Ethereum Foundation Unstakes ~$49M in ETH Through Lido Days After OTC Sale, Fueling Sell-Off Fears

The Ethereum Foundation unstaked 17,035 wstETH worth approximately $40 million through Lido's withdrawal mechanism on April 26, 2026, just days after selling 10,000 ETH to BitMine Immersion Technologies via OTC transaction earlier in April. The unstaking represents nearly all of the 69,500 ETH the Foundation had incrementally staked since late February 2026 as part of a strategy to reach a 70,000 ETH staking target for generating sustainable yield to fund operations. The timing has sparked community speculation about a potential sell-off, as large Ethereum Foundation transactions are closely monitored by markets, though no confirmed sale had occurred at the time of reporting with ETH trading at $3,100.

Ethereum Foundation's $49M Unstaking Transaction via Lido

• ▪The 17,035 ETH unstaked by the Ethereum Foundation was worth approximately $40 million
• ▪The Ethereum Foundation unstaked 17,035 ETH via Lido according to data from Arkham Intelligence
• ▪The Ethereum Foundation's unstaked funds are awaiting final settlement as of April 26, 2026

Foundation's 70,000 ETH Staking Strategy and Treasury Management

• ▪The Ethereum Foundation sold 10,000 ETH to BitMine Immersion Technologies via an OTC transaction earlier in April 2026
• ▪The Ethereum Foundation incrementally staked over 69,500 ETH in the months following late February 2026
• ▪The Ethereum Foundation's initial staking deposits began in late February 2026
• ▪The Ethereum Foundation began ramping up its staking strategy in early 2026 with the goal of staking 70,000 ETH to generate sustainable yield for research, development, and ecosystem grants

Market Speculation and Potential Sell-Off Impact

• ▪ETH was up 0.5% over the 24 hours preceding April 26, 2026