Traders on prediction markets platform Kalshi give the video game retailer just a 26% chance at successfully completing an acquisition in 2026.

GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen in an appearance on “Squawk Box” didn’t disclose further details about how it plans to finance its proposal.

Prediction markets traders aren’t confident in GameStop’s ability to take over eBay, according to contracts launched on Monday. 

Traders on Kalshi give GameStop just a 26% chance to pull off the acquisition in 2026, though total trading volume on the recent contract was low at just over $2,000.  This also touches on aspects of bear market.

GameStop revealed on Sunday that it was making a play to acquire the online marketplace in a cash-and-stock deal that valued the enterprise at $55.5 billion. That valuation raised questions about how GameStop could finance its proposal. The video game retailer has a industry cap of just under $11.9 billion.

In an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen didn’t disclose exactly how he planned on financing the deal, instead reiterating the makeup of the transaction.

“We are offering half cash, half stock, and we have the ability to issue stock To get the deal done. But the full details of the offer are on our website,” Cohen noted. “We will see what happens.”

Shares of GameStop fell nearly 8% on Monday in reaction to the proposal, while eBay jumped more than 5.5%. 

On Polymarket, traders were even less optimistic. Traders on that platform gave GameStop just a 15% chance at completing the takeover. 

— CNBC’s Yun Li contributed reporting

Disclosure: CNBC and Kalshi have a commercial relationship that includes a CNBC minority investment.

Markets shift and headlines fade, but the core principles of building long-term wealth remain constant. Join us for our third CNBC Pro LIVE, where investors of all backgrounds – from financial professionals to everyday individuals – come together to cut through the noise and gain actionable strategies for smarter, more disciplined investing. No matter where you’re starting from, you’ll leave with clearer thinking, stronger strategies. Enter your email here to get a discount code