In a move that has stunned the crypto community, Coinbase has purchased the “Up Only” NFT from famed crypto influencer Jordan Fish, better known as Cobie, for a staggering $25 million in USDC. The purchase not only signals Coinbase’s growing involvement in Web3 culture but also triggers a contractual obligation that could bring back one of the most popular crypto podcasts of the last decade.
According to on-chain data, Coinbase officially transferred the $25 million to Cobie, unlocking a unique clause tied to the NFT. The token’s fine print states that once purchased, Cobie and his co-host Brian Krogsgard (aka Ledger) must produce eight new episodes of their hit podcast Up Only. For fans who have been waiting since December 2022, this unexpected development marks the long-awaited return of the duo’s irreverent and insightful takes on crypto markets, culture, and chaos.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong confirmed the acquisition in a post on X, stating, “The rumors are true, we bought the NFT. Up Only TV is coming back.” The news immediately sent ripples across the crypto world, reigniting conversations about the intersection of digital assets, entertainment, and blockchain-based intellectual property rights.
The origins of this deal trace back to May 2024, when Cobie minted the Up Only NFT with a tongue-in-cheek promise: “When the NFT is burned, the podcast will restart.” He humorously priced it at a figure so absurd he believed no one would actually buy it, saying, “You couldn’t set a dollar amount on OpenSea, so I just kept adding zeros until it seemed too big for anyone to buy even as a joke.” Yet, in classic crypto fashion, someone did.
The NFT’s description humorously outlines that Cobie and Ledger must fulfill their eight-episode obligation but are “allowed to call you idiots for buying it, or ignore you completely with zero mentions of your existence.” The playful yet binding contract highlights the blurring line between memes, money, and media in the blockchain era—where smart contracts can now literally dictate creative output.
Cobie himself appeared shocked by the transaction, posting on X, “Ah man wtf.” He later quipped, “I’m too old to have a crypto podcast; imma be out here looking like Gary V.” While his tone remained lighthearted, the underlying message reflects the surreal reality of Web3 culture, where digital collectibles and creator obligations can merge into multimillion-dollar deals.
This sale is more than a meme; it’s a milestone. It demonstrates how NFTs can function as programmable contracts, influencing creative work and fan engagement. Coinbase’s involvement also underscores a strategic shift toward community-driven and culturally resonant digital initiatives, blurring the lines between traditional tech, finance, and entertainment.
Conclusion:
With Coinbase’s $25 million acquisition, “Up Only” is officially on track to return, powered by blockchain logic and internet irony. What started as a joke NFT has evolved into a case study in digital ownership, creator accountability, and the expanding utility of NFTs beyond speculation. Whether Cobie embraces his renewed role or not, this event will be remembered as one of the most entertaining—and expensive—crossovers of crypto culture and media history.
