Worcester, Massachusetts, Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vystar Corporation (OTCQB: VYST), a diversified innovation company with operations spanning eco-friendly products and collectibles monetization, today announced that it has completed its review of a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire an equity stake in GoPaid.com LLC, a company specializing in the sourcing, archiving, and monetization of high-value memorabilia. A few minor revisions are being made but the Company is on track to close by Febr ...

Scalable, enterprise-grade platform built to serve the entire collectibles and premium product authentication ecosystemPLANTATION, Fla., Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: AENT), a leading global distributor and creator of entertainment and collectible products, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Endstate. The transaction, effective December 31, 2025, includes the acquisition of all Endstate assets and the formation of a new wholly own ...

Core Viewpoint - Vystar Corporation has submitted a binding Letter of Intent to acquire an equity stake in GoPaid.com LLC, focusing on the monetization of high-value memorabilia and the integration of Web3 technologies [1][2]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition includes a percentage of GoPaid's proprietary cryptocurrency, valued at a maximum of $10 million, and an option to acquire an additional 10% equity stake and 3% of the cryptocurrency over two years [2]. - The initial purchase price consists of 1,000 shares of Vystar's Series C preferred common stock, with Vystar providing strategic support for GoPaid [3]. Strategic Purpose - The acquisition aims to support the convergence of private-market collectibles with Web3 technologies, with Vystar committing to raise $250,000 for this initiative [4]. - The partnership seeks to redefine community finance by merging physical memorabilia with advanced Web3 infrastructure [6]. Market Opportunity - The global collectibles market is projected to grow from approximately $464 billion in 2025 to over $900 billion by 2035, with tokenization and blockchain verification expected to enhance liquidity and transparency [13]. - Internal projections indicate scalable revenue opportunities and long-term valuation potential across collectibles and oracle services [14]. Platform Development - The partnership will focus on three core initiatives, including investment in memorabilia tokenization and the launch of R3alm Oracle, a decentralized oracle network for collectibles [8][9]. - A white-label marketplace, R3alm Collectibles, is targeted for launch in Q2 2026, integrating secure storage and DAO-based governance [11]. Strategic Benefits for Vystar - The transaction is expected to diversify Vystar's portfolio into high-growth Web3 markets and create multiple revenue participation paths through equity and token economics [18].

Core Insights - Upper Deck has entered into a licensing agreement with TGL to produce the league's first trading cards, enhancing fan engagement with the sport of golf [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Overview - Upper Deck is a global leader in sports and entertainment collectibles, known for its high-quality trading cards and memorabilia [4] - The company has a long-standing reputation for innovation and aims to create unique experiences for collectors [4] Group 2: TGL Overview - TGL, created by TMRW Sports, features top PGA TOUR players in a team-based format, with its inaugural season concluding in March 2025 [6] - The league has received accolades for its innovative approach, including the Sloan MIT Sports Analytics Conferences' Alpha Award for Best Sports Innovation [6] Group 3: Trading Card Launch - The trading cards will include notable players such as Tiger Woods, Max Homa, and Hideki Matsuyama, with moment-based inserts from the 2025 season available [2][3] - The debut e-Pack release commemorates TGL's inaugural season and is available exclusively for fans [1][2]

Core Insights - Kalshi is expanding its business from political elections and sports events to the consumer goods sector, indicating a shift towards mainstream acceptance in the prediction market industry [1] - The company has partnered with StockX to launch event contracts based on resale prices of popular sneakers, trading cards, and collectible toys, allowing users to bet on whether certain products will exceed specific price thresholds [1][2] - This new business category targets the growing alternative asset market, including limited edition sneakers and trendy collectibles, which often resell for multiples of their retail prices [1][3] Event Contracts Covering Diverse Consumer Goods - Under the partnership, Kalshi will utilize StockX's data to create event contracts covering sneakers, trading cards, and collectibles, starting with high-demand products from major brands [2] - Initial contracts will include anticipated releases like Jordan sneakers, Supreme hoodies, and Labubu blind boxes, with trading on average resale prices beginning in November and December [2] - StockX's CEO highlighted this development as a natural evolution of a platform built on stock market mechanisms [2] Targeting the "Everything Exchange" Goal - Kalshi aims to create a "marketplace for everything," focusing on deep, liquid, and high-volume markets, aligning with the recent growth trends in alternative asset categories [3] - The expansion into sneakers and collectibles reflects the increasing interest in these markets, where resale prices can significantly exceed retail prices [3] Regulatory Uncertainty Persists - Despite the progress towards mainstream acceptance, the prediction market industry operates in a gray area between financial trading and gambling, facing regulatory uncertainties [4] - Kalshi's previous legal victory against U.S. regulators has led to explosive growth in the industry, with Kalshi and competitors like Polymarket Exchange actively seeking funding for expansion [4]

Core Insights - Funko, Inc. has launched a new artist-driven product line called Premium Blind Box, featuring two new series: Kiguzoomies and Funko Fun Squad [1] - The new product line builds on Funko's established success with blind box collectibles, emphasizing original artistry, bold creativity, and community engagement [1] - Future plans include expanding this vision through collaborations [1]

Core Insights - Funko's shares increased by 9.8% following the release of its third-quarter 2025 financial results, which showed a significant profit beat despite revenue falling short of expectations [1][2] Financial Performance - Net sales for Funko were reported at $250.9 million, a decline of 14.3% year-over-year, which missed analyst forecasts [2] - The company's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.06, exceeding the consensus estimate of a loss, indicating strong profitability [2] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $24.43 million, outperforming expectations by over 60%, reflecting effective cost management [2] Market Reaction - The stock closed at $3.33, marking a 10.3% increase from the previous close, indicating positive investor sentiment [3] - Funko's shares have shown extreme volatility, with 57 moves greater than 5% in the past year, suggesting that while today's movement is significant, it may not fundamentally alter market perception [4] Broader Market Context - The tech-heavy Nasdaq index fell approximately 1.4%, reflecting a wave of caution in the market, particularly affecting high-growth technology companies [5] - Leadership at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley indicated a potential correction in equity markets over the next couple of years, viewing this cooling-off period as a healthy aspect of a long-term bull market [6]

Core Insights - Funko reported Q3 CY2025 revenue of $250.9 million, falling short of analyst expectations of $262 million, representing a 14.3% year-on-year decline [5] - The company achieved a non-GAAP profit of $0.06 per share, significantly exceeding analysts' consensus estimates of -$0.09 [5] Revenue Performance - Revenue of $250.9 million was a 14.3% decline year-on-year and a 4.2% miss against expectations [5] - Adjusted EBITDA was $24.43 million, beating estimates of $15 million, with a margin of 9.7% [5] Management Strategy - Management emphasized cost control and product strategy as key drivers for adjusted profitability, despite revenue shortfalls [3] - The CEO highlighted SKU rationalizations, reduced clearance sales, and price increases as effective measures to offset tariff pressures [3][4] Licensing and Partnerships - Funko secured multiyear licensing agreements with major studios like Warner Bros, NBC Universal, and Disney, enhancing its portfolio of over 900 active licenses [6] - These partnerships are viewed as critical for maintaining access to popular franchises and supporting future product launches [6] International Growth - Management noted strong double-digit growth in Europe, contrasting with a more subdued U.S. market [6] - Recent production shifts from China to Vietnam are expected to improve supply chain flexibility, despite minor delays [6] Product Innovation - New product formats, such as Bitty Pop! mini vinyl figures, have gained traction, with early success noted in Walmart's holiday campaign [6][7] - The company plans to leverage its speed-to-market advantage to capitalize on emerging pop culture trends [7] Direct-to-Consumer Strategy - Funko is enhancing its e-commerce experience and rolling out customization kiosks, including AI-powered builders and vending machine pilots [7] - These initiatives are seen as differentiators in a competitive collectibles market [7]

Q3 Supplemental Information NOVEMBER 2025 Funko, LLC © 2025 Cautionary Notes This presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements contained in this presentation that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, industry dynamics, business strategy and plans and our objectives for fut ...

Product Update - NBA Top Shot marketplace receives major UI enhancements, including price history and trend visualization [1] - Advanced marketplace analytics are now available for VIPs and Nine Lives Lounge members [1] User Engagement - NBA Top Shot encourages users to reply with their username to gain access to the new features [1]