SCHEDULE: Citadel Entities Report SharpLink Gaming Stake

Citadel entities and Kenneth Griffin have reported passive beneficial ownership of SharpLink Gaming, Inc. common stock, with Kenneth Griffin holding 4.96% of outstanding shares.

Summary

• Citadel Securities GP LLC, Citadel Securities LLC, Citadel Securities Group LP, Citadel Advisors LLC, Citadel Advisors Holdings LP, Citadel GP LLC, and Kenneth Griffin (collectively, the "Reporting Persons") have filed a Schedule 13G.
• The filing reports beneficial ownership of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of SharpLink Gaming, Inc.
• As of August 15, 2025, Kenneth Griffin beneficially owns 8,380,371 shares, representing 4.96% of the class.
• Citadel Securities GP LLC and Citadel Securities Group LP each beneficially own 6,811,792 shares, representing 4.03% of the class.
• Citadel Securities LLC beneficially owns 6,547,792 shares, representing 3.88% of the class.
• Citadel Advisors LLC, Citadel Advisors Holdings LP, and Citadel GP LLC each beneficially own 1,568,579 shares, representing 0.93% of the class.
• All reported shares are held with shared voting and shared dispositive power.
• The percentages are based on 168,866,724 shares outstanding as of August 14, 2025, according to the issuer's Form 10-Q.
• The Reporting Persons certify that the securities were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The sentiment is moderately positive. While a 13G is a routine disclosure, the presence of a major institutional investor like Citadel, even in a passive capacity, can be viewed favorably by the market as it suggests a degree of confidence in the company's value or prospects.

Positives

• Significant beneficial ownership by a prominent institutional investor group like Citadel may signal confidence in SharpLink Gaming, Inc.'s long-term prospects.
• The passive nature of the investment (filed under Rule 13d-1(c)) indicates that Citadel is not seeking to influence or change control of the company, suggesting a belief in current management and strategy.

Risks

• The filing explicitly states that the securities were not acquired or held for the purpose of changing or influencing control, which means the company should not expect activist pressure from these holders.

Future Outlook

This Schedule 13G filing does not provide forward-looking statements or guidance regarding SharpLink Gaming, Inc.'s future operations or financial performance. It solely reports current beneficial ownership by the specified entities.

Industry Context

The filing indicates a significant passive investment by a major financial institution in SharpLink Gaming, Inc., a company operating in the gaming industry. Such investments are common as institutional investors seek exposure to various sectors, and this particular filing suggests a belief in the long-term value of SharpLink Gaming within the broader gaming market.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The presence of a significant institutional investor like Citadel may provide a level of stability and confidence, potentially attracting further institutional interest.
• Company Management: The passive nature of the investment suggests no immediate pressure for strategic or operational changes from these specific shareholders.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The filing indicates a significant passive stake by a major institutional investor, Citadel, and its affiliates in SharpLink Gaming. While this signals institutional interest and potential long-term value, a Schedule 13G does not provide operational or financial performance details to warrant a 'buy' or 'sell' recommendation. The 'hold' recommendation reflects the positive signal of institutional backing without sufficient new information to change a current investment thesis.

Keywords

SharpLink Gaming, Citadel, Kenneth Griffin, Beneficial Ownership, SEC Filing, Schedule 13G, Common Stock, Institutional Investment, Gaming Industry