Ethereum News Today: SharpLink Appoints Former BlackRock Exec Chalom Co-CEO to Expand Ethereum Treasury Management as ETH Rises 109.33% in 3 Months

Joseph Chalom, former BlackRock executive and architect of the iShares Ethereum Trust, has been appointed co-CEO of SharpLink Gaming, Inc., effective July 24, 2025 [1]. The leadership change signals a strategic realignment for the Nasdaq-listed firm (SBET), which is expanding its focus on Ethereum-based treasury management and institutional-grade blockchain solutions. Chalom will collaborate with founder Rob Phythian, who retains operational control, under a co-CEO structure designed to leverage Chalom’s expertise in digital asset regulation and market infrastructure [2]. SharpLink’s Ethereum holdings of 360,807 ETH underscore its commitment to the cryptocurrency as a corporate treasury asset, a stance reinforced by Chalom’s appointment [4].

Chalom’s tenure at BlackRock, where he pioneered the firm’s entry into digital assets, positions him to drive institutional adoption of Ethereum-based products. His background in launching spot ETFs for Bitcoin and Ethereum has established a track record of navigating complex regulatory landscapes, a skill analysts say could bolster SharpLink’s credibility in the Ethereum ecosystem [3]. Joseph Lubin, SharpLink’s chairman and Ethereum co-founder, emphasized that Chalom’s arrival validates the firm’s strategic vision: “His decision to join SharpLink is a resounding validation of our ETH treasury strategy and vision for Ethereum to drive profound, transformative change across the global digital economy” [1]. The Ethereum community has responded positively, with some observers anticipating regulatory advancements and innovative Ethereum-focused financial offerings [6].

The appointment aligns with broader trends of cross-sector talent migration, as firms seek to bridge traditional finance with blockchain innovation. SharpLink’s hybrid model—combining blockchain scalability with institutional infrastructure—aims to address regulatory challenges while attracting decentralized finance (DeFi) developers and institutional clients. Analysts suggest Chalom’s influence could stabilize investor sentiment for SBET, which has faced volatility amid sector-wide uncertainties [2]. The firm’s roadmap includes expanding tokenized assets and tailored decentralized financial products, leveraging Chalom’s experience to foster partnerships and align with evolving regulatory frameworks [7].

While the leadership transition is framed as a calculated evolution rather than a radical pivot, its success will depend on SharpLink’s execution of its Ethereum-centric strategy. The firm’s recent hires from traditional finance reinforce its hybrid approach, though outcomes remain contingent on broader cryptocurrency adoption trends [11]. With Ethereum (ETH) trading at $3,751.71—a 109.33% rise over three months [6]—SharpLink’s strategic bets highlight growing institutional confidence in the asset class. Chalom’s emphasis on the intersection of technology, finance, and sports has drawn optimism, with speculation about potential innovations in blockchain betting, crypto rewards, or fan token initiatives [9].

Sources:

[1] [SharpLink Welcomes BlackRock Digital Assets Pioneer Joseph Chalom as Newly Appointed Co-CEO] (https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/25/3121755/0/en/SharpLink-Welcomes-BlackRock-Digital-Assets-Pioneer-Joseph-Chalom-as-Newly-Appointed-Co-CEO.html)

[2] [BlackRock Digital Assets Pioneer Chalom Joins SharpLink] (https://www.marketsmedia.com/blackrock-digital-assets-pioneer-joseph-chalom-joins-sharplink/)

[3] [SharpLink Appoints Former BlackRock Executive Joseph Chalom as Co-CEO to Drive DeFi and Ethereum-Based Strategies] (https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-sharplink-appoints-blackrock-executive-joseph-chalom-ceo-drive-defi-blockchain-growth-2507/)

[4] [BlackRock Digital Assets Head Joins SharpLink Gaming as Co-CEO] (https://www.stocktitan.net/news/SBET/sharp-link-welcomes-black-rock-digital-assets-pioneer-joseph-chalom-xn0j4nkpp0oh.html)

[6] [BlackRock’s Digital Asset Chief Departs to Join Ethereum-Focused SharpLink] (https://cryptobriefing.com/ethereum-leadership-transition-sharplink/)

[7] [Joseph Chalom Joins SharpLink as Co-CEO to Boost Innovation] (https://coinfomania.com/joseph-chalom-joins-sharplink/)

[9] [Former BlackRock Executive Joins SharpLink Gaming as Co-CEO] (https://bloomingbit.io/en/feed/news/93607)

[11] [BlackRock Digital Assets Pioneer Chalom Joins SharpLink] (https://www.marketsmedia.com/blackrock-digital-assets-pioneer-joseph-chalom-joins-sharplink/)