Ethereum Dips, Institutions Stack: SharpLink Adds 19K ETH to $3.5B Treasury

Ethereum’s price may be sliding, but deep-pocketed institutions are treating the downturn as a buying opportunity. SharpLink Gaming, a Joe Lubin–linked firm and one of the largest corporate holders of Ether, has significantly expanded its holdings—adding more than 19,000 ETH to its balance sheet during the recent market slump.

According to the company’s latest disclosure, SharpLink’s treasury now totals 859,853 ETH, worth approximately $3.5 billion when combined with its cash reserves. The aggressive accumulation underscores growing institutional confidence in Ethereum, even as retail investors retreat amid market turbulence.

The move comes as Ethereum (ETH) continues to face pressure from macroeconomic uncertainty. As of October 19, 2025, ETH was trading at $3,960, down 0.7% in the past 24 hours and 12% over the past month. Analysts point to President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with China—which includes potential tariffs of up to 155% on Chinese goods starting November 1—as a major factor unsettling global risk assets.

Despite the volatility, major players are clearly betting on Ethereum’s long-term strength. SharpLink’s accumulation mirrors a similar strategy by Tom Lee’s BitMine, which recently expanded its Ethereum holdings to 3.24 million ETH, representing about 2.7% of the total circulating supply, valued at roughly $13 billion.

These aggressive treasury builds suggest that while prices are dropping, conviction in Ethereum’s future is only deepening

Institutional buyers appear to view the current dip not as a signal to flee, but as a strategic entry point before the next market recovery.

Key Takeaways:

• SharpLink boosts its ETH treasury to 859,853 ETH ($3.5B).
• BitMine holds 3.24M ETH (~2.7% of supply; ~$13B).
• Ethereum trades near $3,960, down 12% over the month.
• Institutional buyers are capitalizing on market weakness amid trade-driven volatility.

As the trade war looms and retail sentiment weakens, Ethereum’s biggest believers are quietly positioning for what they see as an inevitable rebound.