Coinbase.eth Snaps Up Cobie's UPONLY NFT for 25M USDC, Reviving UpOnly Buzz In the cryptocurrency realm, NFT transactions often transcend mere digital asset transfers, serving as intersections of cultural symbols and market signals. A recent high-profile deal saw COINBASE.ETH acquire the UPONLY NFT from renowned crypto influencer Cobie for 25 million USDC, positioning this NFT as an emblematic asset of the UpOnly podcast. COINBASE.ETH, an ENS domain representing the on-chain identity of the Coinbase platform, this move is viewed as a robust endorsement of the NFT ecosystem. The transaction occurred on the Manifold marketplace, with the UPONLY NFT minted as an ERC-721 standard token (ID 1), its value far exceeding typical digital art due to its linkage to the revival conditions of the UpOnly podcast. Cobie, co-founder of UpOnly, had previously stated he would only consider resuming the show if someone purchased this NFT at a premium price; this deal directly activates that clause, sparking community anticipation for the podcast's return. From a market perspective, the transaction underscores NFTs' enduring vitality in 2025, despite a prior bear market chill. The 25 million USDC sum equates to roughly 10,100 ETH (at current rates), signaling institutional-grade capital flowing into NFTs. Coinbase, as a leading exchange, its on-chain activity could spur more users to explore NFT collecting, boosting secondary market liquidity. %Cobie's role is noteworthy; beyond podcast hosting, he is a seasoned investor involved in DeFi projects like Lido. This sale may provide him personal liquidity while sending a positive signal to the market: premium NFTs retain upside potential. The transaction's transparency further bolsters the value of on-chain visibility, drawing retail investors to similar opportunities. On broader ecosystem impacts, this could accelerate ENS domain adoption. COINBASE.ETH's purchase is not just collecting but brand strategy, akin to corporate IP acquisitions to amplify Web3 presence. Community response was swift, with X discussions surging, some users forecasting rises in UpOnly-themed meme coins or derivatives. Yet, risks warrant caution. High-value NFT deals can ignite FOMO, but history shows limited post-event volatility. Short-term, this news may hike ETH network gas fees, but long-term, it reinforces NFTs as community bonds. Coinbase's involvement hints at deeper Web3 integration, potentially foreshadowing more NFT features on the platform. Overall, this transaction is more than an individual act—it's an industry milestone. It bridges influencers and institutions, igniting innovation discourse and propelling NFTs from speculation toward utility. Moving forward, similar events may proliferate, aiding diversified crypto asset growth. DJDOG is rebranding to KeyPro (HashKey Pro Team).