Riot Platforms shares surged nearly 15% after the Bitcoin mining company disclosed that it had sold 20,264 BTC worth approximately $1.5 billion during the first nine months of 2026 to finance its artificial intelligence data center expansion.
The sales mark a substantial reduction in the company's Bitcoin reserves as Riot shifts capital toward data center infrastructure. The company sold 10,599 BTC in the third quarter alone, accounting for more than half of the Bitcoin disposed of during the nine-month period.
Riot Cuts Bitcoin Holdings by Nearly 79%
Riot's Bitcoin holdings fell nearly 79%, declining from 11,380 BTC to 2,418 BTC following the reported sales. The reduction highlights the scale of the company's decision to use its cryptocurrency reserves to support its expansion into AI-related infrastructure.
According to information shared by Coin Bureau, the company sold a total of 20,264 BTC between January and September 2026. The Bitcoin was valued at approximately $1.5 billion, with the proceeds intended to fund Riot's data center expansion.
The third-quarter transactions represented a significant portion of the total sales. Riot disposed of 10,599 BTC during Q3, contributing to the sharp decline in its remaining Bitcoin balance.
$28 Billion AI Lease Adds to Data Center Business
Alongside its Bitcoin sales, Riot has secured a major long-term agreement tied to its data center strategy. The company signed a 15-year lease valued at $28 billion with a leading AI lab for 910 megawatts (MW) of capacity.
The agreement increases Riot's total contracted data center revenue to approximately $38 billion. The figure reflects the scale of its contracted markets business as the company expands beyond its traditional Bitcoin mining operations.
The 910 MW capacity covered by the lease represents a central component of the reported agreement. However, the AI lab was not identified in the information shared by Coin Bureau.
Bitcoin Sales Accompany Strategic Shift
Riot's latest disclosures show how the company is allocating resources toward its AI data center business while reducing its exposure to Bitcoin holdings. The sale of 20,264 BTC and the decline in reserves from 11,380 BTC to 2,418 BTC provide a clear measure of the scale of that shift.
The market response followed the disclosure, with Riot shares rising nearly 15%. The company also reported a 15-year, $28 billion lease covering 910 MW of capacity, bringing its total contracted data center revenue to approximately $38 billion.
Writer: Victoria Hale Technology & Blockchain Writer
Victoria Hale writes about blockchain technology, digital infrastructure, and the intersection of emerging technologies with finance. Her articles explore how new protocols and systems are shaping the evolving digital economy.
She prioritises clarity and accuracy when explaining technical developments to a general audience.
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The articles on Hokanews are here to keep you updated on the latest buzz in crypto, tech, and beyond—but they’re not financial advice. We’re sharing info, trends, and insights, not telling you to buy, sell, or invest. Always do your own homework before making any money moves.
Hokanews isn’t responsible for any losses, gains, or chaos that might happen if you act on what you read here. Investment decisions should come from your own research—and, ideally, guidance from a qualified financial advisor. Remember: crypto and tech move fast, info changes in a blink, and while we aim for accuracy, we can’t promise it’s 100% complete or up-to-date.
