “ETH,” as the Company’s primary treasury reserve asset. Consensys Software Inc. acted as the lead investor in the May 26 PIPE, along with prominent crypto venture capital firms and infrastructure providers, with an intent to assist the Company in earning distinction as one of the largest ETH-focused treasury strategies in the public markets. A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners acted as the sole placement agent in connection with the May 26 PIPE.
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Board Expansion and Election of New Chairman of the Board
On May 26, 2025, the Board approved the increase of the size of the Company’s Board from four to five directors. The Board elected Joseph Lubin as a director to fill the newly created director position. The Board also elected Mr. Lubin as Chairman of the Board.
At-The-Market (“ATM”) Offerings
On May 1, 2024, the Company entered into an ATM Sales Agreement (the “2024 ATM Sales Agreement”) with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (the “Agent”) pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time, through the Agent, as sales agent and/or principal, shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $1,676,366, subject to certain limitations on the amount of Common Stock that may be offered and sold by the Company set forth in the ATM Sales Agreement (the “2024 ATM Offering”).
On May 30, 2025, SharpLink entered into a second ATM Sales Agreement (the “Second ATM Agreement”) with the Agent relating to the sale of shares of our Common Stock from time to time, having an aggregate offering price of up to $1,000,000,000. On July 17, 2025, the Company entered into an Amendment to the Second ATM Agreement (the “Amendment”) to (i) increase the number of Shares that may be sold in the ATM Offering to $6,000,000,000 (the “ATM Sales Increase”); and (ii) to permit the forward sale of Shares to be sold in the ATM Offering pursuant to Master Forward Confirmation Letter Agreements (the “Forward Sales Agreements,” and each a “Forward Sales Agreement”).
As of June 30, 2025, SharpLink had raised total net proceeds of $126,045,108 from sales of Shares under our ATM Sales Agreements.
Liquid Staking Protocol
As part of its ETH-based treasury strategy, the Company participates in liquid staking through the Liquid Collective protocol. In a liquid staking arrangement, the Company transfers ETH to the protocol and receives LsETH, a fungible ERC-20 receipt token, that represents a proportional interest in the protocol’s pool of staked ETH. LsETH is accounted for as an indefinite-lived intangible asset under ASC 350-30. As such, LsETH is recorded at cost, less any impairment losses.
The Company evaluates LsETH for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. When an indicator of impairment is present, an impairment loss is recognized by the amount the carrying amount of LsETH exceeds its fair value. Impairment losses are not reversible under U.S. GAAP. Increases in the fair value of LsETH are not recognized until a redemption or sale of LsETH occurs. For the period ending June 30, 2025, the Company recognized an impairment loss of $87,813,295 on its LsETH holdings, reducing the carrying value of LsETH to $382,422,632.
The Liquid Collective protocol establishes a daily Protocol Conversion Rate (“PCR”), which reflects the amount of ETH into which a unit of LsETH is redeemable. The PCR is calculated by dividing the total ETH held by the protocol, including accumulated staking rewards (net of penalties or slashing fees), by the total number of LsETH tokens in circulation. The PCR is updated daily through the protocol’s on-chain infrastructure and is publicly accessible.
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The PCR is not a market trading price. The process of redeeming LsETH for ETH is subject to the validator exit queue, bonding periods, and other mechanics that may affect the timing and execution of redemption. As a result, the Company may not be able to redeem its holdings immediately.
As of June 30, 2025, the Company held 164,731 LsETH tokens. The following table presents a rollforward of our LsETH holdings, including relevant details related to LsETH purchases and impairment losses within the periods presented. We have not sold or redeemed any LsETH as of June 30, 2025.
| Source of capital used to purchase LsETH | LsETH original cost basis | LsETH impairment losses | LsETH carrying value | Number of LsETH held | Approx. average purchase price per LsETH | Weighted Average LsETH Conversion Rate at Acquisition | LsETH Conversion Rate at End of Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2025 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| LsETH acquisitions | (a),(b) | 470,235,927 | 470,235,927 | 164,731 | 2,855 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LsETH impairment losses | (87,813,295 | ) | (87,813,295 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at June 30, 2025 | 470,235,927 | (87,813,295 | ) | 382,422,632 | 164,731 | 2,855 | 1.081800756 | 1.083328763 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (a) | A private-investment-in-public-equity financing executed under Securities Purchase Agreements dated May 26, 2025. |
| (b) | At-the-Market Sales Agreement to offer and sell shares of its common stock with an aggregate offering price of up to $1 billion. |
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The following table shows the number of LsETH held at the end of each respective period, as well as market value calculations of our LsETH holdings based on the lowest, highest, and ending market prices of one LsETH on the Coinbase exchange (our principal market) for each respective period:
Period End Date |
Number of LsETH Held at End of Quarter | Lowest Market Price of LsETH During the Quarter (c) | Market Value of LsETH held using Lowest Market Price (d) | Highest Market Price of LsETH During the Quarter (e) | Market Value of LsETH held using Highest Market Price (f) | Market Price of LsETH at End of Quarter (g) | Market Value of LsETH Held at End of Quarter (h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2025 | - | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2025 | 164,731 | $ | 1,542 | $ | 254,084,660 | $ | 3,097 | $ | 510,114,386 | $ | 2,727 | $ | 449,288,671 | |||||||||||||||
| (c) | The “Lowest Market Price of LsETH During the Quarter” represents the lowest market price for one LsETH reported on the Coinbase exchange during the respective quarter, without regard to when we purchased any of our LsETH. |
| (d) | The “Market Value of LsETH Held Using Lowest Market Price” represents a mathematical calculation consisting of the lowest market price for one LsETH reported on the Coinbase exchange during the respective quarter multiplied by the number of LsETH held by us at the end of the applicable period. |
| (e) | The “Highest Market Price of LsETH During the Quarter” represents the highest market price for one LsETH reported on the Coinbase exchange during the respective quarter, without regard to when we purchased any of our LsETH. |
| (f) | The “Market Value of LsETH Held Using Highest Market Price” represents a mathematical calculation consisting of the highest market price for one LsETH reported on the Coinbase exchange during the respective quarter multiplied by the number of LsETH held by us at the end of the applicable period. |
| (g) | The “Market Price of LsETH at End of Quarter” represents the market price of one LsETH on the Coinbase exchange at midnight UTC on the last day of the respective quarter. |
| (h) | The “Market Value of LsETH Held at End of Quarter” represents a mathematical calculation consisting of the market price of one LsETH on the Coinbase exchange at midnight UTC on the last day of the respective quarter multiplied by the number of LsETH held by us at the end of the applicable period. |
The amounts reported as “Market Value” in the table above represent only a mathematical calculation consisting of the number of LsETH tokens held by the Company at the end of the applicable period multiplied by the market price of LsETH as reported on the Coinbase Exchange.
The LsETH token is relatively new and the market for LsETH may be subject to manipulation, limited transparency, inconsistent pricing sources, and episodic illiquidity. The price information referenced may not reflect actionable market depth or executable prices, and there is no assurance that the Company would be able to sell its LsETH holdings at the Market Value amounts indicated above, at the quoted market price, or at all. The market infrastructure supporting LsETH remains nascent, and future developments in protocol mechanics, exchange support, or regulatory oversight may materially impact pricing, liquidity, and valuation methodologies. Accordingly, the Market Value amounts reported above may not accurately reflect the fair market value of LsETH, and the actual realizable value of the Company’s holdings could differ materially from the calculated figures.
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Results of Operations
The following table provides certain selected financial information for the periods presented:
| For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 | For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 | Change | % Change | For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 697,291 | $ | 981,272 | $ | (283,981 | ) | -28.9 | % | $ | 1,439,022 | $ | 1,957,218 | $ | (518,196 | ) | -26.5 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Cost of Revenues | 488,202 | 701,142 | (212,940 | ) | -30.4 | % | 1,098,138 | 1,389,876 | (291,738 | ) | -21.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 209,089 | 280,130 | (71,041 | ) | -25.4 | % | 340,884 | 567,342 | (226,458 | ) | -39.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit percentage | 30.0 | % | 28.5 | % | 23.7 | % | 29.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 2,333,167 | 1,484,680 | 848,487 | 57.1 | % | 3,390,506 | 3,456,755 | (66,249 | ) | -1.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation, related party | 16,379,368 | - | 16,379,368 | 100.0 | % | 16,379,368 | - | 16,379,368 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment on digital intangible assets | 87,813,295 | - | 87,813,295 | 100.0 | % | 87,813,295 | - | 87,813,295 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized gains on crypto assets, net | (5,373,583 | ) | - | (5,373,583 | ) | 100.0 | % | (5,373,583 | ) | - | (5,373,583 | ) | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized loss on crypto assets | 2,437,026 | - | 2,437,026 | 100.0 | % | 2,437,026 | - | 2,437,026 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating loss | (103,380,184 | ) | (1,204,550 | ) | (102,175,634 | ) | 8482.5 | % | (104,305,728 | ) | (2,889,413 | ) | (101,416,315 | ) | 3509.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total other income | 36,935 | 330,990 | (294,055 | ) | -88.8 | % | 48,555 | 260,716 | (212,161 | ) | -81.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss before income taxes | (103,343,249 | ) | (873,560 | ) | (102,469,689 | ) | 11730.1 | % | (104,257,173 | ) | (2,628,697 | ) | (101,628,476 | ) | 3866.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax (expense) | (27,286 | ) | (43,104 | ) | 15,818 | -36.7 | % | (30,094 | ) | (48,778 | ) | 18,684 | -38.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss from continuing operations | (103,370,535 | ) | (916,664 | ) | (102,453,871 | ) | 11176.8 | % | (104,287,267 | ) | (2,677,475 | ) | (101,609,792 | ) | 3795.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (52,192 | ) | 453,706 | (505,898 | ) | -111.5 | % | (110,361 | ) | 14,564,872 | (14,675,233 | ) | -100.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (103,422,727 | ) | $ | (462,959 | ) | $ | (102,959,768 | ) | 22239.5 | % | $ | (104,397,628 | ) | $ | 11,887,397 | $ | (116,285,025 | ) | -978.2 | % | |||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
For the three months ended June 30, 2025, revenues declined 28.9% to $697,291 compared to $981,272 reported for the same three-month period in the prior year. The decrease is primarily due to the market conditions softening, changes in customer pricing structures and the loss of customers due primarily to evolving regulatory environments in certain foreign markets which affected our affiliate marketing segment, offset by new revenues of $28,534 generated through our ETH staking strategies which commenced on June 2, 2025.
Gross Profit
For the three months ended June 30, 2025, gross profit totaled $209,089, reflecting a 25.4% decrease from a gross profit of $280,130 for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Our gross profit margin rose to 30.0% from 28.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. These fluctuations represent changes in customer pricing structures during the three months ended June 30, 2025.
Digital and Crypto Assets
For the three months ended June 30, 2025, the Company recognized an impairment loss on LsETH digital intangible assets of $87,813,295 compared to $0 for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The Company recognized a gain on crypto assets of $(5,373,583) and recorded an unrealized loss on crypto assets of $2,437,026 for the three months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to $0, respectively for the same three-month period in the prior year. The increase was generated through our ETH staking strategies which commenced on June 2, 2025.
Total Operating Expenses
For the three months ended June 30, 2025, total selling, general and administrative expenses increased 57.1% to $2,333,167 from $1,484,680 reported for the same three-month period in the prior year. The increase was directly attributable to $16,379,368 asset manager fees of $377,841 which related to our ETH treasury management strategy, higher compensation costs and additional expense incurred to establish our ETH treasury management strategy.
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Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
Largely attributable to the impairment on digital intangible assets of LsETH of $87,813,295 and the stock-based compensation expense of $16,379,368 for warrants issued in conjunction with the advisory agreement with Consensys, loss from continuing operations increased -11176.8% to $(103,370,535) for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $(916,664) reported for the same three-month period in 2024.
Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
For the three months ended June 30, 2025, net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax decreased 111.5% to $(52,192), which compared to a net income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $453,706 for the three months ended June 30, 2025. The decrease to net loss in discontinued operations is due to a gain on the wind down of certain MTS business expenses which occurred in the second quarter of 2024.
Net Income (Loss)
As a result of the aforementioned reasons, net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2025 totaled $(103,422,727), declining 22239.5% when compared to net loss of $(462,959) reported for three months ended June 30, 2024.
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
For the six months ended June 30, 2025, revenues declined 26.5% to $1,439,022 compared to $1,957,218 reported for the same six-month period in the prior year. The decrease is primarily due to market conditions softening in our Affiliate Marketing segment, which was driven by changes in customer pricing structures and the loss of customers caused by evolving regulatory environments in certain foreign markets. The decrease was offset by revenues of $28,534 generated from our ETH staking strategies which commenced on June 2, 2025.
Gross Profit
For the six months ended June 30, 2025, gross profit totaled $340,884, reflecting a 39.9% decrease from a gross profit of $567,342 for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Our gross profit margin declined to 23.7% from 29.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decline represents changes in customer pricing structures and government regulations that have unfavorably impacted gross margin in our Affiliate Marketing segment. Further, SharpLink has been impacted by higher casino payouts due to large winnings by players compared to the same six-month period for the period in the prior year. For the online casino business, as increasing payouts are made to winners, this has the impact of reducing gross profit.
Crypto Assets and Digital Intangible Assets
For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company recognized an impairment loss on LsETH digital intangible assets of $87,813,295 compared to $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The Company recognized a gain on crypto assets of $(7,376,641) and recorded an unrealized loss on crypto assets of $2,437,026 for the six months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to $0, respectively for the same six-month period in the prior year.
Total Operating Expenses
For the six months ended June 30, 2025, total selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 1.9% to $3,390,506 from $3,456,755 reported for the same six-month period in the prior year. The slight decrease was attributable due to certain costs incurred from the sale of the SHGN and Sports Gaming Client Services business operations in the first quarter of 2024 and the Company’s redomestication in February 2024.
Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
Largely attributable to the impairment on digital intangible assets of LsETH of $87,813,295 and the aforementioned stock based compensation expense for advisory warrants, net loss from continuing operations increased 3795.0% to $(104,287,267) for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $(2,677,475) reported for the same six month period in 2024.
Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax decreased -100.8% to $(110,361), which compared to a net income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $14,564,872 for the six months ended June 30, 2025. The decrease to a net loss in discontinued operations is due to the gain on the sale of the SHGN and Sports Gaming Client Services business operations in the first quarter of 2024.
Net Income (Loss)
As a result of the aforementioned reasons, net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2025 totaled $(104,397,628), declining 978.2% when compared to net income of $11,887,397 reported for six months ended June 30, 2024.
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Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
As of June 30, 2025, cash on hand was $5,071,744, a 253.0% increase when compared to cash on hand of $1,436,729 as of December 31, 2024. The increase was due to net proceeds from the ATM offering in effect during June 2025.
For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations totaled $(1,933,542) compared to net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations of $(3,952,960) in the prior year. Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations was $(204,931), which compared to net cash used in operating activities of $(17,002,007) from discontinued operations for the same six-month period in 2024. Overall, net cash used in operating activities was $(2,138,473) and $(20,954,967) for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The change in the operating cashflows was largely attributable to the sale of the Company’s SHGN and Sports Gaming Client Services businesses in January 2024.
For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net cash used in the Company’s investing activities from continuing operations totaled $(406,319,197), an increase of 274119.7% when compared to cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations of $148,281 for the same six-month period in 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations was $- and $(18,857,834), respectively. The increase in net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2025 versus 2024 was due to the Company’s new ETH Treasury Management Strategy and the related purchases of $405,816,679 of ETH crypto assets. The decrease in total cash used in investing activities for discontinued operations is due to cash received from the sale of business in January 2024 of $22,500,000, net of the cash transferred of $41,357,834. The majority of the cash transferred of $41,357,834 was reflected in discontinued operations customer deposits liability and deferred revenue of $36,959,573 and $4,888,704, respectively.
For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net cash generated by financing from continuing operations was $412,018,574 a 3439.5% increase when compared to net cash used by financing activities from continuing operations of $(12,337,694) for the same six-month period in 2024. Net cash generated by financing activities related to cash proceeds from the ATM offering of $130,217,148, and net capital raise on May 20, 2025 of $3,848,000 and net cash proceeds from the $425.0 million private placement offering of $281,707,589. For the six months ended June 30, 2025 net cash used in financing activities from discontinued operations was $- compared to net cash used by financing activities of $(5,835,352) for the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of June 30, 2025, we had working capital of $8,119,867. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, we had a net loss from continuing operations of $(103,370,535) and $(104,287,267) compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $(916,664) and $(2,677,475) respectively, reported for the same three and six months in 2024.
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Principal Sources of Liquidity
Our principal sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents balances, cash flow from operations, and proceeds from equity financing transactions, including pursuant to our at-the-market offering facility under the amended Second ATM Agreement with AGP.
On May 2, 2024, Company entered into an ATM Sales Agreement (the “ATM Sales Agreement”) with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“AGP” or the “Agent”) pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time, through the Agent, as sales agent and/or principal, shares (“Common Stock”), having an aggregate offering price of up to $1,676,366, subject to certain limitations on the amount of Common Stock that may be offered and sold by the Company set forth in the ATM Sales Agreement (the “Offering”). On February 4, 2025, the Company, under the terms of the ATM Sales Agreement, filed a prospectus supplement that amended the number shares of Common Stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $1,835,052.
On May 30, 2025, SharpLink entered into a second ATM Sales Agreement with the Agent relating to the sale of shares of our Common Stock from time to time, having an aggregate offering price of up to $1,000,000,000.
As of June 30, 2025, SharpLink raised total net proceeds of $126,045,108 from sales of Shares under our ATM Sales Agreements. The proceeds were used to further the Company’s ETH treasury reserve strategy as well as provide for working capital.
Under our Treasury Reserve Policy, we use the vast majority of our cash, including cash generated from capital raising transactions, to acquire ETH, some of which are classified as indefinite-lived intangible assets. As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we held approximately 24,704 and 0 ETH in crypto assets, respectively, all of which are unencumbered. As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we held approximately 164,731 and 0 LsETH in digital intangible assets, respectively. As of August 10th we held approximately 598,800 ETH, all of which are unencumbered. As discussed further below, although we do not anticipate needing to use our ETH to meet our obligations in the next 12 months, we believe our substantial ETH holdings can serve as a source of liquidity, if necessary.
Short-Term and Long-Term Liquidity
Short-Term Liquidity -- Our short-term liquidity needs include working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures, and contractual obligations due within the next twelve months. We expect that our cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2025, together with cash and cash equivalents generated by our operations, may not be sufficient to satisfy these needs over the next months. However, we anticipate being able to use proceeds from equity or debt financings to meet these needs. Our ability to obtain equity and debt financing is subject to market conditions and other factors outside of our control, and we may not be able to obtain equity or debt financing in a timely manner, on favorable terms, or at all. Although we do not anticipate needing to use our ETH to meet our short-term liquidity needs, to the extent necessary, we would seek to use proceeds from the sale of our ETH to meet such needs. See “—Availability of ETH for Liquidity” below and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for additional information.
Long-Term Liquidity -- Beyond the next 12 months, our long-term cash needs are primarily for obligations related to working capital needs. We expect our cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2025, together with cash and cash equivalents generated by our operations, will not be sufficient to satisfy these needs. As a result, we would seek to satisfy these needs through various options that we expect to be available to us, such proceeds from equity or debt financings, or the sale of our ETH. See “—Availability of ETH for Liquidity” below and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for additional information.
Availability of ETH for Liquidity -- We do not believe we will need to sell or engage in other transactions with respect to any of our ETH within the next 12 months to meet our liquidity needs, although we may from time to time sell or engage in other transactions with respect to our ETH as part of treasury management operations, as noted above. The ETH market historically has been characterized by significant volatility in its price, limited liquidity and trading volumes compared to sovereign currencies markets, relative anonymity, a developing regulatory landscape, susceptibility to market abuse and manipulation, compliance and internal control failures at exchanges, and various other risks inherent in its entirely electronic, virtual form and decentralized network. During times of instability in the ETH market, we may not be able to sell our ETH at reasonable prices or at all. As a result, our ETH are less liquid than our existing cash and cash equivalents and may not be able to serve as a source of liquidity for us to the same extent as cash and cash equivalents. In addition, upon sale of our ETH, we may incur additional taxes related to any realized gains or we may incur capital losses as to which the tax deduction may be limited. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for additional information.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
On June 30, 2025, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. Since our inception, except for standard operating leases accounted for prior to January 1, 2022, we have not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements, including the use of structured finance, special purpose entities or variable interest entities.
Inflation
Our opinion is that inflation did not have a material effect on our operations for the six months ended June 30, 2025.
Climate Change
Our opinion is that neither climate change, nor governmental regulations related to climate change, have had, or are expected to have, any material effect on our operations.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04, Debt-Debt with Conversions and Other Option. ASU 2024-04 is intended to clarify requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments, including convertible debt instruments with cash conversion features or convertible debt instruments that are not currently convertible, should be accounted for as an induced conversion. This ASU is effective for all entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on its disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“ASU 2024-03”), and in January 2025, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-01, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Clarifying the Effective Date (“ASU 2025-01”). ASU 2024-03 requires additional disclosure of the nature of expenses included in the income statement as well as disclosures about specific types of expenses included in the expense captions presented in the income statement. ASU 2024-03, as clarified by ASU 2025-01, is effective for us for our annual reporting for fiscal 2028 and for interim period reporting beginning in fiscal 2029 on a prospective basis. Both early adoption and retrospective application are permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of these standards will have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”). ASU 2023-09 requires enhanced disclosures surrounding income taxes, particularly related to rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. In particular, on an annual basis, companies will be required to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. Companies will also be required to disclose, on an annual basis, the amount of income taxes paid, disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign taxes, and also disaggregated by individual jurisdictions above a quantitative threshold. The standard is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning January 1, 2025 on a prospective basis, with retrospective application permitted for all prior periods presented. The Company will adopt ASU 2023-09 for the annual period ending December 31, 2025 and is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its disclosures.
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| ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
As a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
| ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Evaluation of Disclosure and Control Procedures
In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2025 and concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. The term disclosure controls and procedures means controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is accumulated, recorded, processed, summarized and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure to be reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended June 30, 2025, beginning with the implementation of our ETH treasury strategy, we implemented new internal controls surrounding the acquisition, safeguarding, custody, accounting and reporting of our digital assets. Other than these new controls over our digital assets, there have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. June 30, 2025
The Company’s management has concluded its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. The Company continues to monitor and assess its internal controls related to digital asset transactions and reporting, and will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of these controls as the business evolves. The Company’s management is committed to ensuring the effectiveness of its internal controls and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
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| PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION |
| ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. Litigation is, however, subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. We are currently not aware of any legal proceedings or claims that we believe would or could have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on us. Regardless of final outcomes, however, any such proceedings or claims may nonetheless impose a significant burden on management and employees and may come with costly defense costs or unfavorable preliminary interim rulings.
| ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. The risks and uncertainties described in this section may not be the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not currently known to us, or that we currently deem immaterial, may also impair our business operations or financial condition. If any of the risks described below or any such additional risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and the market price of our securities could be materially adversely affected. In particular, because we have adopted a treasury strategy centered on acquiring and holding ETH, and a substantial portion of our assets are concentrated in ETH and related digital intangible asset holdings, our financial results and the market price of our securities are subject to significant volatility and may be adversely impacted by events affecting the price, perception, regulation, or technological underpinnings of ETH. The following risk factors highlight the material risks associated with our ETH strategy and related exposures.
The launch of central bank digital currencies (“CBDCs”) may adversely impact our business.
The introduction of a government-issued digital currency could eliminate or reduce the need or demand for private-sector issued crypto currencies, or significantly limit their utility. National governments around the world could introduce CBDCs, which could in turn limit the size of the market opportunity for cryptocurrencies, including ETH.
Absent federal regulations, there is a possibility that ETH may be classified as a “security.” Any classification of ETH as a “security” would subject us to additional regulation and could materially impact the operation of our business.
Neither the SEC nor any other U.S. federal or state regulator has publicly stated whether they agree that ETH is a “security.” Despite the Executive Order titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology” which includes as an objective, “protecting and promoting the ability of individual citizens and private sector entities alike to access and … to maintain self-custody of digital assets,” ETH has not yet been classified with respect to U.S. federal securities laws. Therefore, while (for the reasons discussed below) we believe that ETH is not a “security” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws, and registration of the Company under The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”) is therefore not required under the applicable securities laws, we acknowledge that a regulatory body or federal court may determine otherwise. Our belief, even if reasonable under the circumstances, would not preclude legal or regulatory action based on such a finding that ETH is a “security” which would require us to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
We have also adapted our process for analyzing the U.S. federal securities law status of ETH and other cryptocurrencies over time, as guidance and case law have evolved. As part of our U.S. federal securities law analytical process, we take into account a number of factors, including the various definitions of “security” under U.S. federal securities laws and federal court decisions interpreting the elements of these definitions, such as the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions in the Howey and Reves cases, as well as court rulings, reports, orders, press releases, public statements, and speeches by the SEC Commissioners and SEC Staff providing guidance on when a digital asset or a transaction to which a digital asset may relate may be a security for purposes of U.S. federal securities laws. Our position that ETH is not a “security” is premised, among other reasons, on our conclusion ETH does not meet the elements of the Howey test. Among the reasons for our conclusion that ETH is not a security is that holders of ETH do not have a reasonable expectation of profits from our efforts in respect of their holding of ETH . Also, ETH ownership does not convey the right to receive any interest, rewards, or other returns.
We acknowledge, however, that the SEC, a federal court or another relevant entity could take a different view. The regulatory treatment of ETH is such that it has drawn significant attention from legislative and regulatory bodies, in particular the SEC which has previously stated it deemed ETH a security. Application of securities laws to the specific facts and circumstances of digital assets is complex and subject to change. Our conclusion, even if reasonable under the circumstances, would not preclude legal or regulatory action based on a finding that ETH, or any other digital asset we might hold is a “security.” As such, we are at risk of enforcement proceedings against us, which could result in potential injunctions, cease-and-desist orders, fines, and penalties if Ether was determined to be a security by a regulatory body or a court. Such developments could subject us to fines, penalties, and other damages, and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
If we were deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, applicable restrictions likely would make it impractical for us to continue segments of our business as currently contemplated.
Under Sections 3(a)(1)(A) and (C) of the Investment Company Act, a company generally will be deemed to be an “investment company” if (i) it is, or holds itself out as being, engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities or (ii) it engages, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding, or trading in securities and it owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities, shares of registered money market funds under Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Rule 3a-1 under the Investment Company Act generally provides that notwithstanding the Section 3(a)(1)(C) test described in clause (ii) above, an entity will not be deemed to be an “investment company” for purposes of the Investment Company Act if no more than 45% of the value of its assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities, shares of registered money market funds under Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, and cash items) consists of, and no more than 45% of its net income after taxes (for the past four fiscal quarters combined) is derived from, securities other than U.S. government securities, shares of registered money market funds under Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, securities issued by employees’ securities companies, securities issued by qualifying majority owned subsidiaries of such entity, and securities issued by qualifying companies that are controlled primarily by such entity. We do not believe that we are an “investment company” as such term is defined in either Section 3(a)(1)(A) or Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act.
Recently, we have begun focusing on pursuing opportunities to expand our portfolio into digital assets. With respect to Section 3(a)(1)(A), following the PIPE Offering, the proceeds of the PIPE Offering are expected to used to acquire ETH, which will result in our ownership or holding of ETH in excess of 40% of our total assets. Since we believe ETH is not an investment security, we do not hold ourselves out as being engaged primarily, or propose to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities within the meaning of Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act.
With respect to Section 3(a)(1)(C), we believe we satisfy the elements of Rule 3a-1 and therefore are deemed not to be an investment company under, and we intend to conduct our operations such that we will not be deemed an investment company under, Section 3(a)(1)(C). We believe that we are not an investment company pursuant to Rule 3a-1 under the Investment Company Act because, on a consolidated basis with respect to wholly-owned subsidiaries but otherwise on an unconsolidated basis, no more than 45% of the value of the Company’s total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities, shares of registered money market funds under Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, and cash items) consists of, and no more than 45% of the Company’s net income after taxes (for the last four fiscal quarters combined) is derived from, securities other than U.S. government securities, shares of registered money market funds under Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, securities issued by employees’ securities companies, securities issued by qualifying majority owned subsidiaries of the Company, and securities issued by qualifying companies that are controlled primarily by the Company.
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ETH and other digital assets, as well as new business models and transactions enabled by blockchain technologies, present novel interpretive questions under the Investment Company Act. There is a risk that assets or arrangements that we have concluded are not securities could be deemed to be securities by the SEC or another authority for purposes of the Investment Company Act, which would increase the percentage of securities held by us for Investment Company Act purposes. The SEC has requested information from a number of participants in the digital assets’ ecosystem, regarding the potential application of the Investment Company Act to their businesses. For example, in an action unrelated to the Company, in February 2022, the SEC issued a cease-and-desist order under the Investment Company Act to BlockFi Lending LLC, in which the SEC alleged that BlockFi was operating as an unregistered investment company because it issued securities and also held more than 40% of its total assets, excluding cash, in investment securities, including the loans of digital assets made by BlockFi to institutional borrowers.
If we were deemed to be an investment company, Rule 3a-2 under the Investment Company Act is a safe harbor that provides a one-year grace period for transient investment companies that have a bona fide intent to be engaged primarily, as soon as is reasonably possible (in any event by the termination of such one-year period), in a business other than that of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding, or trading in securities, with such intent evidenced by the company’s business activities and an appropriate resolution of its board of directors. The grace period is available not more than once every three years and runs from the earlier of (i) the date on which the issuer owns securities and/or cash having a value exceeding 50% of the issuer’s total assets on either a consolidated or unconsolidated basis or (ii) the date on which the issuer owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of such issuer’s total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Accordingly, the grace period may not be available at the time that we seek to rely on Rule 3a-2; however, Rule 3a-2 is a safe harbor and we may rely on any exemption or exclusion from investment company status available to us under the Investment Company Act at any given time. Furthermore, reliance on Rule 3a-2, Section 3(a)(1)(C), or Rule 3a-1 could require us to take actions to dispose of securities, limit our ability to make certain investments or enter into joint ventures, or otherwise limit or change our service offerings and operations. If we were to be deemed an investment company in the future, restrictions imposed by the Investment Company Act — including limitations on our ability to issue different classes of stock and equity compensation to directors, officers and employees and restrictions on management, operations, and transactions with affiliated persons — likely would make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.
ETH is created and transmitted through the operations of the peer-to-peer Ethereum network, a decentralized network of computers running software following the Ethereum protocol. If the Ethereum network is disrupted or encounters any unanticipated difficulties, the value of Ethereum could be negatively impacted.
If the Ethereum network is disrupted or encounters any unanticipated difficulties, then the processing of transactions on the Ethereum network may be disrupted, which in turn may prevent us from depositing or withdrawing ETH from our accounts with our custodian or otherwise effecting ETH transactions. Such disruptions could include, for example: the price volatility of ETH; the insolvency, business failure, interruption, default, failure to perform, security breach, or other problems of participants, custodians, or others; the closing of ETH trading platforms due to fraud, failures, security breaches, or otherwise; or network outages or congestion, power outages, or other problems or disruptions affecting the Ethereum network.
In addition, although we do not currently intend to mine ETH, digital asset validating operations can consume significant amounts of electricity, which may have a negative environmental impact and give rise to public opinion against allowing, or government regulations restricting, the use of electricity for validating operations. Additionally, validators may be forced to cease operations during an electricity shortage or power outage.
Our ETH treasury strategy exposes us to various risks, including risks associated with ETH.
Our ETH strategy exposes us to various risks, including the following:
ETH is a highly volatile asset. ETH is a highly volatile asset that has traded below $1,500 per ETH and above $4,000 per ETH on the Coinbase exchange (our principal market for ETH) in the 12 months preceding the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The trading price of ETH decreased following the launch of our ETH treasury strategy to the end of this quarter, and such declines may occur again in the future.
Our ETH holdings significantly impact our financial results and the market price of our listed securities. Our ETH holdings could significantly affect our financial results and if we continue to increase our overall holdings of ETH in the future, they will have an even greater impact on our financial results and the market price of our listed securities.
Our assets are concentrated in ETH. The vast majority of our assets are concentrated in our ETH holdings or receipt tokens (i.e., LsETH) from liquid staking of ETH. The concentration of our assets in ETH limits our ability to mitigate risk that could otherwise be achieved by holding a more diversified portfolio of treasury assets. If there is a significant decrease in the price of ETH, we may experience a more pronounced impact on our financial condition than if we invested our cash in a more diverse portfolio of treasury assets.
We primarily purchase ETH using proceeds from equity financings. Our ability to achieve the growth objectives of our ETH strategy depends in significant part on our ability to continue raising capital to purchase ETH. If we are unable to obtain equity, equity-linked or debt financing on favorable terms or at all, we may not be able to successfully execute on our ETH strategy.
Our ETH strategy has not been tested over an extended period of time or under different market conditions. We are continually examining the risks and rewards of our strategy to acquire and hold ETH and to stake such ETH to generate staking rewards. This strategy has not been tested over an extended period of time or under different market conditions. For example, although we believe ETH has the potential to serve as a hedge against inflation in the long term, the short-term price of ETH declined in recent periods during which the inflation rate increased. If ETH prices were to decrease or our ETH strategy otherwise proves unsuccessful, our financial condition, results of operations, and the market price of our listed securities would be materially adversely impacted.
Our ETH staking activities could result in “slashing risks” and loss of staked ETH. ETH staking exposes us to slashing risks, defined as a punitive mechanism built into the Ethereum network, designed to penalize validators and their delegators for misbehavior or failing to follow network rules, which could result in the loss of our staked ETH.
We are subject to provider and counterparty risks, including risks relating to our custodians. Although we have implemented various measures that are designed to mitigate our counterparty risks, including by storing substantially all of the ETH and LsETH we own in custody accounts at U.S.-based, institutional-grade custodians and negotiating contractual arrangements intended to establish that our property interest in custodially-held ETH and LsETH is not subject to claims of our custodians’ creditors, applicable insolvency law is not fully developed with respect to the holding of digital assets in custodial accounts. If our custodially-held ETH were nevertheless considered to be the property of our custodians’ estates in the event that any such custodians were to enter bankruptcy, receivership or similar insolvency proceedings, we could be treated as a general unsecured creditor of such custodians, inhibiting our ability to exercise ownership rights with respect to such ETH, or delaying or hindering our access to our ETH holdings or LsETH holdings, and this may ultimately result in the loss of the value related to some or all of such ETH and LsETH, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition as well as the market price of our listed securities.
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The broader digital assets industry is subject to counterparty risks, which could adversely impact the adoption rate, price, and use of ETH. A series of recent high-profile bankruptcies, closures, liquidations, regulatory enforcement actions and other events relating to companies operating in the digital asset industry have highlighted the counterparty risks applicable to owning and transacting in digital assets. Although these bankruptcies, closures, liquidations and other events have not resulted in any loss or misappropriation of our ETH or LsETH, nor have such events adversely impacted our access to our ETH or LsETH, they have, in the short-term, likely negatively impacted the adoption rate and use of ETH. Additional bankruptcies, closures, liquidations, regulatory enforcement actions or other events involving participants in the digital assets industry in the future may further negatively impact the adoption rate, price, and use of ETH, limit the availability to us of financing collateralized by ETH, or create or expose additional counterparty risks.
Changes in the accounting treatment of our ETH holdings or LsETH holdings could have significant accounting impacts, including increasing the volatility of our results. We have adopted ASU 2023-08 as of January 1, 2025, which requires us to measure our ETH holdings at fair value in our statement of financial position, and to recognize gains and losses from changes in the fair value of our ETH in net income each reporting period beginning January 1, 2025. ASU 2023-08 also requires us to provide certain interim and annual disclosures with respect to our ETH holdings. Due in particular to the volatility in the price of ETH, we expect the measurement at fair value to have a material impact on our financial results in future periods, increase the volatility of our financial results, and affect the carrying value of our ETH on our balance sheet. ASU 2023-08 could also have adverse tax consequences. These impacts could in turn have a material adverse effect on our financial results and the market price of our listed securities. Additionally, our LsETH holdings as of June 30, 2025 are accounted for as digital intangible assets within the scope of ASC 350-30 at cost-less-impairment. Significant declines in the price of LsETH may result in material impairment within our financial results.
ETH is a highly volatile asset, and fluctuations in the price of ETH are likely to influence our financial results and the market price of our listed securities.
ETH is a highly volatile asset, and fluctuations in the price of ETH are likely to influence our financial results and the market price of our listed securities. Our financial results and the market price of our listed securities would be adversely affected, and our business and financial condition would be negatively impacted, if the price of ETH decreased substantially (as it has in the past), including as a result of:
| ● | decreased user and investor confidence in ETH, including due to the various factors described herein; | |
| ● | investment and trading activities, such as (i) trading activities of highly active retail and institutional users, speculators, miners and investors; (ii) actual or expected significant dispositions of ETH by large holders, including the expected liquidation of digital assets associated with entities that have filed for bankruptcy protection and the transfer and sale of ETH associated with significant hacks, seizures, or forfeitures; and (iii) actual or perceived manipulation of the spot or derivative markets for ETH or spot ETH exchange-traded products (“ETPs”); | |
| ● | negative publicity, media or social media coverage, or sentiment due to events in or relating to, or perception of, ETH or the broader digital assets industry, for example, (i) public perception that ETH can be used as a vehicle to circumvent sanctions, including sanctions imposed on Russia or certain regions related to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, or to fund criminal or terrorist activities, such as the purported use of digital assets by Hamas to fund its terrorist attack against Israel in October 2023; (ii) expected or pending civil, criminal, regulatory enforcement or other high profile actions against major participants in the ETH ecosystem; (iii) additional filings for bankruptcy protection or bankruptcy proceedings of major digital asset industry participants, such as the bankruptcy proceeding of FTX Trading and its affiliates; (iv) the actual or perceived environmental impact of ETH and related activities, including environmental concerns raised by private individuals, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and other actors related to the energy resources consumed in ETH related processes, and (v) changes in government regulations; | |
| ● | changes in consumer preferences and the perceived value or prospects of ETH; | |
| ● | competition from other digital assets that exhibit better speed, security, scalability, or energy efficiency, that feature other more favored characteristics, that are backed by governments, including the U.S. government, or reserves of fiat currencies, or that represent ownership or security interests in physical assets; | |
| ● | a decrease in the price of other digital assets, including stablecoins, or the crash or unavailability of stablecoins that are used as a medium of exchange for ETH purchase and sale transactions to the extent the decrease in the price of such other digital assets or the unavailability of such stablecoins may cause a decrease in the price of ETH or adversely affect investor confidence in digital assets generally; | |
| ● | developments relating to the ETH protocol that may impact (i) its security, speed, scalability, usability, or value, (b) failures to upgrade the protocol to adapt to security, technological, legal or other challenges, and (iii) changes to the ETH protocol that introduce software bugs, security risks or other elements that adversely affect ETH; | |
| ● | disruptions, failures, unavailability, or interruptions in service of trading venues for ETH; | |
| ● | the filing for bankruptcy protection by, liquidation of, or market concerns about the financial viability of digital asset custodians, trading venues, lending platforms, investment funds, or other digital asset industry participants; |
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| ● | regulatory, legislative, enforcement and judicial actions that adversely affect the price, ownership, transferability, trading volumes, legality or public perception of ETH, or that adversely affect the operations of or otherwise prevent digital asset custodians, trading venues, lending platforms or other digital assets industry participants from operating in a manner that allows them to continue to deliver services to the digital assets industry; | |
| ● | reductions in staking rewards of ETH, or increases in the costs associated with ETH staking, including increases in electricity costs and hardware and software used in staking, or new or enhanced regulation or taxation of ETH staking, which could further increase the costs associated with ETH staking, any of which may cause a decline in support for the Ethereum protocol; | |
| ● | transaction congestion and fees associated with processing transactions of ETH or lengthened periods to exit ETH staking or other delays to unstaking or withdrawing ETH from staking protocols; | |
| ● | ETH staking exposes us to slashing risks, defined as a punitive mechanism built into the Ethereum network, designed to penalize validators and their delegators for misbehavior or failing to follow network rules, which could result in the loss of our staked ETH; | |
| ● | macroeconomic changes, such as changes in the level of interest rates and inflation, fiscal and monetary policies of governments, trade restrictions, and fiat currency devaluations; | |
| ● | changes in national and international economic and political conditions, including, without limitation, federal government policies, trade tariffs and trade disputes, the adverse impacts attributable to the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the economic sanctions adopted in response to the conflict, and the broadening of the Israel-Hamas conflict to other countries in the Middle East; and | |
| ● | developments in mathematics or technology, including in digital computing, algebraic geometry and quantum computing, that could result in the cryptography used by the ETH blockchain becoming insecure or ineffective |
A “fork” in the Ethereum protocol could adversely affect the value of the Company’s shares.
The Ethereum network operates using open-source protocols, meaning that any user can become a node by downloading the Ethereum Client and participating in the Ethereum network, and no permission of a central authority or body is needed to do so. In addition, anyone can propose a modification to the Ethereum network’s source code and then propose that the Ethereum network community support the modification. These proposed modifications to the Ethereum network’s source code, if adopted, can lead to forks.
Forks in the Ethereum protocol may lead to disruptions, security risks or declines in ETH value. A “fork” occurs when a change to the Ethereum network’s source code creates two incompatible versions of the blockchain, resulting in separate networks. Forks may be planned (e.g., upgrades to the Ethereum protocol like the Merge or Dencun) or unplanned (e.g., due to software bugs or validator disagreement). Planned forks are designed to improve performance or introduce new features, but they may introduce bugs, security vulnerabilities, or unexpected economic consequences. Unplanned forks can arise from client software inconsistencies or protocol failures, causing network instability or fragmentation. In either case, forks may result in operational outages, user confusion, replay attacks and reduced validator participation, all of which could undermine confidence in the Ethereum network and adversely affect the price of ETH. Our ETH holdings, staking activities and related treasury strategy could be materially negatively impacted in the event of such a fork.
The concentration of our ETH holdings enhances the risks inherent in our ETH treasury strategy.
While ETH concentration is monitored as the total number of ETH units (including native-staked and liquid-staked ETH) held by us divided by 1,000 assumed diluted shares outstanding and is used to evaluate our capital allocation strategy and digital asset leverage on a per-share basis, significant swings in the price of ETH may lead to increased risks in our ETH strategy.
ETH and other digital assets are novel assets, and are subject to significant legal, commercial, regulatory and technical uncertainty.
ETH and other digital assets are relatively novel and are subject to significant uncertainty, which could adversely impact their price. The application of state and federal securities laws and other laws and regulations to digital assets is unclear in certain respects, and it is possible that regulators in the United States or foreign countries may interpret or apply existing laws and regulations in a manner that adversely affects the price of ETH or the ability of individuals or institutions such as us to own or transfer ETH.
The U.S. federal government, states, regulatory agencies and foreign countries may also enact new laws and regulations, or pursue regulatory, legislative, enforcement or judicial actions, that could materially impact the price of ETH or the ability of individuals or institutions such as us to own or transfer ETH.
It is not possible to predict whether, or when, new laws will be enacted that change the legal framework governing digital assets or provide additional authorities to the SEC or other regulators, or whether, or when, any other federal, state or foreign legislative bodies will take any similar actions. It is also not possible to predict the nature of any such additional laws or authorities, how additional legislation or regulatory oversight might impact the ability of digital asset markets to function, the willingness of financial and other institutions to continue to provide services to the digital assets industry, or how any new laws or regulations, or changes to existing laws or regulations, might impact the value of digital assets generally and ETH specifically. The consequences of any new law or regulation relating to digital assets and digital asset activities could adversely affect the market price of ETH, as well as our ability to hold or transact in ETH, and in turn adversely affect the market price of our listed securities.
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Moreover, the risks of engaging in an ETH strategy are relatively novel and have created and could continue to create complications due to the lack of experience that third parties have with companies engaging in such a strategy, such as increased costs of director and officer liability insurance or the potential inability to obtain such coverage on acceptable terms in the future.
The growth of the digital assets industry in general, and the use and acceptance of ETH in particular, may also impact the price of ETH and is subject to a high degree of uncertainty. The pace of worldwide growth in the adoption and use of ETH may depend, for instance, on public familiarity with digital assets, ease of buying, accessing or gaining exposure to ETH, institutional demand for ETH as an investment asset, the participation of traditional financial institutions in the digital assets industry, consumer demand for ETH as a store of value or means of payment, and the availability and popularity of alternatives to ETH. Even if growth in ETH adoption occurs in the near or medium-term, there is no assurance that ETH usage will continue to grow over the long-term.
Because ETH has no physical existence beyond the record of transactions on the Ethereum blockchain, a variety of technical factors related to the Ethereum blockchain could also impact the price of ETH. For example, malicious attacks, inadequate staking fees to incentivize validating of ETH transactions, and advances in digital computing, algebraic geometry, and quantum computing could undercut the integrity of the Ethereum blockchain and negatively affect the price of ETH. The liquidity of ETH may also be reduced and damage to the public perception of ETH may occur if financial institutions were to deny or limit banking services to businesses that hold ETH, provide ETH-related services or accept ETH as payment, which could also decrease the price of ETH.
Our historical financial statements do not reflect the potential variability in earnings that we may experience in the future relating to our ETH holdings.
Our historical financial statements do not reflect the potential variability in earnings that we may experience in the future from holding or selling significant amounts of ETH.
The price of ETH has historically been subject to dramatic price fluctuations and is highly volatile.
Due in part to the volatility of ETH, we incurred $87.7 million of cumulative impairment on our LsETH holdings (a receipt token from ETH liquid staking) through June 30, 2025, which losses were reflected in the financial statements for the respective period in which the losses were incurred.
Because we intend to purchase additional ETH in future periods and increase our overall holdings of ETH, we expect that the proportion of our total assets represented by our ETH holdings will increase in the future. As a result, and in particular due to our adoption of ASU 2023-08, volatility in our earnings may be significantly more than what we experienced in prior periods.
The availability of spot ETPs for ETH and other digital assets may adversely affect the market price of our listed securities.
Although ETH and other digital assets have experienced a surge of investor attention since ETH was invented in 2015, until recently investors in the United States had limited means to gain direct exposure to ETH through traditional investment channels, and instead generally were only able to hold ETH through “hosted” wallets provided by digital asset service providers or through “unhosted” wallets that expose the investor to risks associated with loss or hacking of their private keys. Given the relative novelty of digital assets, general lack of familiarity with the processes needed to hold ETH directly, as well as the potential reluctance of financial planners and advisers to recommend direct ETH holdings to their retail customers because of the manner in which such holdings are custodied, some investors have sought exposure to ETH through investment vehicles that hold ETH and issue shares representing fractional undivided interests in their underlying ETH holdings. These vehicles, which were previously offered only to “accredited investors” on a private placement basis, have in the past traded at substantial premiums to net asset value, possibly due to the relative scarcity of traditional investment vehicles providing investment exposure to ETH.
Although we are an operating company, and we believe we offer a different value proposition than a ETH investment vehicle such as a spot ETH ETP, investors may nevertheless view our common stock as an alternative to an investment in an ETP, and choose to purchase shares of a spot ETP instead of our common stock. They may do so for a variety of reasons, including if they believe that ETPs offer a “pure play” exposure to ETH that is generally not subject to federal income tax at the entity level as we are, or the other risk factors applicable to an operating business, such as ours.
As a result of the foregoing factors, availability of spot ETPs for ETH and other digital assets could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our listed securities.
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The emergence or growth of other digital assets, including those with significant private or public sector backing, could have a negative impact on the price of ETH and adversely affect our business.
As a result of our ETH strategy, our assets are concentrated in our ETH holdings. Accordingly, the emergence or growth of digital assets other than ETH may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. There are numerous alternative digital assets and many entities, including consortiums and financial institutions, are researching and investing resources into private or permissioned blockchain platforms or digital assets. Additionally, the Ethereum network has completed multiple major upgrades since then and may undertake additional upgrades in the future. If the mechanisms for validating transactions in other alternative digital assets are perceived as superior to the Ethereum network, those digital assets could gain market share relative to ETH.
Other alternative digital assets that compete with ETH in certain ways include “stablecoins,” which are designed to maintain a constant price because of, for instance, their issuers’ promise to hold high-quality liquid assets (such as U.S. dollar deposits and short-term U.S. treasury securities) equal to the total value of stablecoins in circulation. Stablecoins have grown rapidly as an alternative to ETH and other digital assets as a medium of exchange and store of value, particularly on digital asset trading platforms.
Additionally, central banks in some countries have started to introduce digital forms of legal tender. For example, China’s CBDC project was made available to consumers in January 2022, and governments including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Israel have been discussing the potential creation of new CBDCs. Whether or not they incorporate blockchain or similar technology, CBDCs, as legal tender in the issuing jurisdiction, could also compete with, or replace, ETH and other digital assets as a medium of exchange or store of value. As a result, the emergence or growth of these or other digital assets could cause the market price of ETH to decrease, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results.
Our ETH holdings are less liquid than our existing cash and cash equivalents and may not be able to serve as a source of liquidity for us to the same extent as cash and cash equivalents.
Historically, the ETH market has been characterized by significant volatility in price, limited liquidity and trading volumes compared to sovereign currencies markets, relative anonymity, a developing regulatory landscape, potential susceptibility to market abuse and manipulation, compliance and internal control failures at exchanges, and various other risks inherent in its entirely electronic, virtual form and decentralized network. During times of market instability, we may not be able to sell our ETH at favorable prices or at all. For example, a number of ETH trading venues temporarily halted deposits and withdrawals in 2022, although the Coinbase exchange (our principal market for ETH) has, to date, not done so. As a result, our ETH holdings may not be able to serve as a source of liquidity for us to the same extent as cash and cash equivalents. Further, ETH we hold with our custodians do not enjoy the same protections as are available to cash or securities deposited with or transacted by institutions subject to regulation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Additionally, we may be unable to enter into term loans or other capital raising transactions collateralized by our unencumbered ETH or otherwise generate funds using our ETH holdings, including in particular during times of market instability or when the price of ETH has declined significantly. If we are unable to sell our ETH, enter into additional capital raising transactions, including capital raising transactions using ETH as collateral, or otherwise generate funds using our ETH holdings, or if we are forced to sell our ETH at a significant loss, in order to meet our working capital requirements, our business and financial condition could be negatively impacted.
If we or our third-party service providers experience a security breach or cyberattack and unauthorized parties obtain access to our ETH, or if our private keys are lost or destroyed, or other similar circumstances or events occur, we may lose some or all of our ETH and our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Substantially all of the ETH and LsETH we own is held in custody accounts at institutional-grade digital asset custodians. Security breaches and cyberattacks are of particular concern with respect to our ETH. ETH and other blockchain-based cryptocurrencies and the entities that provide services to participants in the ETH ecosystem have been, and may in the future be, subject to security breaches, cyberattacks, or other malicious activities. A successful security breach or cyberattack could result in:
| ● | a partial or total loss of our ETH in a manner that may not be covered by insurance or the liability provisions of the custody agreements with the custodians who hold our ETH; | |
| ● | harm to our reputation and brand; | |
| ● | improper disclosure of data and violations of applicable data privacy and other laws; or | |
| ● | significant regulatory scrutiny, investigations, fines, penalties, and other legal, regulatory, contractual and financial exposure. |
Further, any actual or perceived data security breach or cybersecurity attack directed at other companies with digital assets or companies that operate digital asset networks, regardless of whether we are directly impacted, could lead to a general loss of confidence in the broader blockchain ecosystem or in the use of the Ethereum network to conduct financial transactions, which could negatively impact us.
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Attacks upon systems across a variety of industries, including industries related to ETH, are increasing in frequency, persistence, and sophistication, and, in many cases, are being conducted by sophisticated, well-funded and organized groups and individuals, including state actors. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized, improper or illegal access to systems and information (including personal data and digital assets), disable or degrade services, or sabotage systems are constantly evolving, may be difficult to detect quickly, and often are not recognized or detected until after they have been launched against a target. These attacks may occur on our systems or those of our third-party service providers or partners. We may experience breaches of our security measures due to human error, malfeasance, insider threats, system errors or vulnerabilities or other irregularities. Threats can come from a variety of sources, including criminal hackers, hacktivists, state-sponsored intrusions, industrial espionage, and insiders. In addition, certain types of attacks could harm us even if our systems are left undisturbed. For example, certain threats are designed to remain dormant or undetectable, sometimes for extended periods of time, or until launched against a target and we may not be able to implement adequate preventative measures. The risk of cyberattacks could also be increased by cyberwarfare in connection with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, or other future conflicts, including potential proliferation of malware into systems unrelated to such conflicts. Any future breach of our operations or those of others in the ETH industry, including third-party services on which we rely, could materially and adversely affect our business.
We face risks relating to the custody of our ETH, including the loss or destruction of private keys required to access our ETH and cyberattacks or other data loss relating to our ETH.
We hold our ETH with regulated custodians that have duties to safeguard our private keys. Our custodial services contracts do not restrict our ability to reallocate our ETH among our custodians, and our ETH holdings may be concentrated with a single custodian from time to time. In light of the significant amount of ETH we hold, we will seek to engage additional custodians to achieve a greater degree of diversification in the custody of our ETH as the extent of potential risk of loss is dependent, in part, on the degree of diversification. If there is a decrease in the availability of digital asset custodians that we believe can safely custody our ETH, for example, due to regulatory developments or enforcement actions that cause custodians to discontinue or limit their services in the United States, we may need to enter into agreements that are less favorable than our current agreements or take other measures to custody our ETH, and our ability to seek a greater degree of diversification in the use of custodial services would be materially adversely affected.
ETH is controllable only by the possessor of both the unique public key and private key(s) relating to the local or online digital wallet in which the ETH is held. While the ETH blockchain ledger requires a public key relating to a digital wallet to be published when used in a transaction, private keys must be safeguarded and kept private in order to prevent a third party from accessing the ETH held in such wallet. To the extent the private key(s) for a digital wallet are lost, destroyed, or otherwise compromised and no backup of the private key(s) is accessible, neither we nor our custodians will be able to access the ETH held in the related digital wallet. Furthermore, we cannot provide assurance that our digital wallets, nor the digital wallets of our custodians held on our behalf, will not be compromised as a result of a cyberattack. ETH, as well as other digital assets and blockchain technologies, have been, and may in the future be, subject to security breaches, cyberattacks, or other malicious activities.
As of the date of this filing, the insurance that covers losses of our Ether holdings may cover none or only a small fraction of the value of the entirety of our Ether holdings, and there can be no guarantee that such insurance will be maintained as part of the custodial services we have or that such coverage will cover losses with respect to our Ether. Moreover, our use of custodians exposes us to the risk that the Ether our custodians hold on our behalf could be subject to insolvency proceedings and we could be treated as a general unsecured creditor of the custodian, inhibiting our ability to exercise ownership rights with respect to such Ether. Any loss associated with such insolvency proceedings is unlikely to be covered by any insurance coverage we maintain related to our Ether. The legal framework governing digital asset ownership and rights in custodial or insolvency contexts remains uncertain and continues to evolve, which could result in unexpected losses, protracted recovery processes or adverse treatment in insolvency proceedings.
As part of our treasury management strategy, we may engage in staking, restaking, or other permitted activities that involve the use of “smart contracts” or decentralized applications. The use of smart contracts or decentralized applications entails certain risks including risks stemming from the existence of an “admin key” or coding flaws that could be exploited, potentially allowing a bad actor to issue or otherwise compromise the smart contract or decentralized application, potentially leading to a loss of our Ether. Like all software code, smart contracts are exposed to risk that the code contains a bug or other security vulnerability, which can lead to loss of assets that are held on or transacted through the contract or decentralized application. Smart contracts and decentralized applications may contain bugs, security vulnerabilities or poorly designed permission structures that could result in the irreversible loss of Ether or other digital assets. Exploits, including those stemming from admin key misuse, admin key compromise, or protocol flaws, have occurred in the past and may occur in the future.
We are not subject to legal and regulatory obligations that apply to investment companies such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, or to obligations applicable to investment advisers.
Mutual funds, ETFs and their directors and management are subject to extensive regulation as “investment companies” and “investment advisers” under U.S. federal and state law; this regulation is intended for the benefit and protection of investors. We are not subject to, and do not otherwise voluntarily comply with, these laws and regulations. This means, among other things, that the execution of or changes to our ETH treasury strategy, the manner in which our ETH is custodied, our ability to engage in transactions with affiliated parties and our operating and investment activities generally are not subject to the extensive legal and regulatory requirements and prohibitions that apply to investment companies and investment advisers. Our board of directors has broad discretion over the investment, leverage and cash management policies it authorizes, whether in respect of our ETH holdings or other activities we may pursue, and has the power to change our current policies, including our strategy of acquiring and holding ETH.
Due to the unregulated nature and lack of transparency surrounding the operations of many ETH trading venues, ETH trading venues may experience greater fraud, security failures or regulatory or operational problems than trading venues for more established asset classes, which may result in a loss of confidence in ETH trading venues and adversely affect the value of our ETH.
ETH trading venues are relatively new and, in many cases, unregulated. Furthermore, there are many ETH trading venues which do not provide the public with significant information regarding their ownership structure, management teams, corporate practices and regulatory compliance. As a result, the marketplace may lose confidence in ETH trading venues, including prominent exchanges that handle a significant volume of ETH trading and/or are subject to regulatory oversight, in the event one or more ETH trading venues cease or pause for a prolonged period the trading of ETH or other digital assets, or experience fraud, significant volumes of withdrawal, security failures or operational problems.
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Our ETH strategy exposes us to risk of non-performance by providers and counterparties.
Our ETH strategy exposes us to the risk of non-performance by providers and counterparties, whether contractual or otherwise. Risk of non-performance includes inability or refusal of a provider or counterparty to perform because of a deterioration in the counterparty’s financial condition and liquidity or for any other reason. For example, our execution partners, custodians, or other counterparties might fail to perform in accordance with the terms of our agreements with them, which could result in a loss of ETH, a loss of the opportunity to generate funds, or other losses.
Our primary provider risk with respect to our ETH is custodian performance obligations under the various custody arrangements we have entered into. In particular, SharpLink is reliant on our custodial relationships and agreements with Anchorage Digital Bank N.A. and its affiliates, as well as Coinbase Inc. and its affiliates. Any failures of our custodians to perform could have an impact on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. In addition, in the event of a termination of one or more of our custody agreements, the Company would be required to contract with an alternative custodian at terms and conditions that may not be as favorable as our current custody agreements.
A series of recent high-profile bankruptcies, closures, liquidations, regulatory enforcement actions and other events relating to companies operating in the digital asset industry have highlighted the perceived and actual counterparty and provider risk applicable to digital asset ownership and trading. Although these bankruptcies, closures and liquidations have not resulted in any loss or misappropriation of our ETH, nor have such events adversely impacted our access to our ETH, legal precedent created in these bankruptcy and other proceedings may increase the risk of future rulings adverse to our interests in the event one or more of our custodians becomes a debtor in a bankruptcy case or is the subject of other liquidation, insolvency or similar proceedings.
While all of our custodians are subject to regulatory regimes intended to protect customers in the event of a custodial bankruptcy, receivership or similar insolvency proceeding, no assurance can be provided that our custodially-held ETH and LsETH will not become part of the custodian’s insolvency estate if one or more of our custodians enters bankruptcy, receivership or similar insolvency proceedings. Additionally, if we pursue any strategies to create income streams or otherwise generate funds using our ETH holdings, we would become subject to additional counterparty risks. Any significant non-performance by providers and counterparties, including in particular the custodians with which we custody substantially all of our ETH, could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
If we are unable to recruit or retain skilled personnel, or if we lose the services of our Chairman of the Board of Directors and Co-Chief Executive Officers, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Our future success depends on our continuing ability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel. Competition for employees is intense. We may not be able to retain our current key employees or attract, train, and retain other highly skilled personnel in the future. Competition for qualified employees in the technology industry has historically been high. Our future success also depends in large part on the continued service of Joseph Lubin, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rob Phythian and Joseph Chalom as Co-Chief Executive Officers of the Company, and Robert DeLucia, Chief Financial Officer of the Company. If we lose the services of Messrs. Lubin, Phythian, Chalom or DeLucia, or if we are unable to attract, train and retain the highly skilled personnel we need, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
| 47 |
| ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
None.
| ITEM 3. | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES |
None.
| ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 5. | OTHER INFORMATION |
None of the Company’s directors or officers adopted, modified or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement, as such terms are defined under Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K, during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2025.
| ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS |
** Furnished herewith.
^ Certain identified information in the exhibit has been excluded from the exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to SharpLink Gaming, Inc. if publicly disclosed.
+ Indicates management compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
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SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| SharpLink Gaming, Inc. | ||
| Dated: August 14, 2025 | By: | /s/ Rob Phythian |
| Rob Phythian | ||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||
| Dated: August 14, 2025 | By: | /s/ Robert DeLucia |
| Robert DeLucia | ||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||
| 49 |
Exhibit 10.10
***Certain identified information in the exhibit has been excluded from the exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to SharpLink Gaming, Inc. if publicly disclosed. Such omitted information is indicated by brackets “[***]”) in this exhibit***
ETH SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This ETH Sale and Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into on 7 July 2025 by and between:
| 1. | Ethereum Foundation, incorporated and registered in Zug as a Stiftung with company number [***], whose registered office is at [***] (the “Seller”); and |
| 2. | Sharplink Gaming, Inc., a Delaware company, at 333 Washington Ave, N. Suite 104, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 (the “Purchaser”); |
(each a “Party” and together the “Parties”).
BACKGROUND
The Seller wishes to sell, on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, 10,000 ETH on Ethereum mainnet (the “Tokens”), to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser wishes to purchase, on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the Tokens from the Seller for the Purchase Price (defined below).
In consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and the terms herein set forth and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
| 1. | SALE & PURCHASE |
1.1. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Seller hereby sells, transfers, and delivers to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser hereby purchases, acquires, and accepts all of the Seller’s right, title, and interest in or to, the Tokens in consideration for a cash purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) in United States dollars equivalent to the TWAP Price (defined below) multiplied by 10,000.
| 1 |
1.2. The Parties agree that the Time-Weighted Average Price (“TWAP Price”) shall be determined as follows:
| 2 |
| 2. | PAYMENT & TRANSFER |
2.1. Within forty-eight (48) hours of the publication of the TWAP Price under Clause 1.2 above (the “Payment Window”), the Purchaser shall remit to the Seller the Purchase Price by bank wire in immediately available funds to the Seller’s bank account set forth in Schedule I below.
2.2. Within forty-eight (48) hours after the Seller confirms receipt of the full Purchase Price (the “Token Transfer Window”), the Seller shall initiate the Ethereum mainnet transaction(s) to transfer the Tokens to the Purchaser’s Ethereum mainnet address at [***].
2.3. The Tokens shall be deemed irrevocably delivered, and all right, title, and interest in or to the Tokens shall be deemed passed, to the Purchaser upon the first block confirmation of the transfer transaction(s) on Ethereum mainnet.
2.4. If the Purchaser fails to remit the Purchase Price to the Seller within the Payment Window, the Seller may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect.
2.5. If the Seller fails to initiate the Ethereum mainnet transaction(s) to transfer the Tokens within the Token Transfer Window, the Purchaser may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect and the Seller shall promptly return the Purchase Price.
| 3 |
| 3. | REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES OF THE SELLER |
The Seller represents and warrants to the Purchaser, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the time the Tokens are transferred, that:
| (a) | Seller is a legal entity duly organised, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation and has full power and authority to own its property and to carry on its business as currently conducted; |
| (b) | The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorised by all necessary corporate or foundation action of Seller. This Agreement has been duly executed by Seller and constitutes Seller’s legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms; |
| (c) | Seller is the sole legal and beneficial owner of the Tokens, free and clear of all mortgages, liens, pledges, security interests, options, encumbrances, claims or restrictions of any kind; and |
| (d) | Seller, its directors, and/or officers are not: (i) listed on, or owned or controlled by a person listed on, any sanctions list administered or enforced by Switzerland, the US, the EU or the UK; nor (ii) located, organised, or resident in a comprehensively sanctioned country. |
| 4. | REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER |
The Purchaser represents and warrants to the Seller, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the time the Tokens are transferred, that:
| (a) | Purchaser is a legal entity duly organised, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation and has full power and authority to own its property and to carry on its business as currently conducted; |
| (b) | The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorised by all necessary corporate action of Purchaser. This Agreement has been duly executed by Purchaser and constitutes Purchaser’s legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with its terms; |
| (c) | Purchaser has, and at all relevant times will have, sufficient immediately available funds to pay the Purchase Price. Purchaser is not insolvent and no insolvency proceedings have been commenced or threatened against it; |
| 4 |
| (d) | The monies used to pay the Purchase Price are derived from lawful activities. Purchaser, its directors, officers, and/or ultimate beneficial owners comply with all applicable anti-money-laundering, anti-corruption, and sanctions laws and are not: (i) listed on, or owned or controlled by a person listed on, any sanctions list administered or enforced by Switzerland, the US, the EU or the UK; nor (ii) located, organised, or resident in a comprehensively sanctioned country; and |
| (e) | Purchaser is acquiring the Tokens for its own account and not as broker, dealer, or agent for any third party, and will not resell or distribute the Tokens in violation of any applicable law. |
| 5. | INDEMNITY, LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY |
5.1. The Purchaser shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Seller and its directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against all losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to: (a) any breach by Purchaser of its representations, warranties, or covenants in this Agreement; and/or (b) any violation by Purchaser of any applicable anti-money-laundering, anti-corruption, and sanctions laws.
5.2. Except in cases of fraud or wilful misconduct, neither Party shall be liable to the other for any indirect, special, incidental, exemplary or consequential damages, whether based in contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise, and in any event the Seller’s total aggregate liability arising under and/or in connection with this Agreement shall not exceed the Purchase Price actually received by Seller.
| 6. | GENERAL PROVISIONS |
6.1. Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses (including legal, accounting, and advisory fees) incurred in connection with negotiating and executing this Agreement.
6.2. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings, agreements, or representations.
6.3. No amendment, modification, or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both Parties. A waiver of any breach shall not be deemed a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.
6.4. The Purchaser may not assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Seller.
6.5. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and the invalid provision shall be replaced by a valid provision that most closely reflects the Parties’ original intent.
6.6. All notices or other communications permitted or required to be served under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by email to the following addresses:
If to the Seller:
ETHEREUM FOUNDATION
[***]
If to the Purchaser:
Sharplink Gaming, Inc.
333 Washington Ave, N. Suite 104
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Email address:
Attn: Chief Financial Officer
6.7. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which is deemed an original, but all of which together constitute one instrument.
6.8. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects, including as to validity, interpretation, and effect, according to the material laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, without regard to conflict of law rules. Each of the parties to this Service Agreement irrevocably agrees that the ordinary courts of Delaware shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any suit, action or proceeding, and to settle any disputes, which may arise out of and/or in connection with this Agreement and, for such purposes, irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.
| 5 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the date last written below.
ETHEREUM FOUNDATION
/s/ Hsiao-Wei Wang
Name: Hsiao-Wei Wang
Title: Co-Executive Director
Date: 7 July 2025
For and on behalf of the Seller
SHARPLINK GAMING, INC.
/s/ Rob Phythian
Name: Rob Phythian
Title: CEO
Date: 7 July 2025
For and on behalf of the Purchaser
| 6 |
Exhibit 10.22
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is effective as of July 24, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), between SharpLink Gaming, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Robert DeLucia (“Executive”). This Agreement replaces and supersedes, in its entirety, the Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive dated as of February 14, 2024, as amended on March 19, 2025, and as amended on June 29, 2025. In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment. Provided this Agreement is fully-executed, Executive’s employment with the Company will continue as of the Effective Date. Either the Company or Executive may terminate this Agreement and Executive’s employment at any time and for any reason, with or without Cause, as set forth in Section 4 below, and provided Executive may have an opportunity for severance or other benefits on the terms, and subject to the conditions, set forth in Section 5 below. The period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 4(g) below) is hereinafter referred to as the “Employment Period”.
2. Position and Duties; Location.
(a) Position and Duties. During the Employment Period, the Company will employ Executive as Chief Financial Officer. Executive will report solely to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and will have such duties, responsibilities and authorities as are customarily associated with his position and such additional duties and responsibilities consistent with his positions as may, from time to time, be properly and lawfully assigned to Executive.
(b) Outside Activities. During the Employment Period, Executive will devote substantially all his business time, energies and talents to serving as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and will perform his duties conscientiously and faithfully, subject to the reasonable and lawful directions of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and in accordance with the policies, rules and decisions adopted from time to time by the Company and the Board. During the Employment Period, it will not be a violation of this Agreement for Executive, subject to the requirements of Section 6 hereof, to (i) serve on civic or charitable boards, (ii) deliver lectures and fulfill speaking engagements, and (iii) manage personal investments, so long as such activities (individually or in the aggregate) do not significantly interfere with the performance of Executive’s responsibilities as set forth in Section 2(a) above or Executive’s fiduciary duties to the Company.
(c) Location. During the Employment Period, Executive shall work on a hybrid basis from his residence in Texas. Executive agrees and understands that he may also be required under reasonable business circumstances to travel outside of such location in connection with performing his duties under this Agreement.
3. Compensation and Benefits.
(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Company will pay Executive an annualized base salary (“Annual Base Salary”) at a rate of $450,000, effective as of the Effective Date, and payable in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. During the Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary will be reviewed by the Board or a committee thereof at such time as the salaries of other senior executives of the Company are reviewed generally. The Annual Base Salary will not be reduced other than in connection with an across-the-board salary reduction which applies in a comparable manner to other senior executives of the Company. If so increased or reduced, then such adjusted salary will thereafter be the Annual Base Salary for all purposes under this Agreement.
(b) Short-Term Incentive. For each fiscal year during the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company’s short-term incentive program (the “STIP”), under terms and conditions no less favorable than other senior executives of the Company; provided that Executive’s “target” short-term incentive opportunity will not be less than 100% of his Annual Base Salary as of the last day of the fiscal year and Executive’s “maximum” short-term incentive opportunity will not be more than 150% of his Annual Base Salary as of the last day of the fiscal year, and such opportunities shall be pro-rated for the 2025 fiscal year. Executive’s payment under the STIP for any fiscal year during the Employment Period will be based on the extent to which the performance objectives established by the Board, or a committee thereof, have been achieved for that year. The short-term incentive for any fiscal year, if earned, will be paid to Executive by the Company in accordance with the terms, and subject to the conditions, of the STIP, but no later than March 15 of the immediately following year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive must be employed, in good standing, and not have otherwise given notification of his intent to resign from employment, as of the date of payment to be eligible to receive payment of a short-term incentive for a given fiscal year and, in any event, any short-term incentive with respect to a fiscal year shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Board or a committee thereof.
(c) Sign-on Equity Grant. Within thirty (30) calendar days after the Effective Date, the Company will grant to Executive a restricted stock unit award with an award value of $1,150,000 (the “RSU Award”), which award value shall be converted to a number of shares (rounded down to the nearest whole share) by dividing (i) the award value, by (ii) the average closing per-share price of the Company’s common stock for the seventy five (75) trading days immediately preceding the Effective Date. Subject to Section 5(b)(v) of this Agreement, the RSU award shall vest as follows: (i) two-thirds (2/3) of the RSU Award will be subject to time-based vesting conditions (the “Time-Based Vesting Units”) with one-third (1/3) of such Time-Based Vesting Units vesting on the first (1st) anniversary of the Effective Date and the remaining Time-Based Vesting Units vesting in equal quarterly installments thereafter, in each case subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company and (ii) one-third (1/3) of the RSU Award will be subject to performance-based vesting conditions (the “Performance-Based Vesting Units”), which shall vest based on the extent that certain annual performance goals, selected by the Board or a committee thereof, are achieved over a three-year performance cycle. The RSU Award shall be granted on the terms, and subject to the conditions, of the SharpLink Gaming, Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Plan”) and the standard award agreement approved for use under the Plan.
(d) Long-Term Incentive. For each fiscal year during the Employment Period commencing with the 2026 fiscal year (which, for this purpose, will commence July 1, 2026), Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program (the “LTIP”), under terms and conditions no less favorable than other senior executives of the Company; provided that Executive’s “target” long-term incentive opportunity for the 2026 fiscal year will not be less than $1,150,000. The Board, or a committee thereof, may adjust Executive’s LTIP opportunity for each subsequent fiscal year, but it is intended that the award value for each such fiscal year will be at least equal to the value set forth above for the 2026 fiscal year, unless otherwise determined by the Board or a committee thereof, in its sole discretion.
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(e) Change in Control Protections. Upon a Change in Control (as such term is defined in the Plan), (i) all outstanding and unvested time-based equity awards of the Company granted to Executive will become immediately vested and exercisable (without pro-ration), and (ii) all outstanding and unvested performance-based equity awards of the Company granted to Executive will vest (without pro-ration) based on the actual level of achievement of all relevant performance goals against target measured through the date immediately prior to the Change in Control (or as close to such date as administratively practicable), as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its discretion.
(f) PTO. During the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible for paid-time-off (“PTO”) in accordance with the Company’s policies, as may be in effect from time to time, for its senior executives generally; provided that Executive will be entitled to PTO at a rate of no less than four (4) weeks per calendar year (pro-rated for partial calendar years). Executive will use such PTO at such reasonable time or times each year as he may determine after consultation with the Chief Executive Officer.
(g) Expense Reimbursement. During the Employment Period, Executive will be reimbursed for all reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses actually and properly incurred by Executive during the Employment Period in connection with carrying out his duties hereunder in accordance with the Company’s policies, as may be in effect from time to time, for its senior executives generally.
(h) Benefits. During the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to participate in all employee benefit and insurance plans sponsored or maintained by the Company for similarly situated executives (including any savings, retirement, life, health and disability plans but specifically excluding any severance plans or programs), to the extent that Executive is qualified to participate in any such plan under the generally applicable provisions thereof in effect from time to time. Nothing herein will be deemed to prohibit the Company or the Board from amending or terminating any such plan in its sole and absolute discretion. Except as otherwise provided herein, the terms of each such plan will govern Executive’s rights and obligations thereunder during Executive’s employment and upon the termination thereof.
(i) Indemnification and Insurance. Subject to Sections 6(m) and 12 below, the Company will indemnify Executive to the full extent provided for in its corporate charter, bylaws or any other indemnification policy or procedure as in effect from time to time and applicable to its other directors and senior executives and to the maximum extent that the Company indemnifies any of its other directors and senior executives, and Executive will be entitled to the protection of any insurance policies the Company may elect to maintain generally for the benefit of its directors and senior executives against all costs, charges, liabilities and expenses incurred or sustained by him in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which he may be made a party by reason of his being or having been a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its affiliates or his serving or having served any other enterprise, plan or trust as a director, officer, employee or fiduciary at the request of the Company or any of its affiliates (other than any dispute, claim or controversy arising under or relating to this Agreement).
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4. Termination. Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated during the Employment Period under the following circumstances:
(a) Death. Executive’s employment hereunder will terminate upon Executive’s death.
(b) Disability. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment if Executive is disabled and unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s then-existing position or positions under this Agreement with or without reasonable accommodation for a period of 180 calendar days (which need not be consecutive) in any twelve (12) month period. If any question will arise as to whether during any period Executive is disabled so as to be unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s then-existing position or positions with or without reasonable accommodations, Executive may, and at the request of the Company will, submit to the Company a certification in reasonable detail by a physician selected by the Company to whom Executive or Executive’s guardian has no reasonable objection as to whether Executive is so disabled or how long such disability is expected to continue, such certification will for the purposes of this Agreement be conclusive of the issue. Executive will cooperate with any reasonable request of the physician in connection with such certification. If such question will arise and Executive will fail to submit such certification, the Company’s determination of such issue will be binding on Executive and his legal representatives. Nothing in this Section 4(b) will be construed to waive Executive’s rights, if any, under existing law including, without limitation, the Family Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any law related to Executive’s disability/medical condition.
(c) Termination by the Company for Cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause. For purposes of Sections 4 and 5 of this Agreement, “Cause” will mean: (i) conduct by Executive constituting a material act of willful misconduct in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties, including, without limitation, misappropriation of funds or property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates other than the occasional, customary and de minimis use of the Company’s property for personal purposes, as determined in the reasonable discretion of the Company; (ii) the commission by Executive of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, deceit, dishonesty or fraud, or any other conduct (including but not limited to the dependence of a controlled substance) by Executive that would reasonably be expected to result in material financial or reputational injury to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates if Executive were retained in Executive’s position; (iii) Executive’s continued, willful and deliberate non-performance of his duties hereunder or the repeated failure or refusal to comply with the instructions given by the Board (in each case other than by reason of Executive’s physical or mental illness, incapacity or disability); (iv) Executive’s breach of a material term of this Agreement, (v) Executive’s material breach of Executive’s fiduciary duties to the Company; (vi) a violation by Executive of the Company’s employment policies, code of conduct, code of ethics or insider trading policy; or (vii) Executive’s willful failure to cooperate with a bona fide internal investigation or an investigation by regulatory or law enforcement authorities, after being instructed by the Company to cooperate, or the willful destruction or failure to preserve documents or other materials known to be relevant to such investigation or the willful inducement of others to fail to cooperate or to produce documents or other materials in connection with such investigations. A termination will not be for “Cause” under Section 4(c)(iv), to the extent such conduct is curable, unless the Company shall have notified Executive in writing describing such conduct and prescribing conduct required to cure such conduct and Executive shall have failed to cure such conduct within twenty (20) calendar days after receipt of such written notice.
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(d) Termination Without Cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause. Any termination by the Company of Executive’s employment under this Agreement which does not constitute a termination for Cause under Section 4(c) and does not result from the death or disability of Executive under Sections 4(a) or 4(b) will be deemed a termination without Cause.
(e) Termination by Executive. Executive may terminate his employment hereunder for any reason, including, but not limited to, Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” will mean that the Company has complied with the “Good Reason Process” (hereinafter defined) following the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) a material diminution in Executive’s responsibilities, authority or duties; (ii) any reduction in Executive’s Annual Base Salary except for across-the-board salary reductions based on the Company’s financial performance similarly affecting all or substantially all senior management employees of the Company; or (iii) the material breach of this Agreement by the Company. “Good Reason Process” will mean Executive reasonably determines in good faith that a “Good Reason” condition has occurred; Executive notifies the Company in writing of the occurrence of the Good Reason condition within sixty (60) calendar days after Executive’s discovery of such condition; Executive cooperates in good faith with the Company’s efforts, for a period not less than thirty (30) calendar days following such notice (the “Cure Period”), to remedy the condition; notwithstanding such efforts, the Good Reason condition continues to exist; and Executive terminates his employment within sixty (60) calendar days after the end of the Cure Period. If the Company cures the Good Reason condition during the Cure Period, Good Reason will be deemed not to have occurred.
(f) Notice of Termination. Except for termination as specified in Section 4(a), any termination of Executive’s employment will be communicated by written Notice of Termination by the terminating party to the other party hereto. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” will mean a notice which will indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon.
(g) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” will mean: (i) if Executive’s employment is terminated by his death, the date of Executive’s death; (ii) if Executive’s employment is terminated on account of disability under Section 4(b) or by the Company for Cause under Section 4(c), the date on which Notice of Termination is given; (iii) if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company under Section 4(d), thirty (30) calendar days after the date on which a Notice of Termination is given, unless earlier agreed to by the parties; (iv) if Executive’s employment is terminated by Executive under Section 4(e) without Good Reason, thirty (30) calendar days after the date of which a Notice of Termination is given; and (v) if Executive’s employment is terminated by Executive under Section 4(e) with Good Reason, the date on which Notice of Termination is given after the end of the Cure Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event Executive gives a Notice of Termination to the Company, the Company may unilaterally accelerate the Date of Termination (and provide pay in lieu of the applicable notice period) and such acceleration will not change the categorization of the termination under this Agreement.
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(h) Resignation from All Positions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, upon the termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for any reason, Executive will immediately resign from all positions that Executive holds or has ever held with the Company and its affiliates and all positions Executive may hold with any other entities for which the Company or its affiliates have requested Executive to perform services. Executive hereby agrees to execute any and all documentation to effectuate such resignations upon request by the Company, but Executive will be treated for all purposes as having so resigned upon termination of his employment, regardless of when or whether Executive executes any such documentation.
5. Compensation Upon Termination
(a) Termination Generally. During the Employment Period, if Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, the Company will pay or provide Executive (or Executive’s authorized representative or estate) any earned but unpaid Annual Base Salary for services rendered through the Date of Termination and unpaid expense reimbursements (the “Accrued Benefits”) within thirty (30) calendar days following Executive’s Date of Termination, or as otherwise required by applicable law. With respect to vested benefits Executive may have under any employee benefit plan of the Company, payment will be made to Executive under the terms of the applicable plan. Except as otherwise provided in Section 6 of this Agreement, if Executive is terminated pursuant to Sections 4(a), 4(b), or 4(c) or by Executive without Good Reason, the Company will have no further obligation to Executive other than the payments required under this Section 5(a), or as otherwise required by law.
(b) Termination by the Company Without Cause or by Executive with Good Reason. If, during the Employment Period, Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause as provided in Section 4(d) of this Agreement or Executive terminates Executive’s employment for Good Reason as provided in Section 4(e) of this Agreement, then the Company will pay Executive the payments required under Section 5(a) above. In addition, if Executive enters into a general release of claims in substantially the form of Exhibit A (the “Release”) within twenty-one (21) calendar days after Executive’s Date of Termination (or such longer period as provided by the Company), and such Release becomes effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms:
(i) The Company will pay to Executive an aggregate amount equal to two (2) times the sum of (x) the Annual Base Salary (without taking into account any reduction to the Annual Base Salary that constitutes Good Reason for Executive’s termination), plus (y) an amount equal to the short-term incentive that would be payable if the “target” level performance were achieved under the Company’s STIP in respect of the fiscal year during which the termination occurs (or the prior fiscal year, if bonus levels have not yet been established for the year of termination), which amount will be payable in substantially equal semi-monthly or other installments (not less frequently than monthly) on the same schedule that Annual Base Salary was paid immediately prior to the Date of Termination, with the first such installment occurring within ten (10) calendar days following the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable (which first installment will include any installments (without interest) that would have occurred prior to such date but for the fact the Release was not yet effective).
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(ii) The Company will pay to Executive the amount of any short-term incentive that has been earned by Executive under the STIP for a completed fiscal year or other measuring period preceding the Date of Termination (or that would have been earned by Executive had his employment continued through the date such short-term incentive is paid to other senior executives), but has not yet been paid to Executive, payable in a single lump sum no later than the date that short-term incentives are payable to other participants in the STIP for that fiscal year (pursuant to the terms of the STIP).
(iii) If and only if Executive’s Date of Termination occurs at least three (3) full calendar months after the beginning of the Company’s fiscal year, Executive will be eligible to receive a short-term incentive under the STIP for the fiscal year during which the Date of Termination occurs, based on actual Company performance during the entire fiscal year and without regard to any discretionary adjustments that have the effect of reducing the amount of the short-term incentive (other than discretionary adjustments applicable to all senior executives who did not terminate employment), and assuming that any individual goals applicable to Executive were satisfied at the “target” level, pro-rated based on the number of days in the Company’s fiscal year through (and including) the Date of Termination, which amount will be payable in a single lump sum at the same time that payments are made to other participants in the STIP for that fiscal year (pursuant to the terms of the STIP).
(iv) The Company will pay an amount equal to Executive’s portion paid with respect to current covered employees of the Company (determined at the time such amount is paid) of the premium amounts for coverage at the coverage level of Executive at the time of Executive’s termination of coverage under the Company’s group health, dental and vision program (if enrolled at the time of separation from employment) for eighteen (18) months to be paid directly to the group health, dental and vision program vendors or insurers, as applicable , provided, however that: (A) no payments will be made under paragraph unless Executive timely elects continued coverage under such plan(s) pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 as amended (“COBRA”); (B) Executive is required to pay for the employee portion of the COBRA premiums; and (C) payments under this Section 5(b)(iv) will cease as of the earliest of the following: (x) the date Executive is no longer eligible for or continuing to receive COBRA coverage, including for Executive’s failure to pay Executive portion of the COBRA premiums; or (y) the time period set forth in the first sentence of this Section 5(b)(iv) ends, or (c) the date on which Executive first becomes eligible to enroll in another employer-sponsored group health plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines that this Section 5(b)(iv) would violate the nondiscrimination rules applicable to group health plans, or would result in the imposition of penalties under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and the related regulations and guidance promulgation thereunder (the “ACA”), the Company will reform this Section 5(b)(iv) in a manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA.
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(v) Each outstanding equity award of the Company granted to Executive shall be treated as provided in the applicable Company equity plan and award agreement; provided, however, that, unless the applicable equity plan and award agreement would provide a greater benefit, (x) all outstanding and unvested time-based equity awards of the Company granted to Executive will become immediately vested and exercisable (without pro-ration), and (y) all outstanding and unvested performance-based equity awards of the Company granted to Executive will vest based on actual Company performance during the entire performance period and without regard to any discretionary adjustments that have the effect of reducing the amount of the payout (other than discretionary adjustments applicable to all senior executives who did not terminate employment), and will be pro-rated based on the number of days in the applicable performance period through (and including) the Date of Termination, and will become payable at the same time that the applicable awards are payable to similarly-situated executives who did not terminate employment during that performance period.
(c) Full Settlement. The amounts paid to Executive pursuant to Section 5(b) following termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason will be in full and complete satisfaction of Executive’s rights under this Agreement and any other claims Executive may have with respect to Executive’s employment by the Company and the termination thereof. Such amounts will constitute liquidated damages with respect to any and all such rights and claims. Payments and benefits provided in Section 5(b) shall be in lieu of any termination or severance payments or benefits for which Executive may be eligible under any of the plans, policies or programs of the Company or under the Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act of 1988 or any similar state statute or regulation.
(d) Termination of Severance Benefits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive breaches this Agreement after the end of the Employment Period, including, without limitation, Section 6 of this Agreement, all payments and benefits under Section 5(b) will immediately cease, in addition to any other remedy set forth in this Agreement or as may be available.
6. Confidential Information, Noncompetition, Nonsolicitation and Other Terms. As material inducement to Executive to enter into this Agreement, and to provide Executive with the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement, Executive covenants and agrees as follows:
(a) Confidential Information. As used in this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means information belonging to the Company which is of value to the Company in the course of conducting its business (whether having existed, now existing, or to be developed or created during Executive’s employment by the Company) and the disclosure of which could result in a competitive or other disadvantage to the Company. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, contract terms and rates; negotiating and contracting strategies; facility participation status; financial information, reports, and forecasts; inventions, improvements and other intellectual property; product plans or proposed product plans; trade secrets; know-how; designs, processes or formulae; software; market or sales information, plans or strategies; employee, customer, and supplier information; financial data; product and service pricing methodologies, strategies and practices; and business plans, models, prospects and opportunities (such as possible acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or facilities that have been discussed with or considered by Executive (regardless of whether or not such transactions are executed). Confidential Information includes information developed by Executive in the course of Executive’s employment by the Company, as well as other information to which Executive may have access in connection with Executive’s employment. Confidential Information also includes the confidential information of others with which Executive has a business relationship. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information does not include information in the public domain, unless due to breach of Executive’s duties under Section 6(b), unless otherwise due to Executive’s breach of the obligations in this Agreement, or unless due to violation of another person’s obligations to Executive.
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(b) Confidentiality. Executive understands and agrees that Executive’s employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between Executive and the Company with respect to all Confidential Information. At all times, both during the Employment Period and after Executive’s termination from employment for any reason, Executive will keep in confidence and trust all such Confidential Information, and will not use, disclose, or transfer any such Confidential Information without the written consent of the Company, except as may be necessary within the scope of Executive’s duties with the Company and in the ordinary course of performing Executive’s duties to the Company. Executive understands and agrees not to sell, license or otherwise exploit any products or services which embody or otherwise exploit in whole or in part any Confidential Information or materials. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the sale, misappropriation, or unauthorized use or disclosure in writing, orally or by electronic means, at any time of Confidential Information obtained by Executive during or in connection with the course of Executive’s employment constitutes unfair competition.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, pursuant to 18 USC §1833(b), an individual may not be held liable under any criminal or civil federal or state trade secret law for disclosure of a trade secret: (i) made in confidence to a government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Additionally, an individual suing an employer for retaliation based on the reporting of a suspected violation of law may disclose a trade secret to his attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, so long as any document containing the trade secret is filed under seal and the individual does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to court order. Nothing herein restricts or prohibits Executive from initiating communications directly with, responding to any inquiries from, providing testimony before, providing confidential information to, lawfully reporting waste, fraud or abuse related to the performance of a federal government contract to, reporting possible violations of law or regulation to, or from filing a claim or assisting with an investigation directly with a self-regulatory authority or a government agency or entity, including but not limited to the Securities Exchange Commission, a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information (e.g., agency Office of the Inspector General), and the federal Office of Occupational Safety and Health (collectively, “Government Agencies”), or from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of state or federal law or regulation, and Executive does not need the Company’s prior authorization to engage in such conduct. However, in making any such disclosures or communications, Executive must take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Confidential Information to any parties other than the Government Agencies and Executive is not permitted to disclose the Company’s attorney-client privileged communications or attorney work product.
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(c) Documents, Records, etc. All documents, records, data, apparatus, equipment and other physical property, whether or not pertaining to Confidential Information, that are furnished to Executive by the Company or are produced by Executive in connection with Executive’s employment will be and remain the sole property of the Company. Executive will return to the Company all such materials and property as and when requested by the Company. In addition, Executive will return all such materials and property immediately upon termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of reason. Executive will not retain any such material or property or any copies thereof after such termination from employment, including any such material or property on any computer or other device that remains in Executive’s property after the termination of employment. It is specifically agreed that any documents, card files, notebooks, programs, or similar items containing customer information are the property of the Company regardless of by whom they were compiled.
(d) Disclosure Prevention; Copying. Executive will take all reasonable precautions to prevent the inadvertent or accidental exposure of Confidential Information. Executive agrees that the copy or transfer of Confidential Information (by any means) will be done only as needed in furtherance of and for use in the Company’s business, and consistent with Executive’s duties with the Company. Executive further agrees that copies of Confidential Information will be treated with the same degree of confidentiality as the original information and will be subject to all restrictions herein.
(e) Computer Security. During the Employment Period, Executive agrees to use Company-provided computer resources (both on and off the Company’s premises) in a manner that is compliant with the Company’s policies and procedures concerning the use of such computer resources. Executive acknowledges that the Company retains the right to review any and all electronic mail communications using Company-provided technology resources, accounts and addresses, with or without notice, at any time.
(f) Assignment/Intellectual Property. Executive acknowledges that any and all inventions, discoveries, designs, developments, methods, modifications, improvements, trade secrets, processes, software, formulae, data, “know-how,” databases, algorithms, techniques and works of authorship whether or not patentable or protectable by copyright or trade secret, made or conceived, first reduced to practice, or learned by Executive, either alone or jointly with others during the Employment Period that (i) relate to or are useful in the business of the Company, or (ii) are conceived, made or worked on at the expense of or during Executive’s work time for the Company, or using any resources or materials of the Company, or (iii) arise out of tasks assigned to Executive by the Company (together “Proprietary Inventions”) will be the sole property of the Company. Executive acknowledges that all work performed by Executive is on a “work for hire” basis and Executive hereby assigns or agrees to assign to the Company Executive’s entire right, title and interest in and to any and all Proprietary Inventions and related intellectual property rights. Executive agrees to assist the Company to obtain, maintain and enforce intellectual property rights for Proprietary Inventions in any and all countries while employed and thereafter, for as long as such intellectual property rights exist.
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(g) Non-solicitation. During the Employment Period and for the period of twenty-four (24) months after the Date of Termination, regardless of the reason for the termination (the “Restricted Period”), Executive: (i) will refrain from directly or indirectly hiring, employing, attempting to hire or employ, recruiting, or otherwise soliciting or inducing any person to terminate their employment with the Company (other than terminations of employment of subordinate employees undertaken in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company); and (ii) will refrain from directly or indirectly soliciting or transacting business with any customer, client, or vendor of the Company with whom Executive had material contact during Executive’s employment or about whom Executive has trade secret or Confidential Information, for purposes of providing products or services that are competitive with those provided by the Company.
(h) Noncompetition. Because of the Company’s legitimate business interest described in this Agreement, during the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, partner, shareholder, director, consultant, agent, broker, employee, co-venturer, investor, or otherwise, engage, participate, assist, or invest in or plan to assist or invest in or work for or provide services to any Competing Business in the Restricted Area. Given Executive’s role with the Company, Executive’s access to Confidential Information and Company trade secrets throughout the world, and Executive’s provision of services or material presence or influence on the Company throughout the world, the parties agree that the “Restricted Area” is defined to be the entire world. “Competing Business” will mean any person, entity, or organization (other than the Company) that is primarily engaged in, or planning to primarily engage in, a treasury strategy centered on cryptocurrency. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may own up to one percent (1%) of the outstanding stock of a publicly held corporation that constitutes or is affiliated with a Competing Business. The parties agree that the Company’s hiring of Executive and the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement, including specifically the grant of the RSU Award and any other incentive compensation plans as are now available and may become available to Executive constitutes mutually agreed upon consideration for the noncompetition covenant set forth in this Section 6(h). The parties agree that the Company’s legitimate business interests cannot be adequately protected through an alternative restrictive covenant, including but not limited to a non-solicitation agreement or a nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement, and therefore the restriction in this Section 6(h) is necessary. This Section does not, in any way, restrict or impede Executive from exercising protected rights to the extent that such rights cannot be waived by agreement or from complying with any applicable law or regulation or a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that such compliance does not exceed that required by the law, regulation, or order.
(i) Reasonableness; Blue Penciling. Executive understands that the restrictions set forth in this Section 6 are intended to protect the Company’s legitimate business interest in its Confidential Information, trade secrets, and established relationships and goodwill with employees, customers, suppliers, payors, and third-party entities involved in negotiating contracts for the Company’s services and products and Executive agrees that such restrictions are reasonable and appropriate for these purposes. Executive acknowledges that the covenants contained in this Section 6 have a unique, very substantial and immeasurable value to the Company, that the Company’s Confidential Information and trade secrets would provide significant value and unfair competitive advantages to any competitor in the Restricted Area given the nature of the Company’s business, and that a more narrow geographic scope to the covenant would not sufficiently protect the Company’s legitimate business interest in preserving the Confidential Information and trade secrets to which Executive has access. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that: (i) Executive will not be subject to undue hardship by reason of Executive’s full compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement or the Company’s enforcement of it; (ii) Executive will be reasonably able to earn a living without violating the restrictions contained in this Agreement; and (iii) that Executive has the right to consult with counsel before signing this Agreement. In the event that the restrictions against engaging in competitive activity contained in this Section 6 will be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of their extending for too great a period of time or over too great a geographical area or by reason of their being too extensive in any other respect, Section 6 will be interpreted to extend only over the maximum period of time for which it may be enforceable and over the maximum geographical area as to which it may be enforceable and to the maximum extent in all other respects as to which it may be enforceable, all as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in such action.
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(j) Non-Disparagement. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Executive, during the Employment Period and at all times, thereafter, will not make any defamatory comments concerning the Company or any of its current or former directors, officers, stockholders, or employees. Similarly, the Company will direct its then-current members of the Board and senior executive officers to refrain from making any defamatory comment concerning Executive. These non-disparagement obligations will not in any way affect either parties’ obligation to testify truthfully in any legal proceeding. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, nothing contained in this Agreement limits, restricts, or in any other way affects either parties’ communications with any Governmental Agency, or communicating with any official or staff person of a Government Agency, concerning matters relevant to the Government Agency.
(k) Third-Party Agreements and Rights. Executive hereby confirms that, Executive is not bound by the terms of any agreement with any previous employer or other party which restricts in any way Executive’s use or disclosure of information or Executive’s engagement in any business. Executive represents to the Company that, Executive’s execution of this Agreement, Executive’s employment with the Company and the performance of Executive’s proposed duties for the Company will not violate any obligations Executive may have to any previous employer or other party. In Executive’s work for the Company, Executive will not disclose to the Company or any of its employees or use any information in violation of any agreements with or rights of any such previous employer or other party, and Executive will not bring to (by any means) the premises of the Company or share with any of the Company’s employees any copies or other tangible embodiments of non-public information belonging to or obtained from any such previous employment or other party.
(l) Litigation and Regulatory Cooperation. During and after the Employment Period, Executive will cooperate fully with the Company in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or that may be brought in the future against or on behalf of the Company by/against third parties that relate to events or occurrences that transpired during the Employment Period. Executive’s full cooperation in connection with such claims or actions will include, but not be limited to, being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or trial and to act as a witness at mutually convenient times. During and after the Employment Period, Executive also will cooperate fully with the Company in connection with any investigation or review of any federal, state, or local regulatory authority as any such investigation or review relates to events or occurrences that transpired during the Employment Period. Executive will reimburse the Company for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with Executive’s performance of obligations pursuant to this Section 6(l). In addition, for all time that Executive reasonably expends in cooperating with the Company pursuant to this Section after Executive’s Date of Termination, the Company will compensate Executive at the last hourly rate Executive was paid at the time of Executive’s Date of Termination; provided that Executive’s right to such compensation will not apply (i) during any period in which Executive is receiving severance pay as described in Section 5(b), or (ii) to time spent in activities that could have been compelled pursuant to a subpoena, including testimony and related attendance at depositions, hearings, or trials.
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(m) Enforcement; Injunction. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions contained in this Agreement are reasonable and necessary to protect the business and interests of the Company, do not create any undue hardship for Executive, and that any violation of the restrictions in this Agreement would cause the Company substantial irreparable injury. Accordingly, Executive agrees that a remedy at law for any breach or threatened breach of the covenants or other obligations in this Agreement would be inadequate, that the Company, in addition to any other remedies available, will be entitled to obtain preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to secure specific performance of such covenants and to prevent a breach or contemplated or threatened breach of this Agreement without the necessity of proving actual damage and without the necessity of posting bond or security, which Executive expressly waives. Moreover, Executive will provide the Company a full accounting of all proceeds and profits received by Executive as a result of or in connection with a breach of this Agreement. Executive hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company from and against any damages incurred by the Company, as assessed by a court of competent jurisdiction, as a result of any breach of this Agreement by Executive. Executive agrees that the Company will be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs if it prevails in any action to enforce this Agreement. Executive agrees that each obligation specified in this Agreement is a separate and independent covenant that will survive any termination of this Agreement and Executive’s employment and that the unenforceability of any of them will not prevent the enforcement of any other covenants in this Agreement. No change in Executive’s duties or compensation will be construed to affect, alter, or otherwise release Executive from the covenants herein.
(n) Tolling. The length of time for which the covenant in Sections 6(g) and 6(h) will be in force will be extended by an amount of time equal to the period during which a violation of such covenant is deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to have occurred (including any period required for litigation during which the Company seeks to enforce such covenant).
7. Assignment and Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legatees, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, Executive may not assign any of Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement (other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution) without first obtaining the written consent of the Company. The Company may assign this Agreement in connection with a sale of all or substantially all of its business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) and will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. “Company” means the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid that assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
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8. Enforceability. If any portion or provision of this Agreement will to any extent be declared illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such portion or provision in circumstances other than those as to which it is so declared illegal or unenforceable, will not be affected thereby, and each portion and provision of this Agreement will be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
9. Waiver. No waiver of any provision hereof will be effective unless made in writing and signed by the waiving party. The failure of any party to require the performance of any term or obligation of this Agreement, or the waiver by any party of any breach of this Agreement, will not prevent any subsequent enforcement of such term or obligation or be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach.
10. Notices. Any notice provided for in this Agreement will be in writing and will be personally delivered, sent by reputable overnight carrier, sent via electronic mail or mailed by first class mail, return receipt requested, to the recipient at the address or email address, as applicable, below indicated: (a) if to Executive, to the address most recently on file with the Company (which Executive will update as necessary from time to time); and (b) if to the Company: SharpLink Gaming, Inc., 333 Washington Avenue North, Suite 104, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55402, Email: [●]@[●].com, Attention: Chairman of the Board, or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party will have specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice under this Agreement will be deemed to have been given when so delivered (or in the case of electronic mail, when electronic evidence of transmission is received).
11. Publicity. Executive hereby grants to the Company the right to use Executive’s name and likeness, without additional consideration, on, in and in connection with technical, marketing and/or disclosure materials published by or for the Company.
12. Conflicting Obligations and Rights. Executive affirms that Executive has informed the Company of any apparent conflicts between Executive’s work for the Company and (a) any obligations Executive may have to preserve the confidentiality of another’s proprietary information or materials, (b) any rights Executive claims to any inventions or ideas before using the same on Executive’s behalf, and/or (c) any other obligations or restrictions to which Executive may be subject. The Company will receive such disclosures in confidence and consistent with the objectives of avoiding any conflict of obligations and rights or the appearance of any conflict of interest. Should Executive fail to notify the Company of any such conflicts, the Company may conclude that no such conflict exists and Executive agrees thereafter to make no such claim against the Company and agrees to further indemnify and hold the Company harmless against any and all costs, attorneys’ fees, losses, liabilities and expenses resulting from claims, demands, suits, actions or other judgments arising out of or in any way related to Executive’s failure to notify the Company of such conflicts.
13. Notification of New Employer. Executive agrees to notify the Company if Executive accepts employment or otherwise provides services to any entity within twenty-four (24) months after employment ends, or if Executive’s employment or association with any entity may otherwise potentially violate any duty Executive owes to the Company. Executive further agrees to communicate the contents of all post-employment obligations in this Agreement to any Competing Business or any company with which Executive becomes associated. Executive understands and agrees that the Company may share any post-employment obligations of Executive with any future employer or potential employer of Executive, or any entity which seeks to be associated with Executive for Executive’s services.
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14. Tax Withholding. The Company will undertake to make deductions, withholdings and tax reports with respect to payments and benefits under this Agreement, to the extent it reasonably and in good faith believes it is required to make such deductions, withholdings and tax reports. Payments under this Agreement will be in amounts net of any such deductions or withholdings. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed to require the Company to make any payments to compensate Executive for any adverse tax effect associated with any payments or benefits, or for any deduction or withholding from any payment or benefit.
15. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes in all respects all prior agreements, including without limitation, any prior nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements that may have been signed by Executive, as well as all express or implied negotiations and agreements. Without limiting the foregoing, this Agreement replaces and supersedes, in its entirety, the Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive dated as of February 14, 2024, as amended on March 19, 2025, and as amended on June 29, 2025
16. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument signed by Executive and by a duly authorized representative of the Company.
17. Governing Law. This Agreement will be construed under and be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles of such state.
18. Consent to Jurisdiction; Forum Selection; Waiver of Jury Trial. Any judicial proceeding brought against the Company with respect to this Agreement may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Texas and, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, Executive: (a) accepts, generally and unconditionally, the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such courts and any related appellate courts, and irrevocably agrees to be bound by any final judgment (after exhausting all appeals therefrom or after all time periods for such appeals have expired) rendered thereby in connection with this Agreement; and (b) irrevocably waives any objection Executive may now or hereafter have as to the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court or that such court is an inconvenient forum. Nothing in this Section will affect the right of any party hereto to serve legal process in any manner permitted by law. By executing this Agreement, the parties knowingly and willingly waive any right they have under applicable law to a trial by jury.
19. Section 409A Compliance
(a) In General. Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”), imposes payment restrictions on “nonqualified deferred compensation” (i.e., potentially including payments owed to Executive upon termination of employment). Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in negative tax consequences to Executive, including immediate taxation, interest and a twenty percent (20%) additional income tax. It is the Company’s intent that this Agreement be exempt from the application of, or otherwise comply with, the requirements of Section 409A. Specifically, any taxable benefits or payments provided under this Agreement will be deemed to be a separate “payment” for purposes and within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii) that qualify for the “short-term deferral” exception to Section 409A to the maximum extent possible, and to the extent they do not so qualify, are intended to qualify for the involuntary separation pay exceptions to Section 409A, to the maximum extent possible. If neither of these exceptions applies, and if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, then notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary and to the extent required to comply with Section 409A, all amounts that would otherwise be paid or provided during the first six (6) months following the Date of Termination will instead be accumulated through and paid or provided (without interest) on the first calendar day following the six (6) month anniversary of the Date of Termination. If any provision of this Agreement or any payment made hereunder fails to meet the requirements of Section 409A, the Company will have no liability for any tax, penalty or interest imposed on Executive by Section 409A, and Executive will have no recourse against the Company for payment of any such tax, penalty, or interest imposed by Section 409A.
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(b) Separation from Service. A termination of employment will not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A and Executive is no longer providing services (at a level that would preclude the occurrence of a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A) to the Company or its affiliates as an employee or consultant, and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms will mean “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, but only to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, if the period in which the Release required by Section 5(b) of this Agreement must be provided and become effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms begins in one calendar year and ends in a second calendar year, payment of any nonqualified deferred compensation will be made or commence on the later of (i) the first payroll date of the second calendar year, or (ii) the first payroll date after the date that the Release becomes effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms.
(c) Reimbursements. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A: (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year, and (iii) such payments will be made on or before the last calendar day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred, or such earlier date as required hereunder.
(d) Timing of Payments. To the extent that the payments or benefits under this Agreement are “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A, if the period during which Executive may deliver the Release required hereunder spans two (2) calendar years, the payment of Executive’s post-termination benefits will occur (or commence) on the later of (i) the first regularly-scheduled payroll date that occurs on or after January 1 of the second calendar year, or (ii) the first regularly-scheduled payroll date following the date Executive’s Release becomes effective.
20. Survival. Sections 5 through 19 will survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement under the terms set forth above.
21. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered will be taken to be an original; but such counterparts will together constitute one and the same document. A scanned, electronic or PDF signature will be considered an original for all purposes.
22. Right to Consult with Counsel and Opportunity to Review. Executive has the right to consult with counsel prior to signing this Agreement and was given the opportunity to do so.
(Signatures are on the following page)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.
SHARPLINK GAMING, INC. | ||
| /s/ Robert Phythian | ||
| By: | Robert Phythian | |
| Its: | Chief Executive Officer | |
| EXECUTIVE | ||
| /s/ Robert DeLucia | ||
| Robert DeLucia | ||
[Signature Page to DeLucia Employment Agreement]
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EXHIBIT A
Release
[The Company may make such changes as it determines is required or reasonably advisable to make this Release enforceable and otherwise compliant with applicable law.]
I, Robert DeLucia in consideration for the severance benefits set forth in Section 5(b) of the employment agreement with SharpLink Gaming, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) dated as of July 24, 2025, as amended from time-to-time (the “Employment Agreement”), hereby agree to the following terms as set forth in this Release of Claims (the “Release”). For the avoidance of doubt, this Release is the “Release” contemplated in the Employment Agreement.
1. I understand that any payments or benefits paid or granted to me under Section 5(b) of the Employment Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. Such payments and benefits will not be considered compensation for purposes of any employee benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement maintained or hereafter established by the Company or its affiliates.
2. I knowingly and voluntarily (on behalf of myself, my spouse, my heirs, executors, administrators, agents and assigns, past and present) fully and forever release and discharge the Company, its affiliated and related entities, its and their respective predecessors, successors and assigns, its and their respective employee benefit plans and fiduciaries of such plans, and the current and former officers, directors, shareholders, employees, attorneys, accountants and agents of each of the foregoing in their official and personal capacities (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, suits, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross claims, counterclaims, demands, debts, liens, contracts, covenants, suits, rights, obligations, expenses, judgments, compensatory damages, liquid damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, orders and liabilities of whatever kind of nature, in law and in equity, in contract of in tort, both past and present and whether known or unknown, vested or contingent, suspected, or claimed, against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, may have, including without limitation claims which arise out of or relate to my employment with, or my separation or termination from, the Company up to the date of my execution of this Release including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim of violation arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act), the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (excluding claims to vested benefits); the Fair Labor Standards Act; or their state or local counterparts; the Texas Labor Code, including the Texas Payday Act, the Texas Anti-Retaliation Act, Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code, the Texas Whistleblower Act, or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local state or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract of tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of the Company; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of the Employment Agreement, infliction of emotional distress or defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters (collectively, the “Claims”).
3. I represent that I have made no assignment of transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by Section 2 above.
4. In signing this Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the claims, demands and causes of action herein above mentioned or implied. I expressly consent that this Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected claims up to the date of my execution of this Release, if any, as well as those relating to any other claims hereinabove mentioned. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of the Employment Agreement. I further agree that in the event I should bring a claim seeking damages against the Company, this Release shall serve as a complete defense to such claims as to my rights and entitlements. I further agree that I am not aware of any pending charge or complaint of the type described in Section 2 above as of the date of my execution of this Release. To the extent such a claim was made by me or on my behalf, I agree to withdraw it with prejudice.
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5. I agree that neither this Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Release, shall be deemed or constructed at any time to be an admission or acknowledgement by the Company, any Released Party or myself of any improper or unlawful conduct.
6. Notwithstanding anything in the Release to the contrary, nothing in this Release shall be deemed to affect, impair, relinquish, diminish, or in any way affect any rights or claims in any respect to rights or claims (i) that may arise after the date I sign this Release; (ii) that cannot be waived as a matter of law; (iii) to enforce this Release or the Employment Agreement; (iv) for unemployment or workers’ compensation benefits under applicable state law; (v) to vested rights under a Company plan; (vi) to indemnification under applicable corporate law, the by-laws or certificate of incorporation (or other constituent document) of the Company or any of its affiliates or any applicable indemnification agreement with the Company or any of its affiliates, or (vii) as an insured under any director’s and officer’s liability insurance policy now or previously in force.
7. Nothing in this Release, including without limitation the non-defamatory and confidentiality clauses, is intended to or shall be construed to limit my ability to file a charge or participate or cooperate in an investigation or proceeding with the EEOC or comparable state or local agencies investigating unlawful employment discrimination practices (collectively, “Discrimination Agencies”). The Discrimination Agencies have the authority to carry out their statutory duties by investigating a charge, issuing a determination, filing a lawsuit, or taking any other action authorized by law. I retain the right to participate in any such action and retain the right to communicate with the Discrimination Agencies, and such communication shall not be limited by any provision in this Release. Nothing in this Release shall be construed to limit my ability, without prior authorization from or notification to the Company, to engage in any activity or conduct protected by Section 7 or any other provision of the National Labor Relations Act (such as by way of a non-exhaustive list of examples, from filing an unfair labor practice charge, assisting other employees in doing so, assisting in any way in the investigative process of the National Labor Relations Board, and discussing terms and conditions of employment with others); to report possible violations of federal, state, or local law or regulation to any government agency or entity, including but not limited, to the extent applicable, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Congress, and/or any agency Inspector General, or make other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal, state, or local law or regulation; or to communicate directly with, respond to any inquiry from, or provide testimony before, to the extent applicable, the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, any other self-regulatory organization, or any other federal, state, or local regulatory authority, regarding this Release or its underlying facts or circumstances. I understand, agree and acknowledge that, by signing this Release, I have completely waived my right to receive any individual relief, including monetary damages, in connection with any such claim, charge, complaint, investigation, or proceeding covered by this Section (including without limitation those filed with a Discrimination Agency), and if I am awarded individual relief and/or monetary damages, I hereby unconditionally assign to the Company, and agree to undertake any and all measures necessary to effectuate such assignment of, any right or interest I may have to receive such individual relief and/or monetary damages. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Release does not limit my right to receive an award for information provided to the SEC or to any other government agency where such a waiver is prohibited.
8. I understand that I continue to be bound by Section 6 of the Employment Agreement. I further confirm that I have, on or before the date of this Release, returned to the Company all Company property in my possession or control, including, without limitation and where applicable, Company vehicle, computer equipment, software, laptop, cellular phone, iPad, keys and access cards, credit cards, files and any documents (including computerized data and any copies made of any computerized data or software) containing information concerning the Company, its business or its business relationships (in the latter three cases, actual or prospective). I also commit to deleting and finally purging any duplicates of files or documents that may contain Company information from any computer or other device that remains in my property after the date of this Release. If that I discover that I continue to retain any such property, I shall return it to the Company immediately. These obligations include, without limitation, the return and destruction of any electronic communications, including text messages on any application whatsoever, including on personal electronic devices between me and any other individual wherein some portion of that communication concerns the Company’s business.
9. Whenever possible, each provision of this Release shall be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provisions of this Release are held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein.
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10. This Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles of such state.
BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT:
(i) I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY;
(ii) I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED;
(iii) I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT;
(iv) THE COMPANY IS HEREBY ADVISING ME TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING THIS RELEASE. I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SO CONSULT, AND HAVE AVAILED MYSELF OF SUCH ADVICE TO THE EXTENT I HAVE DEEMED NECESSARY TO MAKE A VOLUNTARY AND INFORMED CHOICE TO EXECUTE THIS RELEASE;
(v) I HAVE HAD AT LEAST TWENTY-ONE (21) CALENDAR DAYS FOLLOWING THE DATE OF PRESENTATION OF THIS RELEASE TO CONSIDER THIS RELEASE, AND UNDERSTAND I CANNOT SIGN THIS BEFORE MY DATE OF TERMINATION;
(vi) CHANGES TO THIS RELEASE, WHETHER MATERIAL OR IMMATERIAL, DO NOT RESTART THE RUNNING OF THE TWENTY-ONE (21) DAY CONSIDERATION PERIOD;
(vii) I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN (7) CALENDAR DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE IT, SUCH REVOCATION TO BE SENT BY EMAIL TO THE ATTENTION OF [●] BY THE END OF THE SEVENTH CALENDAR DAY AFTER THE DATE HEREOF, AND THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED;
(viii) I HAVE SIGNED THIS RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT;
(ix) I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME; AND
(x) I AGREE THAT I AM ENTERING INTO THIS GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS IN CONNECTION WITH THE CESSATION OF MY EMPLOYMENT.
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As agreed to on the date indicated by:
| EXECUTIVE | ||
| Robert DeLucia | Date | |
| THE COMPANY | ||
| By: | ||
| [Name][Title] | Date |
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Exhibit 10.23
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is effective as of July 24, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), between SharpLink Gaming, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Joseph Chalom (“Executive”). In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment. Provided this Agreement is fully-executed, Executive’s employment with the Company will commence as of the Effective Date. Executive’s employment is contingent upon the successful completion of the Company’s pre-employment process and Executive receiving the proper authorization to commence employment. Either the Company or Executive may terminate this Agreement and Executive’s employment at any time and for any reason, with or without Cause, as set forth in Section 4 below, and provided Executive may have an opportunity for severance or other benefits on the terms, and subject to the conditions, set forth in Section 5 below. The period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 4(g) below) is hereinafter referred to as the “Employment Period”.
2. Position and Duties; Location.
(a) Position and Duties. During the Employment Period, the Company will employ Executive as Co-Chief Executive Officer (or as Chief Executive Officer, if subsequently determined by the Board). Executive will report solely to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and will have such duties, responsibilities and authorities as are customarily associated with his position (including, but not limited to, the general management of the affairs of the Company) and such additional duties and responsibilities consistent with his positions as may, from time to time, be properly and lawfully assigned to Executive.
(b) Outside Activities. During the Employment Period, Executive will devote substantially all his business time, energies and talents to serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and will perform his duties conscientiously and faithfully, subject to the reasonable and lawful directions of the Board and in accordance with the policies, rules and decisions adopted from time to time by the Company and the Board. During the Employment Period, it will not be a violation of this Agreement for Executive, subject to the requirements of Section 6 hereof, to (i) serve on civic or charitable boards, (ii) with the consent of the Board, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, serve on up to two (2) corporate boards unrelated to the Company (and retain all compensation in whatever form for such service), (iii) deliver lectures and fulfill speaking engagements, and (iv) manage personal investments, so long as such activities (individually or in the aggregate) do not significantly interfere with the performance of Executive’s responsibilities as set forth in Section 2(a) above or Executive’s fiduciary duties to the Company.
(c) Location. During the Employment Period, Executive shall work on a hybrid basis with an opportunity to work from the offices of Consensys Software Inc. located in New York, New York (subject in all events to the consent and direction of Consensys Software Inc.). Executive agrees and understands that he may also be required under reasonable business circumstances to travel outside of such location in connection with performing his duties under this Agreement.
3. Compensation and Benefits.
(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Company will pay Executive an annualized base salary (“Annual Base Salary”) at a rate of $750,000, effective as of the Effective Date, and payable in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. During the Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary will be reviewed by the Board or a committee thereof at such time as the salaries of other senior executives of the Company are reviewed generally. The Annual Base Salary will not be reduced other than in connection with an across-the-board salary reduction which applies in a comparable manner to other senior executives of the Company. If so increased or reduced, then such adjusted salary will thereafter be the Annual Base Salary for all purposes under this Agreement.
(b) Short-Term Incentive. For each fiscal year during the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company’s short-term incentive program (the “STIP”), under terms and conditions no less favorable than other senior executives of the Company; provided that Executive’s “target” short-term incentive opportunity will not be less than 100% of his Annual Base Salary as of the last day of the fiscal year and Executive’s “maximum” short-term incentive opportunity will not be more than 150% of his Annual Base Salary as of the last day of the fiscal year, and such opportunities shall be pro-rated for the 2025 fiscal year. Executive’s payment under the STIP for any fiscal year during the Employment Period will be based on the extent to which the performance objectives established by the Board, or a committee thereof, have been achieved for that year. The short-term incentive for any fiscal year, if earned, will be paid to Executive by the Company in accordance with the terms, and subject to the conditions, of the STIP, but no later than March 15 of the immediately following year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive must be employed, in good standing, and not have otherwise given notification of his intent to resign from employment, as of the date of payment to be eligible to receive payment of a short-term incentive for a given fiscal year and, in any event, any short-term incentive with respect to a fiscal year shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Board or a committee thereof.
(c) Sign-on Equity Grant. As a material inducement to Executive’s decision to commence employment with the Company, within thirty (30) calendar days after the Effective Date, the Company will grant to Executive a restricted stock unit award with an award value of $7,000,000 (the “RSU Award”), which award value shall be converted to a number of shares (rounded down to the nearest whole share) by dividing (i) the award value, by (ii) the average closing per-share price of the Company’s common stock for the seventy five (75) trading days immediately preceding the Effective Date. Subject to Section 5(b)(v) of this Agreement, the RSU award shall vest as follows: (i) two-thirds (2/3) of the RSU Award will be subject to time-based vesting conditions (the “Time-Based Vesting Units”) with one-third (1/3) of such Time-Based Vesting Units vesting on the first (1st) anniversary of the Effective Date and the remaining Time-Based Vesting Units vesting in equal quarterly installments thereafter, in each case subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company and (ii) one-third (1/3) of the RSU Award will be subject to performance-based vesting conditions (the “Performance-Based Vesting Units”), which shall vest based on the extent that certain annual performance goals, selected by the Board or a committee thereof, are achieved over a three-year performance cycle. The RSU Award shall be granted on the terms, and subject to the conditions, of the standard award agreement approved for use under the SharpLink Gaming, Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Plan”); however, the RSU Award is intended to constitute an inducement award within the meaning of Rule 5635(c)(4) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules and, as a result, the RSU Award either (x) will be granted on a “standalone” basis outside of the Plan, or (y) pursuant to a separate inducement award plan to be adopted by the Board prior to the date of grant, in any event as determined by the Board. The Company will file a separate registration statement on Form S-8 covering the shares issuable under the RSU Award.
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(d) Long-Term Incentive. For each fiscal year during the Employment Period commencing with the 2026 fiscal year (which, for this purpose, will commence July 1, 2026), Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program (the “LTIP”), under terms and conditions no less favorable than other senior executives of the Company; provided that Executive’s “target” long-term incentive opportunity for the 2026 fiscal year will not be less than $4,000,000. The Board, or a committee thereof, may adjust Executive’s LTIP opportunity for each subsequent fiscal year, but it is intended that the award value for each such fiscal year will be at least equal to the value set forth above for the 2026 fiscal year, unless otherwise determined by the Board or a committee thereof, in its sole discretion.
(e) Change in Control Protections. Upon a Change in Control (as such term is defined in the Plan), (i) all outstanding and unvested time-based equity awards of the Company granted to Executive will become immediately vested and exercisable (without pro-ration), and (ii) all outstanding and unvested performance-based equity awards of the Company granted to Executive will vest (without pro-ration) based on the actual level of achievement of all relevant performance goals against target measured through the date immediately prior to the Change in Control (or as close to such date as administratively practicable), as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its discretion.
(f) PTO. During the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible for paid-time-off (“PTO”) in accordance with the Company’s policies, as may be in effect from time to time, for its senior executives generally; provided that Executive will be entitled to PTO at a rate of no less than four (4) weeks per calendar year (pro-rated for partial calendar years). Executive will use such PTO at such reasonable time or times each year as he may determine after consultation with the Chairman of the Board.
(g) Expense Reimbursement. During the Employment Period, Executive will be reimbursed for all reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses actually and properly incurred by Executive during the Employment Period in connection with carrying out his duties hereunder in accordance with the Company’s policies, as may be in effect from time to time, for its senior executives generally.
(h) Benefits. During the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to participate in all employee benefit and insurance plans sponsored or maintained by the Company for similarly situated executives (including any savings, retirement, life, health and disability plans but specifically excluding any severance plans or programs), to the extent that Executive is qualified to participate in any such plan under the generally applicable provisions thereof in effect from time to time. In addition, the Company shall pay the cost of an annual “senior executive” physical examination for Executive. Nothing herein will be deemed to prohibit the Company or the Board from amending or terminating any such plan in its sole and absolute discretion. Except as otherwise provided herein, the terms of each such plan will govern Executive’s rights and obligations thereunder during Executive’s employment and upon the termination thereof.
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(i) Indemnification and Insurance. Subject to Sections 6(m) and 12 below, the Company will indemnify Executive to the full extent provided for in its corporate charter, bylaws or any other indemnification policy or procedure as in effect from time to time and applicable to its other directors and senior executives and to the maximum extent that the Company indemnifies any of its other directors and senior executives, and Executive will be entitled to the protection of any insurance policies the Company may elect to maintain generally for the benefit of its directors and senior executives against all costs, charges, liabilities and expenses incurred or sustained by him in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which he may be made a party by reason of his being or having been a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its affiliates or his serving or having served any other enterprise, plan or trust as a director, officer, employee or fiduciary at the request of the Company or any of its affiliates (other than any dispute, claim or controversy arising under or relating to this Agreement).
4. Termination. Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated during the Employment Period under the following circumstances:
(a) Death. Executive’s employment hereunder will terminate upon Executive’s death.
(b) Disability. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment if Executive is disabled and unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s then-existing position or positions under this Agreement with or without reasonable accommodation for a period of 180 calendar days (which need not be consecutive) in any twelve (12) month period. If any question will arise as to whether during any period Executive is disabled so as to be unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s then-existing position or positions with or without reasonable accommodations, Executive may, and at the request of the Company will, submit to the Company a certification in reasonable detail by a physician selected by the Company to whom Executive or Executive’s guardian has no reasonable objection as to whether Executive is so disabled or how long such disability is expected to continue, such certification will for the purposes of this Agreement be conclusive of the issue. Executive will cooperate with any reasonable request of the physician in connection with such certification. If such question will arise and Executive will fail to submit such certification, the Company’s determination of such issue will be binding on Executive and his legal representatives. Nothing in this Section 4(b) will be construed to waive Executive’s rights, if any, under existing law including, without limitation, the Family Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any law related to Executive’s disability/medical condition.
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(c) Termination by the Company for Cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause. For purposes of Sections 4 and 5 of this Agreement, “Cause” will mean: (i) conduct by Executive constituting a material act of willful misconduct in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties, including, without limitation, misappropriation of funds or property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates other than the occasional, customary and de minimis use of the Company’s property for personal purposes, as determined in the reasonable discretion of the Company; (ii) the commission by Executive of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, deceit, dishonesty or fraud, or any other conduct (including but not limited to the dependence of a controlled substance) by Executive that would reasonably be expected to result in material financial or reputational injury to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates if Executive were retained in Executive’s position; (iii) Executive’s continued, willful and deliberate non-performance of his duties hereunder or the repeated failure or refusal to comply with the instructions given by the Board (in each case other than by reason of Executive’s physical or mental illness, incapacity or disability); (iv) Executive’s breach of a material term of this Agreement, (v) Executive’s material breach of Executive’s fiduciary duties to the Company; (vi) a violation by Executive of the Company’s employment policies, code of conduct, code of ethics or insider trading policy; or (vii) Executive’s willful failure to cooperate with a bona fide internal investigation or an investigation by regulatory or law enforcement authorities, after being instructed by the Company to cooperate, or the willful destruction or failure to preserve documents or other materials known to be relevant to such investigation or the willful inducement of others to fail to cooperate or to produce documents or other materials in connection with such investigations. A termination will not be for “Cause” under Section 4(c)(iv), to the extent such conduct is curable, unless the Company shall have notified Executive in writing describing such conduct and prescribing conduct required to cure such conduct and Executive shall have failed to cure such conduct within twenty (20) calendar days after receipt of such written notice.
(d) Termination Without Cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause. Any termination by the Company of Executive’s employment under this Agreement which does not constitute a termination for Cause under Section 4(c) and does not result from the death or disability of Executive under Sections 4(a) or 4(b) will be deemed a termination without Cause.
(e) Termination by Executive. Executive may terminate his employment hereunder for any reason, including, but not limited to, Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” will mean that the Company has complied with the “Good Reason Process” (hereinafter defined) following the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) a material diminution in Executive’s responsibilities, authority or duties; (ii) any reduction in Executive’s Annual Base Salary except for across-the-board salary reductions based on the Company’s financial performance similarly affecting all or substantially all senior management employees of the Company; or (iii) the material breach of this Agreement by the Company. “Good Reason Process” will mean Executive reasonably determines in good faith that a “Good Reason” condition has occurred; Executive notifies the Company in writing of the occurrence of the Good Reason condition within sixty (60) calendar days after Executive’s discovery of such condition; Executive cooperates in good faith with the Company’s efforts, for a period not less than thirty (30) calendar days following such notice (the “Cure Period”), to remedy the condition; notwithstanding such efforts, the Good Reason condition continues to exist; and Executive terminates his employment within sixty (60) calendar days after the end of the Cure Period. If the Company cures the Good Reason condition during the Cure Period, Good Reason will be deemed not to have occurred.
(f) Notice of Termination. Except for termination as specified in Section 4(a), any termination of Executive’s employment will be communicated by written Notice of Termination by the terminating party to the other party hereto. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” will mean a notice which will indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon.
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(g) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” will mean: (i) if Executive’s employment is terminated by his death, the date of Executive’s death; (ii) if Executive’s employment is terminated on account of disability under Section 4(b) or by the Company for Cause under Section 4(c), the date on which Notice of Termination is given; (iii) if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company under Section 4(d), thirty (30) calendar days after the date on which a Notice of Termination is given, unless earlier agreed to by the parties; (iv) if Executive’s employment is terminated by Executive under Section 4(e) without Good Reason, thirty (30) calendar days after the date of which a Notice of Termination is given; and (v) if Executive’s employment is terminated by Executive under Section 4(e) with Good Reason, the date on which Notice of Termination is given after the end of the Cure Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event Executive gives a Notice of Termination to the Company, the Company may unilaterally accelerate the Date of Termination (and provide pay in lieu of the applicable notice period) and such acceleration will not change the categorization of the termination under this Agreement.
(h) Resignation from All Positions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, upon the termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for any reason, Executive will immediately resign from all positions that Executive holds or has ever held with the Company and its affiliates, including from the Board, and all positions Executive may hold with any other entities for which the Company or its affiliates have requested Executive to perform services. Executive hereby agrees to execute any and all documentation to effectuate such resignations upon request by the Company, but Executive will be treated for all purposes as having so resigned upon termination of his employment, regardless of when or whether Executive executes any such documentation.
5. Compensation Upon Termination
(a) Termination Generally. During the Employment Period, if Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, the Company will pay or provide Executive (or Executive’s authorized representative or estate) any earned but unpaid Annual Base Salary for services rendered through the Date of Termination and unpaid expense reimbursements (the “Accrued Benefits”) within thirty (30) calendar days following Executive’s Date of Termination, or as otherwise required by applicable law. With respect to vested benefits Executive may have under any employee benefit plan of the Company, payment will be made to Executive under the terms of the applicable plan. Except as otherwise provided in Section 6 of this Agreement, if Executive is terminated pursuant to Sections 4(a), 4(b), or 4(c) or by Executive without Good Reason, the Company will have no further obligation to Executive other than the payments required under this Section 5(a), or as otherwise required by law.
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(b) Termination by the Company Without Cause or by Executive with Good Reason. If, during the Employment Period, Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause as provided in Section 4(d) of this Agreement or Executive terminates Executive’s employment for Good Reason as provided in Section 4(e) of this Agreement, then the Company will pay Executive the payments required under Section 5(a) above. In addition, if Executive enters into a general release of claims in substantially the form of Exhibit A (the “Release”) within twenty-one (21) calendar days after Executive’s Date of Termination (or such longer period as provided by the Company), and such Release becomes effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms:
(i) The Company will pay to Executive an aggregate amount equal to two (2) times the sum of (x) the Annual Base Salary (without taking into account any reduction to the Annual Base Salary that constitutes Good Reason for Executive’s termination), plus (y) an amount equal to the short-term incentive that would be payable if the “target” level performance were achieved under the Company’s STIP in respect of the fiscal year during which the termination occurs (or the prior fiscal year, if bonus levels have not yet been established for the year of termination), which amount will be payable in substantially equal semi-monthly or other installments (not less frequently than monthly) on the same schedule that Annual Base Salary was paid immediately prior to the Date of Termination, with the first such installment occurring within ten (10) calendar days following the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable (which first installment will include any installments (without interest) that would have occurred prior to such date but for the fact the Release was not yet effective).
(ii) The Company will pay to Executive the amount of any short-term incentive that has been earned by Executive under the STIP for a completed fiscal year or other measuring period preceding the Date of Termination (or that would have been earned by Executive had his employment continued through the date such short-term incentive is paid to other senior executives), but has not yet been paid to Executive, payable in a single lump sum no later than the date that short-term incentives are payable to other participants in the STIP for that fiscal year (pursuant to the terms of the STIP).
(iii) If and only if Executive’s Date of Termination occurs at least three (3) full calendar months after the beginning of the Company’s fiscal year, Executive will be eligible to receive a short-term incentive under the STIP for the fiscal year during which the Date of Termination occurs, based on actual Company performance during the entire fiscal year and without regard to any discretionary adjustments that have the effect of reducing the amount of the short-term incentive (other than discretionary adjustments applicable to all senior executives who did not terminate employment), and assuming that any individual goals applicable to Executive were satisfied at the “target” level, pro-rated based on the number of days in the Company’s fiscal year through (and including) the Date of Termination, which amount will be payable in a single lump sum at the same time that payments are made to other participants in the STIP for that fiscal year (pursuant to the terms of the STIP).
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(iv) The Company will pay an amount equal to Executive’s portion paid with respect to current covered employees of the Company (determined at the time such amount is paid) of the premium amounts for coverage at the coverage level of Executive at the time of Executive’s termination of coverage under the Company’s group health, dental and vision program (if enrolled at the time of separation from employment) for eighteen (18) months to be paid directly to the group health, dental and vision program vendors or insurers, as applicable , provided, however that: (A) no payments will be made under paragraph unless Executive timely elects continued coverage under such plan(s) pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 as amended (“COBRA”); (B) Executive is required to pay for the employee portion of the COBRA premiums; and (C) payments under this Section 5(b)(iv) will cease as of the earliest of the following: (x) the date Executive is no longer eligible for or continuing to receive COBRA coverage, including for Executive’s failure to pay Executive portion of the COBRA premiums; or (y) the time period set forth in the first sentence of this Section 5(b)(iv) ends, or (c) the date on which Executive first becomes eligible to enroll in another employer-sponsored group health plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines that this Section 5(b)(iv) would violate the nondiscrimination rules applicable to group health plans, or would result in the imposition of penalties under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and the related regulations and guidance promulgation thereunder (the “ACA”), the Company will reform this Section 5(b)(iv) in a manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA.
(v) Each outstanding equity award of the Company granted to Executive shall be treated as provided in the applicable Company equity plan and award agreement; provided, however, that, unless the applicable equity plan and award agreement would provide a greater benefit, (x) all outstanding and unvested time-based equity awards of the Company granted to Executive will become immediately vested and exercisable (without pro-ration), and (y) all outstanding and unvested performance-based equity awards of the Company granted to Executive will vest based on actual Company performance during the entire performance period and without regard to any discretionary adjustments that have the effect of reducing the amount of the payout (other than discretionary adjustments applicable to all senior executives who did not terminate employment), and will be pro-rated based on the number of days in the applicable performance period through (and including) the Date of Termination, and will become payable at the same time that the applicable awards are payable to similarly-situated executives who did not terminate employment during that performance period.
(c) Full Settlement. The amounts paid to Executive pursuant to Section 5(b) following termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason will be in full and complete satisfaction of Executive’s rights under this Agreement and any other claims Executive may have with respect to Executive’s employment by the Company and the termination thereof. Such amounts will constitute liquidated damages with respect to any and all such rights and claims. Payments and benefits provided in Section 5(b) shall be in lieu of any termination or severance payments or benefits for which Executive may be eligible under any of the plans, policies or programs of the Company or under the Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act of 1988 or any similar state statute or regulation.
(d) Termination of Severance Benefits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive breaches this Agreement after the end of the Employment Period, including, without limitation, Section 6 of this Agreement, all payments and benefits under Section 5(b) will immediately cease, in addition to any other remedy set forth in this Agreement or as may be available.
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6. Confidential Information, Noncompetition, Nonsolicitation and Other Terms. As material inducement to Executive to enter into this Agreement, and to provide Executive with the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement, Executive covenants and agrees as follows:
(a) Confidential Information. As used in this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means information belonging to the Company which is of value to the Company in the course of conducting its business (whether having existed, now existing, or to be developed or created during Executive’s employment by the Company) and the disclosure of which could result in a competitive or other disadvantage to the Company. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, contract terms and rates; negotiating and contracting strategies; facility participation status; financial information, reports, and forecasts; inventions, improvements and other intellectual property; product plans or proposed product plans; trade secrets; know-how; designs, processes or formulae; software; market or sales information, plans or strategies; employee, customer, and supplier information; financial data; product and service pricing methodologies, strategies and practices; and business plans, models, prospects and opportunities (such as possible acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or facilities that have been discussed with or considered by Executive (regardless of whether or not such transactions are executed). Confidential Information includes information developed by Executive in the course of Executive’s employment by the Company, as well as other information to which Executive may have access in connection with Executive’s employment. Confidential Information also includes the confidential information of others with which Executive has a business relationship. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information does not include information in the public domain, unless due to breach of Executive’s duties under Section 6(b), unless otherwise due to Executive’s breach of the obligations in this Agreement, or unless due to violation of another person’s obligations to Executive.
(b) Confidentiality. Executive understands and agrees that Executive’s employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between Executive and the Company with respect to all Confidential Information. At all times, both during the Employment Period and after Executive’s termination from employment for any reason, Executive will keep in confidence and trust all such Confidential Information, and will not use, disclose, or transfer any such Confidential Information without the written consent of the Company, except as may be necessary within the scope of Executive’s duties with the Company and in the ordinary course of performing Executive’s duties to the Company. Executive understands and agrees not to sell, license or otherwise exploit any products or services which embody or otherwise exploit in whole or in part any Confidential Information or materials. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the sale, misappropriation, or unauthorized use or disclosure in writing, orally or by electronic means, at any time of Confidential Information obtained by Executive during or in connection with the course of Executive’s employment constitutes unfair competition.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, pursuant to 18 USC §1833(b), an individual may not be held liable under any criminal or civil federal or state trade secret law for disclosure of a trade secret: (i) made in confidence to a government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Additionally, an individual suing an employer for retaliation based on the reporting of a suspected violation of law may disclose a trade secret to his attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, so long as any document containing the trade secret is filed under seal and the individual does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to court order. Nothing herein restricts or prohibits Executive from initiating communications directly with, responding to any inquiries from, providing testimony before, providing confidential information to, lawfully reporting waste, fraud or abuse related to the performance of a federal government contract to, reporting possible violations of law or regulation to, or from filing a claim or assisting with an investigation directly with a self-regulatory authority or a government agency or entity, including but not limited to the Securities Exchange Commission, a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information (e.g., agency Office of the Inspector General), and the federal Office of Occupational Safety and Health (collectively, “Government Agencies”), or from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of state or federal law or regulation, and Executive does not need the Company’s prior authorization to engage in such conduct. However, in making any such disclosures or communications, Executive must take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Confidential Information to any parties other than the Government Agencies and Executive is not permitted to disclose the Company’s attorney-client privileged communications or attorney work product.
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(c) Documents, Records, etc. All documents, records, data, apparatus, equipment and other physical property, whether or not pertaining to Confidential Information, that are furnished to Executive by the Company or are produced by Executive in connection with Executive’s employment will be and remain the sole property of the Company. Executive will return to the Company all such materials and property as and when requested by the Company. In addition, Executive will return all such materials and property immediately upon termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of reason. Executive will not retain any such material or property or any copies thereof after such termination from employment, including any such material or property on any computer or other device that remains in Executive’s property after the termination of employment. It is specifically agreed that any documents, card files, notebooks, programs, or similar items containing customer information are the property of the Company regardless of by whom they were compiled.
(d) Disclosure Prevention; Copying. Executive will take all reasonable precautions to prevent the inadvertent or accidental exposure of Confidential Information. Executive agrees that the copy or transfer of Confidential Information (by any means) will be done only as needed in furtherance of and for use in the Company’s business, and consistent with Executive’s duties with the Company. Executive further agrees that copies of Confidential Information will be treated with the same degree of confidentiality as the original information and will be subject to all restrictions herein.
(e) Computer Security. During the Employment Period, Executive agrees to use Company-provided computer resources (both on and off the Company’s premises) in a manner that is compliant with the Company’s policies and procedures concerning the use of such computer resources. Executive acknowledges that the Company retains the right to review any and all electronic mail communications using Company-provided technology resources, accounts and addresses, with or without notice, at any time.
(f) Assignment/Intellectual Property. Executive acknowledges that any and all inventions, discoveries, designs, developments, methods, modifications, improvements, trade secrets, processes, software, formulae, data, “know-how,” databases, algorithms, techniques and works of authorship whether or not patentable or protectable by copyright or trade secret, made or conceived, first reduced to practice, or learned by Executive, either alone or jointly with others during the Employment Period that (i) relate to or are useful in the business of the Company, or (ii) are conceived, made or worked on at the expense of or during Executive’s work time for the Company, or using any resources or materials of the Company, or (iii) arise out of tasks assigned to Executive by the Company (together “Proprietary Inventions”) will be the sole property of the Company. Executive acknowledges that all work performed by Executive is on a “work for hire” basis and Executive hereby assigns or agrees to assign to the Company Executive’s entire right, title and interest in and to any and all Proprietary Inventions and related intellectual property rights. Executive agrees to assist the Company to obtain, maintain and enforce intellectual property rights for Proprietary Inventions in any and all countries while employed and thereafter, for as long as such intellectual property rights exist. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in accordance with N.Y. Labor Law § 203-f, this Section 6(f) does not apply to an invention that Executive developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using the Company’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information, except for those inventions that either: (i) relate at the time of conception or use to the Company’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development; or (ii) result from any work Executive performs for the Company. To the extent a provision of this Section 6(f) purports to require you to assign an invention in contravention of N.Y. Labor Law § 203-f, the provision is against the public policy of the State of New York and is void and unenforceable.
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(g) Non-solicitation. During the Employment Period and for the period of twenty-four (24) months after the Date of Termination, regardless of the reason for the termination (the “Restricted Period”), Executive: (i) will refrain from directly or indirectly hiring, employing, attempting to hire or employ, recruiting, or otherwise soliciting or inducing any person to terminate their employment with the Company (other than terminations of employment of subordinate employees undertaken in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company); and (ii) will refrain from directly or indirectly soliciting or transacting business with any customer, client, or vendor of the Company with whom Executive had material contact during Executive’s employment or about whom Executive has trade secret or Confidential Information, for purposes of providing products or services that are competitive with those provided by the Company.
(h) Noncompetition. Because of the Company’s legitimate business interest described in this Agreement, during the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, partner, shareholder, director, consultant, agent, broker, employee, co-venturer, investor, or otherwise, engage, participate, assist, or invest in or plan to assist or invest in or work for or provide services to any Competing Business in the Restricted Area. Given Executive’s role with the Company, Executive’s access to Confidential Information and Company trade secrets throughout the world, and Executive’s provision of services or material presence or influence on the Company throughout the world, the parties agree that the “Restricted Area” is defined to be the entire world. “Competing Business” will mean any person, entity, or organization (other than the Company) that is primarily engaged in, or planning to primarily engage in, a treasury strategy centered on cryptocurrency. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may own up to one percent (1%) of the outstanding stock of a publicly held corporation that constitutes or is affiliated with a Competing Business. The parties agree that the Company’s hiring of Executive and the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement, including specifically the grant of the RSU Award and any other incentive compensation plans as are now available and may become available to Executive constitutes mutually agreed upon consideration for the noncompetition covenant set forth in this Section 6(h). The parties agree that the Company’s legitimate business interests cannot be adequately protected through an alternative restrictive covenant, including but not limited to a non-solicitation agreement or a nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement, and therefore the restriction in this Section 6(h) is necessary. This Section does not, in any way, restrict or impede Executive from exercising protected rights to the extent that such rights cannot be waived by agreement or from complying with any applicable law or regulation or a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that such compliance does not exceed that required by the law, regulation, or order.
(i) Reasonableness; Blue Penciling. Executive understands that the restrictions set forth in this Section 6 are intended to protect the Company’s legitimate business interest in its Confidential Information, trade secrets, and established relationships and goodwill with employees, customers, suppliers, payors, and third-party entities involved in negotiating contracts for the Company’s services and products and Executive agrees that such restrictions are reasonable and appropriate for these purposes. Executive acknowledges that the covenants contained in this Section 6 have a unique, very substantial and immeasurable value to the Company, that the Company’s Confidential Information and trade secrets would provide significant value and unfair competitive advantages to any competitor in the Restricted Area given the nature of the Company’s business, and that a more narrow geographic scope to the covenant would not sufficiently protect the Company’s legitimate business interest in preserving the Confidential Information and trade secrets to which Executive has access. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that: (i) Executive will not be subject to undue hardship by reason of Executive’s full compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement or the Company’s enforcement of it; (ii) Executive will be reasonably able to earn a living without violating the restrictions contained in this Agreement; and (iii) that Executive has the right to consult with counsel before signing this Agreement. In the event that the restrictions against engaging in competitive activity contained in this Section 6 will be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of their extending for too great a period of time or over too great a geographical area or by reason of their being too extensive in any other respect, Section 6 will be interpreted to extend only over the maximum period of time for which it may be enforceable and over the maximum geographical area as to which it may be enforceable and to the maximum extent in all other respects as to which it may be enforceable, all as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in such action.
(j) Non-Disparagement. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Executive, during the Employment Period and at all times, thereafter, will not make any defamatory comments concerning the Company or any of its current or former directors, officers, stockholders, or employees. Similarly, the Company will direct its then-current members of the Board and senior executive officers to refrain from making any defamatory comment concerning Executive. These non-disparagement obligations will not in any way affect either parties’ obligation to testify truthfully in any legal proceeding. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, nothing contained in this Agreement limits, restricts, or in any other way affects either parties’ communications with any Governmental Agency, or communicating with any official or staff person of a Government Agency, concerning matters relevant to the Government Agency.
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(k) Third-Party Agreements and Rights. Executive hereby confirms that, Executive is not bound by the terms of any agreement with any previous employer or other party which restricts in any way Executive’s use or disclosure of information or Executive’s engagement in any business. Executive represents to the Company that, Executive’s execution of this Agreement, Executive’s employment with the Company and the performance of Executive’s proposed duties for the Company will not violate any obligations Executive may have to any previous employer or other party. In Executive’s work for the Company, Executive will not disclose to the Company or any of its employees or use any information in violation of any agreements with or rights of any such previous employer or other party, and Executive will not bring to (by any means) the premises of the Company or share with any of the Company’s employees any copies or other tangible embodiments of non-public information belonging to or obtained from any such previous employment or other party.
(l) Litigation and Regulatory Cooperation. During and after the Employment Period, Executive will cooperate fully with the Company in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or that may be brought in the future against or on behalf of the Company by/against third parties that relate to events or occurrences that transpired during the Employment Period. Executive’s full cooperation in connection with such claims or actions will include, but not be limited to, being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or trial and to act as a witness at mutually convenient times. During and after the Employment Period, Executive also will cooperate fully with the Company in connection with any investigation or review of any federal, state, or local regulatory authority as any such investigation or review relates to events or occurrences that transpired during the Employment Period. Executive will reimburse the Company for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with Executive’s performance of obligations pursuant to this Section 6(l). In addition, for all time that Executive reasonably expends in cooperating with the Company pursuant to this Section after Executive’s Date of Termination, the Company will compensate Executive at the last hourly rate Executive was paid at the time of Executive’s Date of Termination; provided that Executive’s right to such compensation will not apply (i) during any period in which Executive is receiving severance pay as described in Section 5(b), or (ii) to time spent in activities that could have been compelled pursuant to a subpoena, including testimony and related attendance at depositions, hearings, or trials.
(m) Enforcement; Injunction. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions contained in this Agreement are reasonable and necessary to protect the business and interests of the Company, do not create any undue hardship for Executive, and that any violation of the restrictions in this Agreement would cause the Company substantial irreparable injury. Accordingly, Executive agrees that a remedy at law for any breach or threatened breach of the covenants or other obligations in this Agreement would be inadequate, that the Company, in addition to any other remedies available, will be entitled to obtain preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to secure specific performance of such covenants and to prevent a breach or contemplated or threatened breach of this Agreement without the necessity of proving actual damage and without the necessity of posting bond or security, which Executive expressly waives. Moreover, Executive will provide the Company a full accounting of all proceeds and profits received by Executive as a result of or in connection with a breach of this Agreement. Executive hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company from and against any damages incurred by the Company, as assessed by a court of competent jurisdiction, as a result of any breach of this Agreement by Executive. Executive agrees that the Company will be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs if it prevails in any action to enforce this Agreement. Executive agrees that each obligation specified in this Agreement is a separate and independent covenant that will survive any termination of this Agreement and Executive’s employment and that the unenforceability of any of them will not prevent the enforcement of any other covenants in this Agreement. No change in Executive’s duties or compensation will be construed to affect, alter, or otherwise release Executive from the covenants herein.
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(n) Tolling. The length of time for which the covenant in Sections 6(g) and 6(h) will be in force will be extended by an amount of time equal to the period during which a violation of such covenant is deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to have occurred (including any period required for litigation during which the Company seeks to enforce such covenant).
7. Assignment and Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legatees, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, Executive may not assign any of Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement (other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution) without first obtaining the written consent of the Company. The Company may assign this Agreement in connection with a sale of all or substantially all of its business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) and will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. “Company” means the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid that assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
8. Enforceability. If any portion or provision of this Agreement will to any extent be declared illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such portion or provision in circumstances other than those as to which it is so declared illegal or unenforceable, will not be affected thereby, and each portion and provision of this Agreement will be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
9. Waiver. No waiver of any provision hereof will be effective unless made in writing and signed by the waiving party. The failure of any party to require the performance of any term or obligation of this Agreement, or the waiver by any party of any breach of this Agreement, will not prevent any subsequent enforcement of such term or obligation or be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach.
10. Notices. Any notice provided for in this Agreement will be in writing and will be personally delivered, sent by reputable overnight carrier, sent via electronic mail or mailed by first class mail, return receipt requested, to the recipient at the address or email address, as applicable, below indicated: (a) if to Executive, to the address most recently on file with the Company (which Executive will update as necessary from time to time); and (b) if to the Company: SharpLink Gaming, Inc., 333 Washington Avenue North, Suite 104, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55402, Email: [●]@[●].com, Attention: Chairman of the Board, or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party will have specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice under this Agreement will be deemed to have been given when so delivered (or in the case of electronic mail, when electronic evidence of transmission is received).
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11. Publicity. Executive hereby grants to the Company the right to use Executive’s name and likeness, without additional consideration, on, in and in connection with technical, marketing and/or disclosure materials published by or for the Company.
12. Conflicting Obligations and Rights. Executive affirms that Executive has informed the Company of any apparent conflicts between Executive’s work for the Company and (a) any obligations Executive may have to preserve the confidentiality of another’s proprietary information or materials, (b) any rights Executive claims to any inventions or ideas before using the same on Executive’s behalf, and/or (c) any other obligations or restrictions to which Executive may be subject. The Company will receive such disclosures in confidence and consistent with the objectives of avoiding any conflict of obligations and rights or the appearance of any conflict of interest. Should Executive fail to notify the Company of any such conflicts, the Company may conclude that no such conflict exists and Executive agrees thereafter to make no such claim against the Company and agrees to further indemnify and hold the Company harmless against any and all costs, attorneys’ fees, losses, liabilities and expenses resulting from claims, demands, suits, actions or other judgments arising out of or in any way related to Executive’s failure to notify the Company of such conflicts.
13. Notification of New Employer. Executive agrees to notify the Company if Executive accepts employment or otherwise provides services to any entity within twenty-four (24) months after employment ends, or if Executive’s employment or association with any entity may otherwise potentially violate any duty Executive owes to the Company. Executive further agrees to communicate the contents of all post-employment obligations in this Agreement to any Competing Business or any company with which Executive becomes associated. Executive understands and agrees that the Company may share any post-employment obligations of Executive with any future employer or potential employer of Executive, or any entity which seeks to be associated with Executive for Executive’s services.
14. Tax Withholding. The Company will undertake to make deductions, withholdings and tax reports with respect to payments and benefits under this Agreement, to the extent it reasonably and in good faith believes it is required to make such deductions, withholdings and tax reports. Payments under this Agreement will be in amounts net of any such deductions or withholdings. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed to require the Company to make any payments to compensate Executive for any adverse tax effect associated with any payments or benefits, or for any deduction or withholding from any payment or benefit.
15. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes in all respects all prior agreements, including without limitation, any prior nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements that may have been signed by Executive, as well as all express or implied negotiations and agreements.
16. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument signed by Executive and by a duly authorized representative of the Company.
17. Governing Law. This Agreement will be construed under and be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles of such state.
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18. Consent to Jurisdiction; Forum Selection; Waiver of Jury Trial. Any judicial proceeding brought against the Company with respect to this Agreement may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction in the Borough of Manhattan in the City and State of New York and, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, Executive: (a) accepts, generally and unconditionally, the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such courts and any related appellate courts, and irrevocably agrees to be bound by any final judgment (after exhausting all appeals therefrom or after all time periods for such appeals have expired) rendered thereby in connection with this Agreement; and (b) irrevocably waives any objection Executive may now or hereafter have as to the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court or that such court is an inconvenient forum. Nothing in this Section will affect the right of any party hereto to serve legal process in any manner permitted by law. By executing this Agreement, the parties knowingly and willingly waive any right they have under applicable law to a trial by jury.
19. Section 409A Compliance
(a) In General. Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”), imposes payment restrictions on “nonqualified deferred compensation” (i.e., potentially including payments owed to Executive upon termination of employment). Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in negative tax consequences to Executive, including immediate taxation, interest and a twenty percent (20%) additional income tax. It is the Company’s intent that this Agreement be exempt from the application of, or otherwise comply with, the requirements of Section 409A. Specifically, any taxable benefits or payments provided under this Agreement will be deemed to be a separate “payment” for purposes and within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii) that qualify for the “short-term deferral” exception to Section 409A to the maximum extent possible, and to the extent they do not so qualify, are intended to qualify for the involuntary separation pay exceptions to Section 409A, to the maximum extent possible. If neither of these exceptions applies, and if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, then notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary and to the extent required to comply with Section 409A, all amounts that would otherwise be paid or provided during the first six (6) months following the Date of Termination will instead be accumulated through and paid or provided (without interest) on the first calendar day following the six (6) month anniversary of the Date of Termination. If any provision of this Agreement or any payment made hereunder fails to meet the requirements of Section 409A, the Company will have no liability for any tax, penalty or interest imposed on Executive by Section 409A, and Executive will have no recourse against the Company for payment of any such tax, penalty, or interest imposed by Section 409A.
(b) Separation from Service. A termination of employment will not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A and Executive is no longer providing services (at a level that would preclude the occurrence of a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A) to the Company or its affiliates as an employee or consultant, and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms will mean “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, but only to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, if the period in which the Release required by Section 5(b) of this Agreement must be provided and become effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms begins in one calendar year and ends in a second calendar year, payment of any nonqualified deferred compensation will be made or commence on the later of (i) the first payroll date of the second calendar year, or (ii) the first payroll date after the date that the Release becomes effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms.
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(c) Reimbursements. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A: (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year, and (iii) such payments will be made on or before the last calendar day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred, or such earlier date as required hereunder.
(d) Timing of Payments. To the extent that the payments or benefits under this Agreement are “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A, if the period during which Executive may deliver the Release required hereunder spans two (2) calendar years, the payment of Executive’s post-termination benefits will occur (or commence) on the later of (i) the first regularly-scheduled payroll date that occurs on or after January 1 of the second calendar year, or (ii) the first regularly-scheduled payroll date following the date Executive’s Release becomes effective.
20. Survival. Sections 5 through 19 will survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement under the terms set forth above.
21. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered will be taken to be an original; but such counterparts will together constitute one and the same document. A scanned, electronic or PDF signature will be considered an original for all purposes.
22. Right to Consult with Counsel and Opportunity to Review. Executive has the right to consult with counsel prior to signing this Agreement and was given the opportunity to do so.
(Signatures are on the following page)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.
| SHARPLINK GAMING, INC. | ||
|
/s/ Obie McKenzie | ||
| By: | Obie McKenzie | |
| Its: | Chair of the Compensation Committee | |
| EXECUTIVE | ||
| /s/ Joseph Chalom | ||
| Joseph Chalom | ||
[Signature Page to Chalom Employment Agreement]
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EXHIBIT A
Release
[The Company may make such changes as it determines is required or reasonably advisable to make this Release enforceable and otherwise compliant with applicable law.]
I, Joseph Chalom in consideration for the severance benefits set forth in Section 5(b) of the employment agreement with SharpLink Gaming, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) dated as of July 24, 2025, as amended from time-to-time (the “Employment Agreement”), hereby agree to the following terms as set forth in this Release of Claims (the “Release”). For the avoidance of doubt, this Release is the “Release” contemplated in the Employment Agreement.
1. I understand that any payments or benefits paid or granted to me under Section 5(b) of the Employment Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. Such payments and benefits will not be considered compensation for purposes of any employee benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement maintained or hereafter established by the Company or its affiliates.
2. I knowingly and voluntarily (on behalf of myself, my spouse, my heirs, executors, administrators, agents and assigns, past and present) fully and forever release and discharge the Company, its affiliated and related entities, its and their respective predecessors, successors and assigns, its and their respective employee benefit plans and fiduciaries of such plans, and the current and former officers, directors, shareholders, employees, attorneys, accountants and agents of each of the foregoing in their official and personal capacities (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, suits, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross claims, counterclaims, demands, debts, liens, contracts, covenants, suits, rights, obligations, expenses, judgments, compensatory damages, liquid damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, orders and liabilities of whatever kind of nature, in law and in equity, in contract of in tort, both past and present and whether known or unknown, vested or contingent, suspected, or claimed, against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, may have, including without limitation claims which arise out of or relate to my employment with, or my separation or termination from, the Company up to the date of my execution of this Release including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim of violation arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act), the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (excluding claims to vested benefits); the Fair Labor Standards Act; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local state or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract of tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of the Company; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of the Employment Agreement, infliction of emotional distress or defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters (collectively, the “Claims”).
3. I represent that I have made no assignment of transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by Section 2 above.
4. In signing this Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the claims, demands and causes of action herein above mentioned or implied. I expressly consent that this Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected claims up to the date of my execution of this Release, if any, as well as those relating to any other claims hereinabove mentioned. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of the Employment Agreement. I further agree that in the event I should bring a claim seeking damages against the Company, this Release shall serve as a complete defense to such claims as to my rights and entitlements. I further agree that I am not aware of any pending charge or complaint of the type described in Section 2 above as of the date of my execution of this Release. To the extent such a claim was made by me or on my behalf, I agree to withdraw it with prejudice.
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5. I agree that neither this Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Release, shall be deemed or constructed at any time to be an admission or acknowledgement by the Company, any Released Party or myself of any improper or unlawful conduct.
6. Notwithstanding anything in the Release to the contrary, nothing in this Release shall be deemed to affect, impair, relinquish, diminish, or in any way affect any rights or claims in any respect to rights or claims (i) that may arise after the date I sign this Release; (ii) that cannot be waived as a matter of law; (iii) to enforce this Release or the Employment Agreement; (iv) for unemployment or workers’ compensation benefits under applicable state law; (v) to vested rights under a Company plan; (vi) to indemnification under applicable corporate law, the by-laws or certificate of incorporation (or other constituent document) of the Company or any of its affiliates or any applicable indemnification agreement with the Company or any of its affiliates, or (vii) as an insured under any director’s and officer’s liability insurance policy now or previously in force.
7. Nothing in this Release, including without limitation the non-defamatory and confidentiality clauses, is intended to or shall be construed to limit my ability to file a charge or participate or cooperate in an investigation or proceeding with the EEOC or comparable state or local agencies investigating unlawful employment discrimination practices (collectively, “Discrimination Agencies”). The Discrimination Agencies have the authority to carry out their statutory duties by investigating a charge, issuing a determination, filing a lawsuit, or taking any other action authorized by law. I retain the right to participate in any such action and retain the right to communicate with the Discrimination Agencies, and such communication shall not be limited by any provision in this Release. Nothing in this Release shall be construed to limit my ability, without prior authorization from or notification to the Company, to engage in any activity or conduct protected by Section 7 or any other provision of the National Labor Relations Act (such as by way of a non-exhaustive list of examples, from filing an unfair labor practice charge, assisting other employees in doing so, assisting in any way in the investigative process of the National Labor Relations Board, and discussing terms and conditions of employment with others); to report possible violations of federal, state, or local law or regulation to any government agency or entity, including but not limited, to the extent applicable, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Congress, and/or any agency Inspector General, or make other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal, state, or local law or regulation; or to communicate directly with, respond to any inquiry from, or provide testimony before, to the extent applicable, the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, any other self-regulatory organization, or any other federal, state, or local regulatory authority, regarding this Release or its underlying facts or circumstances. I understand, agree and acknowledge that, by signing this Release, I have completely waived my right to receive any individual relief, including monetary damages, in connection with any such claim, charge, complaint, investigation, or proceeding covered by this Section (including without limitation those filed with a Discrimination Agency), and if I am awarded individual relief and/or monetary damages, I hereby unconditionally assign to the Company, and agree to undertake any and all measures necessary to effectuate such assignment of, any right or interest I may have to receive such individual relief and/or monetary damages. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Release does not limit my right to receive an award for information provided to the SEC or to any other government agency where such a waiver is prohibited.
8. I understand that I continue to be bound by Section 6 of the Employment Agreement. I further confirm that I have, on or before the date of this Release, returned to the Company all Company property in my possession or control, including, without limitation and where applicable, Company vehicle, computer equipment, software, laptop, cellular phone, iPad, keys and access cards, credit cards, files and any documents (including computerized data and any copies made of any computerized data or software) containing information concerning the Company, its business or its business relationships (in the latter three cases, actual or prospective). I also commit to deleting and finally purging any duplicates of files or documents that may contain Company information from any computer or other device that remains in my property after the date of this Release. If that I discover that I continue to retain any such property, I shall return it to the Company immediately. These obligations include, without limitation, the return and destruction of any electronic communications, including text messages on any application whatsoever, including on personal electronic devices between me and any other individual wherein some portion of that communication concerns the Company’s business.
9. Whenever possible, each provision of this Release shall be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provisions of this Release are held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein.
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10. This Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles of such state.
BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT:
(i) I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY;
(ii) I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED;
(iii) I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT;
(iv) THE COMPANY IS HEREBY ADVISING ME TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING THIS RELEASE. I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SO CONSULT, AND HAVE AVAILED MYSELF OF SUCH ADVICE TO THE EXTENT I HAVE DEEMED NECESSARY TO MAKE A VOLUNTARY AND INFORMED CHOICE TO EXECUTE THIS RELEASE;
(v) I HAVE HAD AT LEAST TWENTY-ONE (21) CALENDAR DAYS FOLLOWING THE DATE OF PRESENTATION OF THIS RELEASE TO CONSIDER THIS RELEASE, AND UNDERSTAND I CANNOT SIGN THIS BEFORE MY DATE OF TERMINATION;
(vi) CHANGES TO THIS RELEASE, WHETHER MATERIAL OR IMMATERIAL, DO NOT RESTART THE RUNNING OF THE TWENTY-ONE (21) DAY CONSIDERATION PERIOD;
(vii) I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN (7) CALENDAR DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE IT, SUCH REVOCATION TO BE SENT BY EMAIL TO THE ATTENTION OF [●] BY THE END OF THE SEVENTH CALENDAR DAY AFTER THE DATE HEREOF, AND THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED;
(viii) I HAVE SIGNED THIS RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT;
(ix) I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME; AND
(x) I AGREE THAT I AM ENTERING INTO THIS GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS IN CONNECTION WITH THE CESSATION OF MY EMPLOYMENT.
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As agreed to on the date indicated by:
| EXECUTIVE | ||
| Joseph Chalom | Date | |
| THE COMPANY | ||
| By: | ||
| [Name][Title] | Date |
| 21 |
Exhibit 10.24
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is effective as of July 24, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), between SharpLink Gaming, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Robert Phythian (“Executive”). This Agreement replaces and supersedes, in its entirety, the Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive dated as of February 14, 2024, as amended on March 19, 2025, and as amended on June 29, 2025. In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment. Provided this Agreement is fully-executed, Executive’s employment with the Company will continue as of the Effective Date. Either the Company or Executive may terminate this Agreement and Executive’s employment at any time and for any reason, with or without Cause, as set forth in Section 4 below, and provided Executive may have an opportunity for severance or other benefits on the terms, and subject to the conditions, set forth in Section 5 below. The period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 4(g) below) is hereinafter referred to as the “Employment Period”.
2. Position and Duties; Location.
(a) Position and Duties. During the Employment Period, the Company will employ Executive as Co-Chief Executive Officer. Executive will report solely to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and will have such duties, responsibilities and authorities as are customarily associated with his position (including, but not limited to, the general management of the affairs of the Company) and such additional duties and responsibilities consistent with his positions as may, from time to time, be properly and lawfully assigned to Executive.
(b) Outside Activities. During the Employment Period, Executive will devote substantially all his business time, energies and talents to serving as an executive officer of the Company, and will perform his duties conscientiously and faithfully, subject to the reasonable and lawful directions of the Board and in accordance with the policies, rules and decisions adopted from time to time by the Company and the Board. During the Employment Period, it will not be a violation of this Agreement for Executive, subject to the requirements of Section 6 hereof, to (i) serve on civic or charitable boards, (ii) with the consent of the Board, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, serve on up to two (2) corporate boards unrelated to the Company (and retain all compensation in whatever form for such service), (iii) deliver lectures and fulfill speaking engagements, and (iv) manage personal investments, so long as such activities (individually or in the aggregate) do not significantly interfere with the performance of Executive’s responsibilities as set forth in Section 2(a) above or Executive’s fiduciary duties to the Company.
(c) Location. During the Employment Period, Executive shall work at the Company’s offices in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Executive agrees and understands that he may also be required under reasonable business circumstances to travel outside of such location in connection with performing his duties under this Agreement.
3. Compensation and Benefits.
(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Company will pay Executive an annualized base salary (“Annual Base Salary”) at a rate of $660,000, effective as of the Effective Date, and payable in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. During the Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary will be reviewed by the Board or a committee thereof at such time as the salaries of other senior executives of the Company are reviewed generally. The Annual Base Salary will not be reduced other than in connection with an across-the-board salary reduction which applies in a comparable manner to other senior executives of the Company. If so increased or reduced, then such adjusted salary will thereafter be the Annual Base Salary for all purposes under this Agreement.
(b) Short-Term Incentive. For each fiscal year during the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company’s short-term incentive program (the “STIP”), under terms and conditions no less favorable than other senior executives of the Company; provided that Executive’s “target” short-term incentive opportunity will not be less than 100% of his Annual Base Salary as of the last day of the fiscal year and Executive’s “maximum” short-term incentive opportunity will not be more than 150% of his Annual Base Salary as of the last day of the fiscal year, and such opportunities shall be pro-rated for the 2025 fiscal year. Executive’s payment under the STIP for any fiscal year during the Employment Period will be based on the extent to which the performance objectives established by the Board, or a committee thereof, have been achieved for that year. The short-term incentive for any fiscal year, if earned, will be paid to Executive by the Company in accordance with the terms, and subject to the conditions, of the STIP, but no later than March 15 of the immediately following year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive must be employed, in good standing, and not have otherwise given notification of his intent to resign from employment, as of the date of payment to be eligible to receive payment of a short-term incentive for a given fiscal year and, in any event, any short-term incentive with respect to a fiscal year shall be payable at the sole discretion of the Board or a committee thereof.
(c) Sign-on Equity Grant. Within thirty (30) calendar days after the Effective Date, the Company will grant to Executive a restricted stock unit award with an award value of $3,700,000 (the “RSU Award”), which award value shall be converted to a number of shares (rounded down to the nearest whole share) by dividing (i) the award value, by (ii) the average closing per-share price of the Company’s common stock for the seventy five (75) trading days immediately preceding the Effective Date. Subject to Section 5(b)(v) of this Agreement, the RSU award shall vest as follows: (i) two-thirds (2/3) of the RSU Award will be subject to time-based vesting conditions (the “Time-Based Vesting Units”) with one-third (1/3) of such Time-Based Vesting Units vesting on the first (1st) anniversary of the Effective Date and the remaining Time-Based Vesting Units vesting in equal quarterly installments thereafter, in each case subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company and (ii) one-third (1/3) of the RSU Award will be subject to performance-based vesting conditions (the “Performance-Based Vesting Units”), which shall vest based on the extent that certain annual performance goals, selected by the Board or a committee thereof, are achieved over a three-year performance cycle. The RSU Award shall be granted on the terms, and subject to the conditions, of the SharpLink Gaming, Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Plan”) and the standard award agreement approved for use under the Plan.
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(d) Long-Term Incentive. For each fiscal year during the Employment Period commencing with the 2026 fiscal year (which, for this purpose, will commence July 1, 2026), Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program (the “LTIP”), under terms and conditions no less favorable than other senior executives of the Company; provided that Executive’s “target” long-term incentive opportunity for the 2026 fiscal year will not be less than $3,700,000. The Board, or a committee thereof, may adjust Executive’s LTIP opportunity for each subsequent fiscal year, but it is intended that the award value for each such fiscal year will be at least equal to the value set forth above for the 2026 fiscal year, unless otherwise determined by the Board or a committee thereof, in its sole discretion.
(e) Change in Control Protections. Upon a Change in Control (as such term is defined in the Plan), (i) all outstanding and unvested time-based equity awards of the Company granted to Executive will become immediately vested and exercisable (without pro-ration), and (ii) all outstanding and unvested performance-based equity awards of the Company granted to Executive will vest (without pro-ration) based on the actual level of achievement of all relevant performance goals against target measured through the date immediately prior to the Change in Control (or as close to such date as administratively practicable), as determined by the Board or a committee thereof in its discretion.
(f) PTO. During the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible for paid-time-off (“PTO”) in accordance with the Company’s policies, as may be in effect from time to time, for its senior executives generally; provided that Executive will be entitled to PTO at a rate of no less than four (4) weeks per calendar year (pro-rated for partial calendar years). Executive will use such PTO at such reasonable time or times each year as he may determine after consultation with the Chairman of the Board.
(g) Expense Reimbursement. During the Employment Period, Executive will be reimbursed for all reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses actually and properly incurred by Executive during the Employment Period in connection with carrying out his duties hereunder in accordance with the Company’s policies, as may be in effect from time to time, for its senior executives generally.
(h) Benefits. During the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible to participate in all employee benefit and insurance plans sponsored or maintained by the Company for similarly situated executives (including any savings, retirement, life, health and disability plans but specifically excluding any severance plans or programs), to the extent that Executive is qualified to participate in any such plan under the generally applicable provisions thereof in effect from time to time. In addition, the Company shall pay the cost of an annual “senior executive” physical examination for Executive. Nothing herein will be deemed to prohibit the Company or the Board from amending or terminating any such plan in its sole and absolute discretion. Except as otherwise provided herein, the terms of each such plan will govern Executive’s rights and obligations thereunder during Executive’s employment and upon the termination thereof.
(i) Indemnification and Insurance. Subject to Sections 6(m) and 12 below, the Company will indemnify Executive to the full extent provided for in its corporate charter, bylaws or any other indemnification policy or procedure as in effect from time to time and applicable to its other directors and senior executives and to the maximum extent that the Company indemnifies any of its other directors and senior executives, and Executive will be entitled to the protection of any insurance policies the Company may elect to maintain generally for the benefit of its directors and senior executives against all costs, charges, liabilities and expenses incurred or sustained by him in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which he may be made a party by reason of his being or having been a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its affiliates or his serving or having served any other enterprise, plan or trust as a director, officer, employee or fiduciary at the request of the Company or any of its affiliates (other than any dispute, claim or controversy arising under or relating to this Agreement).
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4. Termination. Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated during the Employment Period under the following circumstances:
(a) Death. Executive’s employment hereunder will terminate upon Executive’s death.
(b) Disability. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment if Executive is disabled and unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s then-existing position or positions under this Agreement with or without reasonable accommodation for a period of 180 calendar days (which need not be consecutive) in any twelve (12) month period. If any question will arise as to whether during any period Executive is disabled so as to be unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s then-existing position or positions with or without reasonable accommodations, Executive may, and at the request of the Company will, submit to the Company a certification in reasonable detail by a physician selected by the Company to whom Executive or Executive’s guardian has no reasonable objection as to whether Executive is so disabled or how long such disability is expected to continue, such certification will for the purposes of this Agreement be conclusive of the issue. Executive will cooperate with any reasonable request of the physician in connection with such certification. If such question will arise and Executive will fail to submit such certification, the Company’s determination of such issue will be binding on Executive and his legal representatives. Nothing in this Section 4(b) will be construed to waive Executive’s rights, if any, under existing law including, without limitation, the Family Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any law related to Executive’s disability/medical condition.
(c) Termination by the Company for Cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause. For purposes of Sections 4 and 5 of this Agreement, “Cause” will mean: (i) conduct by Executive constituting a material act of willful misconduct in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties, including, without limitation, misappropriation of funds or property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates other than the occasional, customary and de minimis use of the Company’s property for personal purposes, as determined in the reasonable discretion of the Company; (ii) the commission by Executive of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, deceit, dishonesty or fraud, or any other conduct (including but not limited to the dependence of a controlled substance) by Executive that would reasonably be expected to result in material financial or reputational injury to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates if Executive were retained in Executive’s position; (iii) Executive’s continued, willful and deliberate non-performance of his duties hereunder or the repeated failure or refusal to comply with the instructions given by the Board (in each case other than by reason of Executive’s physical or mental illness, incapacity or disability); (iv) Executive’s breach of a material term of this Agreement, (v) Executive’s material breach of Executive’s fiduciary duties to the Company; (vi) a violation by Executive of the Company’s employment policies, code of conduct, code of ethics or insider trading policy; or (vii) Executive’s willful failure to cooperate with a bona fide internal investigation or an investigation by regulatory or law enforcement authorities, after being instructed by the Company to cooperate, or the willful destruction or failure to preserve documents or other materials known to be relevant to such investigation or the willful inducement of others to fail to cooperate or to produce documents or other materials in connection with such investigations. A termination will not be for “Cause” under Section 4(c)(iv), to the extent such conduct is curable, unless the Company shall have notified Executive in writing describing such conduct and prescribing conduct required to cure such conduct and Executive shall have failed to cure such conduct within twenty (20) calendar days after receipt of such written notice.
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(d) Termination Without Cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause. Any termination by the Company of Executive’s employment under this Agreement which does not constitute a termination for Cause under Section 4(c) and does not result from the death or disability of Executive under Sections 4(a) or 4(b) will be deemed a termination without Cause.
(e) Termination by Executive. Executive may terminate his employment hereunder for any reason, including, but not limited to, Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” will mean that the Company has complied with the “Good Reason Process” (hereinafter defined) following the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) a material diminution in Executive’s responsibilities, authority or duties (provided that a material reduction in Executive’s responsibilities, authority or duties (or a change in his reporting relationship) in connection with a change in his title from Co-Chief Executive Officer to either President of the Company or President of a material division thereof, or the removal of Executive from the Board, shall not constitute Good Reason); (ii) any reduction in Executive’s Annual Base Salary except for across-the-board salary reductions based on the Company’s financial performance similarly affecting all or substantially all senior management employees of the Company; or (iii) the material breach of this Agreement by the Company (other than as contemplated in the parenthetical to Section 4(e)(i) above). “Good Reason Process” will mean Executive reasonably determines in good faith that a “Good Reason” condition has occurred; Executive notifies the Company in writing of the occurrence of the Good Reason condition within sixty (60) calendar days after Executive’s discovery of such condition; Executive cooperates in good faith with the Company’s efforts, for a period not less than thirty (30) calendar days following such notice (the “Cure Period”), to remedy the condition; notwithstanding such efforts, the Good Reason condition continues to exist; and Executive terminates his employment within sixty (60) calendar days after the end of the Cure Period. If the Company cures the Good Reason condition during the Cure Period, Good Reason will be deemed not to have occurred.
(f) Notice of Termination. Except for termination as specified in Section 4(a), any termination of Executive’s employment will be communicated by written Notice of Termination by the terminating party to the other party hereto. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” will mean a notice which will indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon.
(g) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” will mean: (i) if Executive’s employment is terminated by his death, the date of Executive’s death; (ii) if Executive’s employment is terminated on account of disability under Section 4(b) or by the Company for Cause under Section 4(c), the date on which Notice of Termination is given; (iii) if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company under Section 4(d), thirty (30) calendar days after the date on which a Notice of Termination is given, unless earlier agreed to by the parties; (iv) if Executive’s employment is terminated by Executive under Section 4(e) without Good Reason, thirty (30) calendar days after the date of which a Notice of Termination is given; and (v) if Executive’s employment is terminated by Executive under Section 4(e) with Good Reason, the date on which Notice of Termination is given after the end of the Cure Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event Executive gives a Notice of Termination to the Company, the Company may unilaterally accelerate the Date of Termination (and provide pay in lieu of the applicable notice period) and such acceleration will not change the categorization of the termination under this Agreement.
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(h) Resignation from All Positions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, upon the termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for any reason, Executive will immediately resign from all positions that Executive holds or has ever held with the Company and its affiliates, including from the Board, and all positions Executive may hold with any other entities for which the Company or its affiliates have requested Executive to perform services. Executive hereby agrees to execute any and all documentation to effectuate such resignations upon request by the Company, but Executive will be treated for all purposes as having so resigned upon termination of his employment, regardless of when or whether Executive executes any such documentation.
5. Compensation Upon Termination
(a) Termination Generally. During the Employment Period, if Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, the Company will pay or provide Executive (or Executive’s authorized representative or estate) any earned but unpaid Annual Base Salary for services rendered through the Date of Termination and unpaid expense reimbursements (the “Accrued Benefits”) within thirty (30) calendar days following Executive’s Date of Termination, or as otherwise required by applicable law. With respect to vested benefits Executive may have under any employee benefit plan of the Company, payment will be made to Executive under the terms of the applicable plan. Except as otherwise provided in Section 6 of this Agreement, if Executive is terminated pursuant to Sections 4(a), 4(b), or 4(c) or by Executive without Good Reason, the Company will have no further obligation to Executive other than the payments required under this Section 5(a), or as otherwise required by law.
(b) Termination by the Company Without Cause or by Executive with Good Reason. If, during the Employment Period, Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause as provided in Section 4(d) of this Agreement or Executive terminates Executive’s employment for Good Reason as provided in Section 4(e) of this Agreement, then the Company will pay Executive the payments required under Section 5(a) above. In addition, if Executive enters into a general release of claims in substantially the form of Exhibit A (the “Release”) within twenty-one (21) calendar days after Executive’s Date of Termination (or such longer period as provided by the Company), and such Release becomes effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms:
(i) The Company will pay to Executive an aggregate amount equal to two (2) times the sum of (x) the Annual Base Salary (without taking into account any reduction to the Annual Base Salary that constitutes Good Reason for Executive’s termination), plus (y) an amount equal to the short-term incentive that would be payable if the “target” level performance were achieved under the Company’s STIP in respect of the fiscal year during which the termination occurs (or the prior fiscal year, if bonus levels have not yet been established for the year of termination), which amount will be payable in substantially equal semi-monthly or other installments (not less frequently than monthly) on the same schedule that Annual Base Salary was paid immediately prior to the Date of Termination, with the first such installment occurring within ten (10) calendar days following the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable (which first installment will include any installments (without interest) that would have occurred prior to such date but for the fact the Release was not yet effective).
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(ii) The Company will pay to Executive the amount of any short-term incentive that has been earned by Executive under the STIP for a completed fiscal year or other measuring period preceding the Date of Termination (or that would have been earned by Executive had his employment continued through the date such short-term incentive is paid to other senior executives), but has not yet been paid to Executive, payable in a single lump sum no later than the date that short-term incentives are payable to other participants in the STIP for that fiscal year (pursuant to the terms of the STIP).
(iii) If and only if Executive’s Date of Termination occurs at least three (3) full calendar months after the beginning of the Company’s fiscal year, Executive will be eligible to receive a short-term incentive under the STIP for the fiscal year during which the Date of Termination occurs, based on actual Company performance during the entire fiscal year and without regard to any discretionary adjustments that have the effect of reducing the amount of the short-term incentive (other than discretionary adjustments applicable to all senior executives who did not terminate employment), and assuming that any individual goals applicable to Executive were satisfied at the “target” level, pro-rated based on the number of days in the Company’s fiscal year through (and including) the Date of Termination, which amount will be payable in a single lump sum at the same time that payments are made to other participants in the STIP for that fiscal year (pursuant to the terms of the STIP).
(iv) The Company will pay an amount equal to Executive’s portion paid with respect to current covered employees of the Company (determined at the time such amount is paid) of the premium amounts for coverage at the coverage level of Executive at the time of Executive’s termination of coverage under the Company’s group health, dental and vision program (if enrolled at the time of separation from employment) for eighteen (18) months to be paid directly to the group health, dental and vision program vendors or insurers, as applicable , provided, however that: (A) no payments will be made under paragraph unless Executive timely elects continued coverage under such plan(s) pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 as amended (“COBRA”); (B) Executive is required to pay for the employee portion of the COBRA premiums; and (C) payments under this Section 5(b)(iv) will cease as of the earliest of the following: (x) the date Executive is no longer eligible for or continuing to receive COBRA coverage, including for Executive’s failure to pay Executive portion of the COBRA premiums; or (y) the time period set forth in the first sentence of this Section 5(b)(iv) ends, or (c) the date on which Executive first becomes eligible to enroll in another employer-sponsored group health plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines that this Section 5(b)(iv) would violate the nondiscrimination rules applicable to group health plans, or would result in the imposition of penalties under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and the related regulations and guidance promulgation thereunder (the “ACA”), the Company will reform this Section 5(b)(iv) in a manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA.
(v) Each outstanding equity award of the Company granted to Executive shall be treated as provided in the applicable Company equity plan and award agreement; provided, however, that, unless the applicable equity plan and award agreement would provide a greater benefit, (x) all outstanding and unvested time-based equity awards of the Company granted to Executive will become immediately vested and exercisable (without pro-ration), and (y) all outstanding and unvested performance-based equity awards of the Company granted to Executive will vest based on actual Company performance during the entire performance period and without regard to any discretionary adjustments that have the effect of reducing the amount of the payout (other than discretionary adjustments applicable to all senior executives who did not terminate employment), and will be pro-rated based on the number of days in the applicable performance period through (and including) the Date of Termination, and will become payable at the same time that the applicable awards are payable to similarly-situated executives who did not terminate employment during that performance period.
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(c) Full Settlement. The amounts paid to Executive pursuant to Section 5(b) following termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason will be in full and complete satisfaction of Executive’s rights under this Agreement and any other claims Executive may have with respect to Executive’s employment by the Company and the termination thereof. Such amounts will constitute liquidated damages with respect to any and all such rights and claims. Payments and benefits provided in Section 5(b) shall be in lieu of any termination or severance payments or benefits for which Executive may be eligible under any of the plans, policies or programs of the Company or under the Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act of 1988 or any similar state statute or regulation.
(d) Termination of Severance Benefits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive breaches this Agreement after the end of the Employment Period, including, without limitation, Section 6 of this Agreement, all payments and benefits under Section 5(b) will immediately cease, in addition to any other remedy set forth in this Agreement or as may be available.
6. Confidential Information, Noncompetition, Nonsolicitation and Other Terms. As material inducement to Executive to enter into this Agreement, and to provide Executive with the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement, Executive covenants and agrees as follows:
(a) Confidential Information. As used in this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means information belonging to the Company which is of value to the Company in the course of conducting its business (whether having existed, now existing, or to be developed or created during Executive’s employment by the Company) and the disclosure of which could result in a competitive or other disadvantage to the Company. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, contract terms and rates; negotiating and contracting strategies; facility participation status; financial information, reports, and forecasts; inventions, improvements and other intellectual property; product plans or proposed product plans; trade secrets; know-how; designs, processes or formulae; software; market or sales information, plans or strategies; employee, customer, and supplier information; financial data; product and service pricing methodologies, strategies and practices; and business plans, models, prospects and opportunities (such as possible acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or facilities that have been discussed with or considered by Executive (regardless of whether or not such transactions are executed). Confidential Information includes information developed by Executive in the course of Executive’s employment by the Company, as well as other information to which Executive may have access in connection with Executive’s employment. Confidential Information also includes the confidential information of others with which Executive has a business relationship. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information does not include information in the public domain, unless due to breach of Executive’s duties under Section 6(b), unless otherwise due to Executive’s breach of the obligations in this Agreement, or unless due to violation of another person’s obligations to Executive.
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(b) Confidentiality. Executive understands and agrees that Executive’s employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between Executive and the Company with respect to all Confidential Information. At all times, both during the Employment Period and after Executive’s termination from employment for any reason, Executive will keep in confidence and trust all such Confidential Information, and will not use, disclose, or transfer any such Confidential Information without the written consent of the Company, except as may be necessary within the scope of Executive’s duties with the Company and in the ordinary course of performing Executive’s duties to the Company. Executive understands and agrees not to sell, license or otherwise exploit any products or services which embody or otherwise exploit in whole or in part any Confidential Information or materials. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the sale, misappropriation, or unauthorized use or disclosure in writing, orally or by electronic means, at any time of Confidential Information obtained by Executive during or in connection with the course of Executive’s employment constitutes unfair competition.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, pursuant to 18 USC §1833(b), an individual may not be held liable under any criminal or civil federal or state trade secret law for disclosure of a trade secret: (i) made in confidence to a government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Additionally, an individual suing an employer for retaliation based on the reporting of a suspected violation of law may disclose a trade secret to his attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, so long as any document containing the trade secret is filed under seal and the individual does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to court order. Nothing herein restricts or prohibits Executive from initiating communications directly with, responding to any inquiries from, providing testimony before, providing confidential information to, lawfully reporting waste, fraud or abuse related to the performance of a federal government contract to, reporting possible violations of law or regulation to, or from filing a claim or assisting with an investigation directly with a self-regulatory authority or a government agency or entity, including but not limited to the Securities Exchange Commission, a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information (e.g., agency Office of the Inspector General), and the federal Office of Occupational Safety and Health (collectively, “Government Agencies”), or from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of state or federal law or regulation, and Executive does not need the Company’s prior authorization to engage in such conduct. However, in making any such disclosures or communications, Executive must take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Confidential Information to any parties other than the Government Agencies and Executive is not permitted to disclose the Company’s attorney-client privileged communications or attorney work product.
(c) Documents, Records, etc. All documents, records, data, apparatus, equipment and other physical property, whether or not pertaining to Confidential Information, that are furnished to Executive by the Company or are produced by Executive in connection with Executive’s employment will be and remain the sole property of the Company. Executive will return to the Company all such materials and property as and when requested by the Company. In addition, Executive will return all such materials and property immediately upon termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of reason. Executive will not retain any such material or property or any copies thereof after such termination from employment, including any such material or property on any computer or other device that remains in Executive’s property after the termination of employment. It is specifically agreed that any documents, card files, notebooks, programs, or similar items containing customer information are the property of the Company regardless of by whom they were compiled.
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(d) Disclosure Prevention; Copying. Executive will take all reasonable precautions to prevent the inadvertent or accidental exposure of Confidential Information. Executive agrees that the copy or transfer of Confidential Information (by any means) will be done only as needed in furtherance of and for use in the Company’s business, and consistent with Executive’s duties with the Company. Executive further agrees that copies of Confidential Information will be treated with the same degree of confidentiality as the original information and will be subject to all restrictions herein.
(e) Computer Security. During the Employment Period, Executive agrees to use Company-provided computer resources (both on and off the Company’s premises) in a manner that is compliant with the Company’s policies and procedures concerning the use of such computer resources. Executive acknowledges that the Company retains the right to review any and all electronic mail communications using Company-provided technology resources, accounts and addresses, with or without notice, at any time.
(f) Assignment/Intellectual Property. Executive acknowledges that any and all inventions, discoveries, designs, developments, methods, modifications, improvements, trade secrets, processes, software, formulae, data, “know-how,” databases, algorithms, techniques and works of authorship whether or not patentable or protectable by copyright or trade secret, made or conceived, first reduced to practice, or learned by Executive, either alone or jointly with others during the Employment Period that (i) relate to or are useful in the business of the Company, or (ii) are conceived, made or worked on at the expense of or during Executive’s work time for the Company, or using any resources or materials of the Company, or (iii) arise out of tasks assigned to Executive by the Company (together “Proprietary Inventions”) will be the sole property of the Company. Executive acknowledges that all work performed by Executive is on a “work for hire” basis and Executive hereby assigns or agrees to assign to the Company Executive’s entire right, title and interest in and to any and all Proprietary Inventions and related intellectual property rights. Executive agrees to assist the Company to obtain, maintain and enforce intellectual property rights for Proprietary Inventions in any and all countries while employed and thereafter, for as long as such intellectual property rights exist.
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(g) Non-solicitation.
(i) Executive understands and acknowledges that because of Executive’s experience with and relationship to the Company, Executive will have or has had and will continue to have access to and will learn or has learned and will continue to learn about much or all of the Company’s Customer Information, including, but not limited to, Confidential Information. For this purpose, “Customer Information” includes, but is not limited to, names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, order history, order preferences, chain of command, pricing information, and other information identifying facts and circumstances specific to the customer and relevant to sales or services. Executive understands and acknowledges that: (x) the Company’s relationships with its customers is of great competitive value; (y) the Company has invested and continues to invest substantial resources in developing and preserving its customer relationships and goodwill; and (z) the loss of any such customer relationship or goodwill will cause significant and irreparable harm to the Company. Accordingly, during the Employment Period, and for the period of twenty-four (24) months after the Date of Termination, regardless of the reason for the termination (the “Restricted Period”), Executive will refrain from directly or indirectly soliciting or transacting business with any customer, client, or vendor of the Company with whom Executive had material contact during Executive’s employment or about whom Executive has trade secret or Confidential Information, for purposes of providing products or services that are competitive with those provided by the Company.
(ii) Executive understands and acknowledges that the Company has expended and continues to expend significant time and expense in recruiting and training its employees and that the loss of employees would cause significant and irreparable harm to the Company. Accordingly, during the Restricted Period, Executive will refrain from directly or indirectly hiring, employing, attempting to hire or employ, recruiting, or otherwise soliciting or inducing any person to terminate their employment with the Company (other than terminations of employment of subordinate employees undertaken in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company).
(iii) This Section does not, in any way, restrict or impede Executive from exercising protected rights to the extent that such rights cannot be waived by agreement or from complying with any applicable law or regulation or a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that such compliance does not exceed that required by the law, regulation, or order.
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(h) Reasonableness; Blue Penciling. Executive understands that the restrictions set forth in this Section 6 are intended to protect the Company’s legitimate business interest in its Confidential Information, trade secrets, and established relationships and goodwill with employees, customers, suppliers, payors, and third-party entities involved in negotiating contracts for the Company’s services and products and Executive agrees that such restrictions are reasonable and appropriate for these purposes. Executive acknowledges that the covenants contained in this Section 6 have a unique, very substantial and immeasurable value to the Company, that the Company’s Confidential Information and trade secrets would provide significant value and unfair competitive advantages to any competitor in the Restricted Area given the nature of the Company’s business, and that a more narrow geographic scope to the covenant would not sufficiently protect the Company’s legitimate business interest in preserving the Confidential Information and trade secrets to which Executive has access. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that: (i) Executive will not be subject to undue hardship by reason of Executive’s full compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement or the Company’s enforcement of it; (ii) Executive will be reasonably able to earn a living without violating the restrictions contained in this Agreement; and (iii) that Executive has the right to consult with counsel before signing this Agreement. In the event that the restrictions against engaging in competitive activity contained in this Section 6 will be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of their extending for too great a period of time or over too great a geographical area or by reason of their being too extensive in any other respect, Section 6 will be interpreted to extend only over the maximum period of time for which it may be enforceable and over the maximum geographical area as to which it may be enforceable and to the maximum extent in all other respects as to which it may be enforceable, all as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in such action.
(i) Non-Disparagement. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Executive, during the Employment Period and at all times, thereafter, will not make any defamatory comments concerning the Company or any of its current or former directors, officers, stockholders, or employees. Similarly, the Company will direct its then-current members of the Board and senior executive officers to refrain from making any defamatory comment concerning Executive. These non-disparagement obligations will not in any way affect either parties’ obligation to testify truthfully in any legal proceeding. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, nothing contained in this Agreement limits, restricts, or in any other way affects either parties’ communications with any Governmental Agency, or communicating with any official or staff person of a Government Agency, concerning matters relevant to the Government Agency.
(j) Third-Party Agreements and Rights. Executive hereby confirms that, Executive is not bound by the terms of any agreement with any previous employer or other party which restricts in any way Executive’s use or disclosure of information or Executive’s engagement in any business. Executive represents to the Company that, Executive’s execution of this Agreement, Executive’s employment with the Company and the performance of Executive’s proposed duties for the Company will not violate any obligations Executive may have to any previous employer or other party. In Executive’s work for the Company, Executive will not disclose to the Company or any of its employees or use any information in violation of any agreements with or rights of any such previous employer or other party, and Executive will not bring to (by any means) the premises of the Company or share with any of the Company’s employees any copies or other tangible embodiments of non-public information belonging to or obtained from any such previous employment or other party.
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(k) Litigation and Regulatory Cooperation. During and after the Employment Period, Executive will cooperate fully with the Company in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or that may be brought in the future against or on behalf of the Company by/against third parties that relate to events or occurrences that transpired during the Employment Period. Executive’s full cooperation in connection with such claims or actions will include, but not be limited to, being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or trial and to act as a witness at mutually convenient times. During and after the Employment Period, Executive also will cooperate fully with the Company in connection with any investigation or review of any federal, state, or local regulatory authority as any such investigation or review relates to events or occurrences that transpired during the Employment Period. Executive will reimburse the Company for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with Executive’s performance of obligations pursuant to this Section 6(k). In addition, for all time that Executive reasonably expends in cooperating with the Company pursuant to this Section after Executive’s Date of Termination, the Company will compensate Executive at the last hourly rate Executive was paid at the time of Executive’s Date of Termination; provided that Executive’s right to such compensation will not apply (i) during any period in which Executive is receiving severance pay as described in Section 5(b), or (ii) to time spent in activities that could have been compelled pursuant to a subpoena, including testimony and related attendance at depositions, hearings, or trials.
(l) Enforcement; Injunction. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions contained in this Agreement are reasonable and necessary to protect the business and interests of the Company, do not create any undue hardship for Executive, and that any violation of the restrictions in this Agreement would cause the Company substantial irreparable injury. Accordingly, Executive agrees that a remedy at law for any breach or threatened breach of the covenants or other obligations in this Agreement would be inadequate, that the Company, in addition to any other remedies available, will be entitled to obtain preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to secure specific performance of such covenants and to prevent a breach or contemplated or threatened breach of this Agreement without the necessity of proving actual damage and without the necessity of posting bond or security, which Executive expressly waives. Moreover, Executive will provide the Company a full accounting of all proceeds and profits received by Executive as a result of or in connection with a breach of this Agreement. Executive hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company from and against any damages incurred by the Company, as assessed by a court of competent jurisdiction, as a result of any breach of this Agreement by Executive. Executive agrees that the Company will be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs if it prevails in any action to enforce this Agreement. Executive agrees that each obligation specified in this Agreement is a separate and independent covenant that will survive any termination of this Agreement and Executive’s employment and that the unenforceability of any of them will not prevent the enforcement of any other covenants in this Agreement. No change in Executive’s duties or compensation will be construed to affect, alter, or otherwise release Executive from the covenants herein.
(m) Tolling. The length of time for which the covenant in Sections 6(g) and 6(h) will be in force will be extended by an amount of time equal to the period during which a violation of such covenant is deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to have occurred (including any period required for litigation during which the Company seeks to enforce such covenant).
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7. Assignment and Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legatees, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, Executive may not assign any of Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement (other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution) without first obtaining the written consent of the Company. The Company may assign this Agreement in connection with a sale of all or substantially all of its business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) and will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. “Company” means the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid that assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
8. Enforceability. If any portion or provision of this Agreement will to any extent be declared illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such portion or provision in circumstances other than those as to which it is so declared illegal or unenforceable, will not be affected thereby, and each portion and provision of this Agreement will be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
9. Waiver. No waiver of any provision hereof will be effective unless made in writing and signed by the waiving party. The failure of any party to require the performance of any term or obligation of this Agreement, or the waiver by any party of any breach of this Agreement, will not prevent any subsequent enforcement of such term or obligation or be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach.
10. Notices. Any notice provided for in this Agreement will be in writing and will be personally delivered, sent by reputable overnight carrier, sent via electronic mail or mailed by first class mail, return receipt requested, to the recipient at the address or email address, as applicable, below indicated: (a) if to Executive, to the address most recently on file with the Company (which Executive will update as necessary from time to time); and (b) if to the Company: SharpLink Gaming, Inc., 333 Washington Avenue North, Suite 104, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55402, Email: [●]@[●].com, Attention: Chairman of the Board, or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party will have specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice under this Agreement will be deemed to have been given when so delivered (or in the case of electronic mail, when electronic evidence of transmission is received).
11. Publicity. Executive hereby grants to the Company the right to use Executive’s name and likeness, without additional consideration, on, in and in connection with technical, marketing and/or disclosure materials published by or for the Company.
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12. Conflicting Obligations and Rights. Executive affirms that Executive has informed the Company of any apparent conflicts between Executive’s work for the Company and (a) any obligations Executive may have to preserve the confidentiality of another’s proprietary information or materials, (b) any rights Executive claims to any inventions or ideas before using the same on Executive’s behalf, and/or (c) any other obligations or restrictions to which Executive may be subject. The Company will receive such disclosures in confidence and consistent with the objectives of avoiding any conflict of obligations and rights or the appearance of any conflict of interest. Should Executive fail to notify the Company of any such conflicts, the Company may conclude that no such conflict exists and Executive agrees thereafter to make no such claim against the Company and agrees to further indemnify and hold the Company harmless against any and all costs, attorneys’ fees, losses, liabilities and expenses resulting from claims, demands, suits, actions or other judgments arising out of or in any way related to Executive’s failure to notify the Company of such conflicts.
13. Notification of New Employer. Executive agrees to notify the Company if Executive accepts employment or otherwise provides services to any entity within twenty-four (24) months after employment ends, or if Executive’s employment or association with any entity may otherwise potentially violate any duty Executive owes to the Company. Executive further agrees to communicate the contents of all post-employment obligations in this Agreement to any Competing Business or any company with which Executive becomes associated. Executive understands and agrees that the Company may share any post-employment obligations of Executive with any future employer or potential employer of Executive, or any entity which seeks to be associated with Executive for Executive’s services.
14. Tax Withholding. The Company will undertake to make deductions, withholdings and tax reports with respect to payments and benefits under this Agreement, to the extent it reasonably and in good faith believes it is required to make such deductions, withholdings and tax reports. Payments under this Agreement will be in amounts net of any such deductions or withholdings. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed to require the Company to make any payments to compensate Executive for any adverse tax effect associated with any payments or benefits, or for any deduction or withholding from any payment or benefit.
15. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes in all respects all prior agreements, including without limitation, any prior nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements that may have been signed by Executive, as well as all express or implied negotiations and agreements. Without limiting the foregoing, this Agreement replaces and supersedes, in its entirety, the Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive dated as of February 14, 2024, as amended on March 19, 2025, and as amended on June 29, 2025
16. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument signed by Executive and by a duly authorized representative of the Company.
17. Governing Law. This Agreement will be construed under and be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles of such state.
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18. Consent to Jurisdiction; Forum Selection; Waiver of Jury Trial. Any judicial proceeding brought against the Company with respect to this Agreement may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction in Minneapolis, Minnesota and, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, Executive: (a) accepts, generally and unconditionally, the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such courts and any related appellate courts, and irrevocably agrees to be bound by any final judgment (after exhausting all appeals therefrom or after all time periods for such appeals have expired) rendered thereby in connection with this Agreement; and (b) irrevocably waives any objection Executive may now or hereafter have as to the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court or that such court is an inconvenient forum. Nothing in this Section will affect the right of any party hereto to serve legal process in any manner permitted by law. By executing this Agreement, the parties knowingly and willingly waive any right they have under applicable law to a trial by jury.
19. Section 409A Compliance
(a) In General. Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”), imposes payment restrictions on “nonqualified deferred compensation” (i.e., potentially including payments owed to Executive upon termination of employment). Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in negative tax consequences to Executive, including immediate taxation, interest and a twenty percent (20%) additional income tax. It is the Company’s intent that this Agreement be exempt from the application of, or otherwise comply with, the requirements of Section 409A. Specifically, any taxable benefits or payments provided under this Agreement will be deemed to be a separate “payment” for purposes and within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii) that qualify for the “short-term deferral” exception to Section 409A to the maximum extent possible, and to the extent they do not so qualify, are intended to qualify for the involuntary separation pay exceptions to Section 409A, to the maximum extent possible. If neither of these exceptions applies, and if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, then notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary and to the extent required to comply with Section 409A, all amounts that would otherwise be paid or provided during the first six (6) months following the Date of Termination will instead be accumulated through and paid or provided (without interest) on the first calendar day following the six (6) month anniversary of the Date of Termination. If any provision of this Agreement or any payment made hereunder fails to meet the requirements of Section 409A, the Company will have no liability for any tax, penalty or interest imposed on Executive by Section 409A, and Executive will have no recourse against the Company for payment of any such tax, penalty, or interest imposed by Section 409A.
(b) Separation from Service. A termination of employment will not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A and Executive is no longer providing services (at a level that would preclude the occurrence of a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A) to the Company or its affiliates as an employee or consultant, and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms will mean “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, but only to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, if the period in which the Release required by Section 5(b) of this Agreement must be provided and become effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms begins in one calendar year and ends in a second calendar year, payment of any nonqualified deferred compensation will be made or commence on the later of (i) the first payroll date of the second calendar year, or (ii) the first payroll date after the date that the Release becomes effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms.
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(c) Reimbursements. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A: (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year, and (iii) such payments will be made on or before the last calendar day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred, or such earlier date as required hereunder.
(d) Timing of Payments. To the extent that the payments or benefits under this Agreement are “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A, if the period during which Executive may deliver the Release required hereunder spans two (2) calendar years, the payment of Executive’s post-termination benefits will occur (or commence) on the later of (i) the first regularly-scheduled payroll date that occurs on or after January 1 of the second calendar year, or (ii) the first regularly-scheduled payroll date following the date Executive’s Release becomes effective.
20. Survival. Sections 5 through 19 will survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement under the terms set forth above.
21. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered will be taken to be an original; but such counterparts will together constitute one and the same document. A scanned, electronic or PDF signature will be considered an original for all purposes.
22. Right to Consult with Counsel and Opportunity to Review. Executive has the right to consult with counsel prior to signing this Agreement and was given the opportunity to do so.
(Signatures are on the following page)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.
SHARPLINK GAMING, INC. | ||
| /s/ Obie McKenzie | ||
| By: | Obie McKenzie | |
| Its: | Chair of the Compensation Committee | |
| EXECUTIVE | ||
| /s/ Robert Phythian | ||
|
Robert Phythian | ||
[Signature Page to Phythian Employment Agreement]
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EXHIBIT A
Release
[The Company may make such changes as it determines is required or reasonably advisable to make this Release enforceable and otherwise compliant with applicable law.]
I, Robert Phythian in consideration for the severance benefits set forth in Section 5(b) of the employment agreement with SharpLink Gaming, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) dated as of July 24, 2025, as amended from time-to-time (the “Employment Agreement”), hereby agree to the following terms as set forth in this Release of Claims (the “Release”). For the avoidance of doubt, this Release is the “Release” contemplated in the Employment Agreement.
1. I understand that any payments or benefits paid or granted to me under Section 5(b) of the Employment Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. Such payments and benefits will not be considered compensation for purposes of any employee benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement maintained or hereafter established by the Company or its affiliates.
2. I knowingly and voluntarily (on behalf of myself, my spouse, my heirs, executors, administrators, agents and assigns, past and present) fully and forever release and discharge the Company, its affiliated and related entities, its and their respective predecessors, successors and assigns, its and their respective employee benefit plans and fiduciaries of such plans, and the current and former officers, directors, shareholders, employees, attorneys, accountants and agents of each of the foregoing in their official and personal capacities (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, suits, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross claims, counterclaims, demands, debts, liens, contracts, covenants, suits, rights, obligations, expenses, judgments, compensatory damages, liquid damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, orders and liabilities of whatever kind of nature, in law and in equity, in contract of in tort, both past and present and whether known or unknown, vested or contingent, suspected, or claimed, against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, may have, including without limitation claims which arise out of or relate to my employment with, or my separation or termination from, the Company up to the date of my execution of this Release including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim of violation arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act), the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (excluding claims to vested benefits); the Fair Labor Standards Act; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local state or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract of tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of the Company; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of the Employment Agreement, infliction of emotional distress or defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters (collectively, the “Claims”).
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3. In further consideration of the payments and benefits provided to me in the Employment Agreement, I hereby irrevocably and unconditionally fully and forever waive, release, and discharge the Released Parties from any and all Claims, whether known or unknown, from the beginning of time through the date of my execution of this Release, arising under the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA), as amended, and its implementing regulations. By signing this Release, I hereby acknowledge and confirms that:
(a) I have read this Release in its entirety and understands all of its terms;
(b) by this Release, I have been advised in writing to consult with an attorney of my choosing and I have consulted with such counsel as I believed was necessary before signing this Release;
(c) I knowingly, freely, and voluntarily agree to all of the terms and conditions set out in this Release including, without limitation, the waiver, release, and covenants contained in it;
(d) I am signing this Release, including the waiver and release, in exchange for good and valuable consideration in addition to anything of value to which the I am otherwise entitled;
(e) I was given a copy of this Release on [●] and was given twenty-one days to consider the terms of this Release and consult with an attorney of my choice, although I may sign it sooner if desired and changes to this Release, whether material or immaterial, do not restart the running of the 21-day period;
(f) I understand that I have fifteen (15) days after signing this Release to revoke the release in this Section 3 by delivering notice of revocation to [●] at the Company, at [●] before the end of this fifteen-day period; and
(g) I understand that the release contained in this Section 3 does not apply to rights and claims that may arise after I sign this Release.
4. I represent that I have made no assignment of transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by Section 2 above.
5. In signing this Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the claims, demands and causes of action herein above mentioned or implied. I expressly consent that this Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected claims up to the date of my execution of this Release, if any, as well as those relating to any other claims hereinabove mentioned. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of the Employment Agreement. I further agree that in the event I should bring a claim seeking damages against the Company, this Release shall serve as a complete defense to such claims as to my rights and entitlements. I further agree that I am not aware of any pending charge or complaint of the type described in Section 2 above as of the date of my execution of this Release. To the extent such a claim was made by me or on my behalf, I agree to withdraw it with prejudice.
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6. I agree that neither this Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Release, shall be deemed or constructed at any time to be an admission or acknowledgement by the Company, any Released Party or myself of any improper or unlawful conduct.
7. Notwithstanding anything in the Release to the contrary, nothing in this Release shall be deemed to affect, impair, relinquish, diminish, or in any way affect any rights or claims in any respect to rights or claims (i) that may arise after the date I sign this Release; (ii) that cannot be waived as a matter of law; (iii) to enforce this Release or the Employment Agreement; (iv) for unemployment or workers’ compensation benefits under applicable state law; (v) to vested rights under a Company plan; (vi) to indemnification under applicable corporate law, the by-laws or certificate of incorporation (or other constituent document) of the Company or any of its affiliates or any applicable indemnification agreement with the Company or any of its affiliates, or (vii) as an insured under any director’s and officer’s liability insurance policy now or previously in force.
8. Nothing in this Release, including without limitation the non-defamatory and confidentiality clauses, is intended to or shall be construed to limit my ability to file a charge or participate or cooperate in an investigation or proceeding with the EEOC or comparable state or local agencies investigating unlawful employment discrimination practices (collectively, “Discrimination Agencies”). The Discrimination Agencies have the authority to carry out their statutory duties by investigating a charge, issuing a determination, filing a lawsuit, or taking any other action authorized by law. I retain the right to participate in any such action and retain the right to communicate with the Discrimination Agencies, and such communication shall not be limited by any provision in this Release. Nothing in this Release shall be construed to limit my ability, without prior authorization from or notification to the Company, to engage in any activity or conduct protected by Section 7 or any other provision of the National Labor Relations Act (such as by way of a non-exhaustive list of examples, from filing an unfair labor practice charge, assisting other employees in doing so, assisting in any way in the investigative process of the National Labor Relations Board, and discussing terms and conditions of employment with others); to report possible violations of federal, state, or local law or regulation to any government agency or entity, including but not limited, to the extent applicable, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Congress, and/or any agency Inspector General, or make other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal, state, or local law or regulation; or to communicate directly with, respond to any inquiry from, or provide testimony before, to the extent applicable, the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, any other self-regulatory organization, or any other federal, state, or local regulatory authority, regarding this Release or its underlying facts or circumstances. I understand, agree and acknowledge that, by signing this Release, I have completely waived my right to receive any individual relief, including monetary damages, in connection with any such claim, charge, complaint, investigation, or proceeding covered by this Section (including without limitation those filed with a Discrimination Agency), and if I am awarded individual relief and/or monetary damages, I hereby unconditionally assign to the Company, and agree to undertake any and all measures necessary to effectuate such assignment of, any right or interest I may have to receive such individual relief and/or monetary damages. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Release does not limit my right to receive an award for information provided to the SEC or to any other government agency where such a waiver is prohibited.
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9. I understand that I continue to be bound by Section 6 of the Employment Agreement. I further confirm that I have, on or before the date of this Release, returned to the Company all Company property in my possession or control, including, without limitation and where applicable, Company vehicle, computer equipment, software, laptop, cellular phone, iPad, keys and access cards, credit cards, files and any documents (including computerized data and any copies made of any computerized data or software) containing information concerning the Company, its business or its business relationships (in the latter three cases, actual or prospective). I also commit to deleting and finally purging any duplicates of files or documents that may contain Company information from any computer or other device that remains in my property after the date of this Release. If that I discover that I continue to retain any such property, I shall return it to the Company immediately. These obligations include, without limitation, the return and destruction of any electronic communications, including text messages on any application whatsoever, including on personal electronic devices between me and any other individual wherein some portion of that communication concerns the Company’s business.
10. Whenever possible, each provision of this Release shall be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provisions of this Release are held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein.
11. This Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles of such state.
BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT:
(i) I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY;
(ii) I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED;
(iii) I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT;
(iv) THE COMPANY IS HEREBY ADVISING ME TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING THIS RELEASE. I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SO CONSULT, AND HAVE AVAILED MYSELF OF SUCH ADVICE TO THE EXTENT I HAVE DEEMED NECESSARY TO MAKE A VOLUNTARY AND INFORMED CHOICE TO EXECUTE THIS RELEASE;
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(v) I HAVE HAD AT LEAST TWENTY-ONE (21) CALENDAR DAYS FOLLOWING THE DATE OF PRESENTATION OF THIS RELEASE TO CONSIDER THIS RELEASE, AND UNDERSTAND I CANNOT SIGN THIS BEFORE MY DATE OF TERMINATION;
(vi) CHANGES TO THIS RELEASE, WHETHER MATERIAL OR IMMATERIAL, DO NOT RESTART THE RUNNING OF THE TWENTY-ONE (21) DAY CONSIDERATION PERIOD;
(vii) I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN (7) CALENDAR DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE IT, SUCH REVOCATION TO BE SENT BY EMAIL TO THE ATTENTION OF [●] BY THE END OF THE SEVENTH CALENDAR DAY AFTER THE DATE HEREOF, AND THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED;
(viii) I HAVE SIGNED THIS RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT;
(ix) I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME; AND
(x) I AGREE THAT I AM ENTERING INTO THIS GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS IN CONNECTION WITH THE CESSATION OF MY EMPLOYMENT.
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As agreed to on the date indicated by:
| EXECUTIVE | ||
| Robert Phythian | Date | |
| THE COMPANY | ||
| By: | ||
| [Name][Title] | Date |
| 24 |
Exhibit 10.25
Draft: June 26, 2025
SHARPLINK GAMING, INC.
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION PROGRAM
Non-employee members of the board of directors (the “Board”) of SharpLink Gaming, Inc. (the “Company”) shall receive cash and equity compensation as set forth in this Non-Employee Director Compensation Program (this “Program”). The Board has adopted this Program effective as of June 1, 2025 (the “Effective Date”). The cash and equity compensation described in this Program shall be paid or be granted, as applicable, automatically and without further action of the Board, to each member of the Board who is not an employee of the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the Company and (each, a “Non-Employee Director”), unless such Non-Employee Director declines the receipt of such cash or equity compensation by written notice to the Company. The Board may amend, modify or terminate this Program at any time in its sole discretion.
1. Cash Compensation.
(a) Annual Retainers. Each Non-Employee Director shall receive an annual cash retainer of $75,000 for service on the Board.
(b) Additional Annual Retainers. Each Non-Employee Director shall receive the following additional annual cash retainers, as applicable:
(i) Chairperson of the Board. A Non-Employee Director serving as Chairperson of the Board shall receive an additional annual retainer of $90,000 for such service.
(ii) Lead Independent Director. A Non-Employee Director serving as Lead Independent Director, if any, shall receive an additional annual retainer of $35,000 for such service.
(iii) Audit Committee. A Non-Employee Director serving as Chairperson of the Audit Committee shall receive an additional annual retainer of $20,000 for such service. A Non-Employee Director serving as a member of the Audit Committee (other than the Chairperson) shall receive an additional annual retainer of $10,000 for such service.
(iv) Compensation Committee. A Non-Employee Director serving as Chairperson of the Compensation Committee shall receive an additional annual retainer of $15,000 for such service. A Non-Employee Director serving as a member of the Compensation Committee (other than the Chairperson) shall receive an additional annual retainer of $7,500 for such service.
(v) Cryptocurrency and Technology Committee. A Non-Employee Director serving as Chairperson of the Cryptocurrency and Technology Committee shall receive an additional annual retainer of $10,000 for such service. A Non-Employee Director serving as a member of the Cryptocurrency and Technology Committee (other than the Chairperson) shall receive an additional annual retainer of $5,000 for such service.
(vi) Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. A Non-Employee Director serving as Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall receive an additional annual retainer of $10,000 for such service. A Non-Employee Director serving as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (other than the Chairperson) shall receive an additional annual retainer of $5,000 for such service.
(vii) Investment Committee. A Non-Employee Director serving as Chairperson of the Investment Committee shall receive an additional annual retainer of $10,000 for such service. A Non-Employee Director serving as a member of the Investment Committee (other than the Chairperson) shall receive an additional annual retainer of $5,000 for such service.
(c) Payment of Retainers. The annual retainers described in Sections 1(a) and 1(b) shall be earned each calendar month and shall be paid by the Company in arrears not later than the fifteenth day following the end of each calendar month. In the event a Non-Employee Director does not serve as a Non-Employee Director, or in the applicable positions described in Section 1(b), for an entire calendar month, the retainer paid to such Non-Employee Director shall be prorated for the portion of such calendar month during which he or she actually served as a Non-Employee Director, or in such position, as applicable.
2. Equity Compensation. Non-Employee Directors shall be granted the equity awards described below. The equity awards shall be granted under and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time-to-time, or its successor (the “Equity Plan”) and the form of award agreement previously approved by the Board for use thereunder.
(a) Annual Awards. A Non-Employee Director who is serving on the Board as of the date of any annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders after the Effective Date, and who will continue to serve as a Non-Employee Director immediately following such meeting, shall automatically be granted on the date of such annual meeting, without further action of the Board, a restricted stock unit award with a value equal to $75,000, which shall be converted to a number of shares (rounded down to the nearest whole share) by dividing (x) the award value, by (y) the average closing per-share price of the Company’s common stock for the 30 trading days immediately preceding the date of grant (the “Annual Award”). In the event of an adjournment or postponement of any annual meeting following the time such meeting commences, the date of the annual meeting for purposes of this Section 2(a) shall be the date on which all the business to be conducted at the annual meeting is concluded.
(b) Vesting. Each Annual Award shall vest and become exercisable on the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the date of grant, or (ii) the date immediately prior to the next annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders following the date of grant, subject to the Non-Employee Director continuing in service on the Board through such vesting date. Unless the Board otherwise determines, no portion of an Annual Award which is unvested at the time of a Non-Employee Director’s termination of service on the Board shall become vested thereafter.
| 2 |
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Rob Phythian, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of SharpLink Gaming, Inc:
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| Dated: August 14, 2025 | /s/ Rob Phythian |
| Rob Phythian | |
| Co-Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Robert DeLucia, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of SharpLink Gaming, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| Dated: August 14, 2025 | /s/ Robert DeLucia |
| Robert DeLucia | |
| Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Rob Phythian, the Co-Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer), of SharpLink Gaming, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify, that, to my knowledge:
(1) The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2025 (the “Report”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: August 14, 2025
| /s Rob Phythian | |
| Rob Phythian | |
| Co-Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Robert DeLucia, the Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer), of SharpLink Gaming, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify, that, to my knowledge:
(1) The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2025 (the “Report”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: August 14, 2025
| /s/ Robert DeLucia | |
| Robert DeLucia | |
| Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |