eBay to Cut 6% of Global Workforce, About 800 Jobs

eBay will lay off about 800 employees worldwide, trimming roughly 6% of its full-time workforce as the company realigns operations around strategic priorities. The cuts, announced on February 26, 2026, add to a multiyear effort to streamline the marketplace’s structure while concentrating investment in higher-growth areas.

What Happened

The company said the reductions are intended to simplify its organization and fund reinvestment in priority initiatives. eBay did not break out which regions or teams are most affected, but indicated the move follows a review of roles and duplication across the business. The company added that it will continue hiring in key areas despite the overall headcount reduction.

Recent Context

The latest cuts arrive amid an ongoing restructuring cycle. In early 2024, eBay eliminated about 1,000 roles—approximately 9% of staff at the time—citing the need to better match costs with growth (January 24, 2024). That followed a smaller reduction in 2023. The company’s progress has recently included stronger top-line trends: on February 18, 2026, eBay reported fourth-quarter 2025 revenue of $3.0 billion, up 15% year over year, alongside higher gross merchandise volume.

Strategy And Deal-Making

The workforce move comes a week after eBay announced a definitive agreement to acquire Depop, a fashion resale marketplace with a large Gen Z and Millennial user base, for about $1.2 billion in cash (February 18, 2026). The companies expect the deal to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending approvals. eBay portrays the purchase as complementary to its core enthusiast and recommerce strategy, aiming to deepen engagement in categories where it sees sustained demand.

Why It Matters

For employees, the decision marks another round of upheaval at a legacy e-commerce brand navigating shifting consumer habits and a more competitive marketplace. For investors and sellers, the message is tighter cost discipline paired with selective bets on growth—particularly in youth-driven resale. The key test over the coming quarters will be whether eBay can translate a leaner structure and targeted investments into steadier GMV expansion and margin durability.

What’s Next

eBay said affected employees will receive support, while the company focuses resources on priority categories and product initiatives. With Depop integration ahead and further AI- and trust-related upgrades on the roadmap, management will be pressed to show that these moves accelerate product velocity without eroding the marketplace experience for buyers and sellers.

Sources

• Ebay slashes 6% of workforce as e-commerce firm realigns operations — Reuters (February 26, 2026)
• EBay Is Laying Off About 800 Workers, 6% of Global Workforce — Bloomberg (February 26, 2026)
• eBay Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results — eBay press release (February 18, 2026)
• eBay to Acquire Depop from Etsy — eBay press release (February 18, 2026)
• Online retailer eBay is cutting 1,000 jobs. It's the latest tech company to reduce its workforce — Associated Press (January 24, 2024)