Coinbase Revives UpOnly Podcast with a Purchase of $25m NFT
- GameFi Guru
- Oct 21
- 3 min read
In an exciting development, Coinbase has captured the attention of the crypto world by acquiring a remarkable $25 million NFT.
On Tuesday, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong confirmed the acquisition of the UpOnly NFT for $25 million from renowned crypto trader Cobie.
“The rumors are true, we bought the NFT,” Armstrong shared with his 1.6 million followers on X. “UpOnlyTV is making a return.”
This post will explore the implications of this acquisition, the importance of the Uponly podcast, and what this means for the future of NFTs and cryptocurrency discussions.
TLDR
Coinbase acquired the UpOnly NFT for $25 million from crypto trader Cobie, as confirmed by CEO Brian Armstrong, triggering the revival of the popular UpOnly podcast hosted by Cobie and Ledger, which had been dormant since the 2022 FTX collapse.
The NFT, minted by Cobie in May 2025, includes a clause requiring 8 new episodes upon burning, with humorous disclaimers allowing the hosts to mock buyers; Cobie joked about aging and renaming it "Unc Only" while planning cosmetic surgery.
This move underscores Coinbase's role in boosting the NFT market's credibility, fostering community engagement, and potentially driving a surge in sales, user growth, and diversity of digital assets by the end of 2025.
The Significance of the Uponly Podcast
The Uponly podcast has been a beloved resource in the cryptocurrency community. Hosted by the dynamic pair of Cobie and Ledger, the podcast quickly gained traction for its engaging discussions and insightful commentary on cryptocurrency trends. With episodes that have gathered thousands of downloads, it has built a dedicated audience willing to explore complex topics in a digestible way.
The unique mix of humor and expert analysis makes Uponly stand out, appealing to both crypto veterans and newcomers. Coinbase's acquisition of the podcast signals its acknowledgment of its influence and relevance in this rapidly changing landscape.
The show stalled roughly three years ago, following the FTX collapse in 2022 and the subsequent crypto winter.
"When NFT is Burnt, Podcast Will Restart’": Cobie
In May 2025, Cobie initiated a challenge stating that if someone were to burn the NFT, the program would come back for another season.
“OK I am no longer the decision maker on if UpOnly returns,” Cobie wrote in May. “The power is now stored within this NFT that I just minted. When the NFT is burned, the podcast will restart. Until then, please leave me alone.”
8 new episodes of UpOnly Podcast are on the table
As stated in the NFT fine print, the token holder “can require Cobie and Ledger Status to perform, like monkeys, in 8 episodes of UpOnlyTV.”
The NFT description noted, “We reserve the right to call you fools for purchasing it, or to completely ignore you without acknowledging your existence during our 8-episode season.”
In a separate post on X, Cobie quipped:
“I’m too old to have a crypto podcast; I’ll end up looking like Gary V.”
“It’s been 3 years since UpOnly ended. I was in my 20s when it began, and now I have grey hair. We’ll rename it Unc Only and I’ll spend $25m on cosmetic surgery. See you soon.”
The Impact on the NFT Market
Coinbase's strategic purchase of a $25 million NFT is poised to ripple through the broader NFT market. As a leading cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase's involvement adds credibility to NFTs, likely attracting more creators and investors to the space.
This heightened interest could lead to a dramatic surge in NFT sales and an increase in the diversity of digital assets available. As awareness and appreciation for NFTs grow, the market is on track for substantial expansion in the coming years, which could result in a double digits increase in the number of active users on NFT platforms by the end of 2025.
Looking Ahead
Coinbase's revival of the UpOnly podcast through its acquisition of a $25 million NFT is a significant move that highlights the rising importance of NFTs in the cryptocurrency sphere. By leveraging the podcast's fame and bolstering its offerings, Coinbase is positioning itself at the forefront of the NFT revolution.
In a digital landscape where assets are rapidly gaining relevance, Coinbase's actions serve as a reminder of the thrilling opportunities ahead at the intersection of cryptocurrency and digital content. As we progress, the exploration of this partnership will reveal exciting developments in the evolving world of NFTs and cryptocurrency discussions.
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