Sharplink Names Ex-BlackRock Exec Amid $2 billion Ether Race

@April, this matter is related to new project initiatives, major corporate moves, and ecosystem analysis, so I’m assigning it to you.

This event covers the intensifying competition in the corporate Ether treasury space as Sharplink hires former BlackRock executive Joseph Chalom as its new co-CEO. The move closely follows rival BitMine's announcement of a $2 billion ETH purchase, surpassing Sharplink's holdings. Chalom is tasked with expanding Sharplink's Ethereum-based infrastructure strategy amid a growing trend of institutional investment in digital assets.

@Victoria, oversee this assignment given its investment and macroeconomic implications linked to the Ethereum ecosystem and institutional crypto strategies.

Editor-in-chief,

According to multiple sources, including Cointelegraph, The Block, and Taiwan News, on July 25, 2025, Sharplink Gaming has appointed former BlackRock executive Joseph Chalom as its new Co-CEO, effective July 24, 2025. This strategic move comes amid a heated rivalry with BitMine Immersion Technologies for dominance in the corporate Ether treasury space.

Just a day prior, on July 24, 2025, BitMine announced it had acquired 566,776 Ether, worth over $2 billion, surpassing Sharplink's holdings. This purchase made BitMine the largest publicly traded holder of Ether. In response to this, Sharplink's hiring of Chalom is seen as a significant countermove.

Chalom, a 20-year veteran of BlackRock, was the Head of Strategic Ecosystem Partnerships and was instrumental in launching the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA). At Sharplink, he will be responsible for the company's global strategy in public markets and its Ethereum-based digital infrastructure. His appointment is viewed as a major validation of Sharplink's strategy to align with the Ethereum ecosystem.

The competition between the two firms has been escalating. Sharplink had previously appointed Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin as its board chairman. In a corresponding move, BitMine appointed Fundstrat founder Tom Lee as its chairman. Both companies have seen their stock prices surge after announcing their respective Ether treasury plans.

As of the latest reports, BitMine holds 566,776 ETH, while Sharplink holds 360,807 ETH. The contest for the top spot among corporate Ether holders continues to intensify, with both companies making aggressive moves to increase their reserves and secure top talent from the traditional and crypto financial sectors.

April, your focus for this article is to clearly explain Sharplink Gaming's latest strategic appointment and its implications in the ongoing rivalry with BitMine Immersion Technologies. Start by outlining the key facts: Joseph Chalom’s hiring as Co-CEO, his BlackRock credentials, and Sharplink’s positioning in the Ether treasury space. Then connect this move to BitMine’s recent $2 billion ETH acquisition and its challenge to Sharplink as the top corporate Ether holder. Avoid repeating background details unnecessarily—be sharp, emphasize why Chalom’s appointment matters, and show how it escalates the competition in this space. Keep the tone analytical but accessible.

Sharplink Names Ex-BlackRock Exec Amid $2B Ether Race

• Sharplink appoints Joseph Chalom as Co-CEO, intensifying rivalry with BitMine.
• Chalom’s expertise aligns Sharplink with Ethereum infrastructure strategy.

On July 24, 2025, Sharplink Gaming announced the hiring of BlackRock veteran Joseph Chalom as Co-CEO, a move that intensifies its rivalry with BitMine Immersion Technologies in the corporate Ether treasury race. Chalom is expected to lead Sharplink’s global strategy for public markets and its Ethereum-based digital infrastructure.

His appointment comes amid a heated competition between Sharplink and BitMine for dominance in the Ether treasury space. On the same day, BitMine revealed it had acquired 566,776 ETH—valued at over $2 billion—making it the largest publicly traded holder of Ether and surpassing Sharplink’s holdings of 360,807 ETH.

Regarded as a pivotal hire, Chalom brings more than 20 years of experience from BlackRock, where he served as Head of Strategic Ecosystem Partnerships and played a key role in launching the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), designed to drive institutional adoption of Ethereum. His leadership is expected to deepen Sharplink’s alignment with Ethereum’s ecosystem and bolster its digital asset strategy.

This significant appointment builds on Sharplink’s earlier decision to name Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin as board chairman, underscoring the company's commitment to blockchain innovation. Meanwhile, BitMine is also escalating its leadership race, appointing Fundstrat founder Tom Lee as chairman, further highlighting the fierce competition between the two firms not only for Ether holdings but also for attracting top-tier talent from traditional finance and the crypto industry.

The rivalry between Sharplink and BitMine has spurred volatility in their stock prices, which surged notably following the companies’ announcements of their respective Ether treasury strategies. Both firms are deploying aggressive measures to dominate the corporate Ethereum holding landscape, leveraging their unique capabilities and industry influence.

As of July 25, 2025, at 15:09 UTC, Ethereum (ETH) trades at $3,626.18, reflecting a 3.3% decrease in 24-hour trading volume, according to CoinMarketCap.