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- Coinbase buys NFT for $25M to restart UpOnly podcast.
- NFT ownership controls the show’s return.
- Memecoins linked to UpOnly surge dramatically.
Crypto exchange Coinbase has made waves in the digital world, spending $25 million to acquire an NFT tied to the return of the once-popular UpOnly podcast. CEO Brian Armstrong confirmed the move on Tuesday, putting an official stamp on the rumors circulating online. The NFT, created by crypto influencer Jordan Fish—better known as Cobie—now holds the power to trigger a new season of the show.
Originally a staple of the 2021 bull market, UpOnly featured interviews with key crypto figures and had sponsorship ties with FTX before its collapse. Its last episode aired in December 2022. Cobie recently stated he no longer controlled the podcast’s fate, saying the NFT now governs its return: “When the NFT is burned, the podcast will restart.”
The rumors are true, we bought the NFT. @UpOnlyTV is coming back. pic.twitter.com/kbGNzjLoJQ
— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) October 20, 2025
NFT Acquisition Sparks Debate
The $25 million price tag far exceeds previous offers for the NFT, which peaked at just 4.7 ETH (around $18,500) on OpenSea. This acquisition ranks the NFT as the fifth most expensive in crypto history, raising eyebrows in the community. Cobie, humorously commenting on X, joked about rebranding the show as “Unc Only” and quipped about spending the payout on cosmetic surgery.
Also Read: CZ Calls for Fairness After Coinbase Lists BNB, Urges More Binance Chain Projects
Market Ripples: Memecoins Surge
Coinbase’s NFT purchase sent shockwaves through the crypto market. The UPONLY memecoin on the Coinbase Base layer-2 network surged nearly 7,900% before a sharp pullback, while COBIE memecoin jumped 5,800%. Even Solana-based UPONLY tokens climbed roughly 250%, highlighting the impact of high-profile NFT acquisitions on related crypto assets.
Innovation Meets Entertainment
Coinbase’s bold gamble represents a new frontier in merging NFTs with media and entertainment. While skeptics question the $25 million spend, the move revives a beloved crypto podcast and shows how digital collectibles can reshape content ownership. For fans of UpOnly and crypto enthusiasts, a new era of blockchain-backed media may just be beginning.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
