Upcoming Token Launches in the Crypto Space
Several cryptocurrency projects are gearing up to unveil new tokens, primarily through airdrops aimed at users. Airdrops currently find themselves in a peculiar situation as 2025 comes to a close. The resurgence of initial coin offerings (ICOs), along with the rise of airdrop-raiding attacks orchestrated by Sybil attackers, has diminished the allure of distributing tokens. Nonetheless, numerous multi-billion dollar projects have hinted at significant token distributions on the horizon. Here are five notable airdrops that DL News is tracking for 2026.
OpenSea’s Token Launch
OpenSea has announced that its affiliated nonprofit, the OpenSea Foundation, will be launching a token as early as February. The CEO, Devin Finzer, sparked more interest in October by providing further insights about the SEA token, which is expected to debut in the first quarter of 2026. According to Finzer, 50% of the total supply will be allocated to the community, with a substantial portion distributed through an initial airdrop claim. OpenSea has recently reported a trading volume exceeding $2.6 billion, with more than 90% attributed to token trading. Finzer indicated that this marks just the beginning of OpenSea’s evolution from an “NFT marketplace” to a broader trading platform. The new token will allow holders to stake SEA alongside their preferred tokens and NFT collections, although the specific purpose of this feature remains unclear. Finzer also shared that OpenSea intends to utilize half of its revenue for repurchasing the SEA token from the open market, a model inspired by the perpetual futures exchange Hyperliquid.
Polymarket’s Token Development
The prediction market platform Polymarket has confirmed that it too is in the process of launching a token. In October, Chief Marketing Officer Matthew Modabber announced that the token launch would include an airdrop, with plans to prioritize this initiative following the company’s relaunch in the U.S. The specific utility of the Polymarket token has not yet been disclosed, but Modabber has expressed admiration for Hyperliquid’s thoughtful approach to its own token launch. Hyperliquid introduced its HYPE token in November 2024, distributing 31% of the total supply to users, a notably generous allocation compared to typical crypto airdrops.
Lighter’s Anticipated Airdrop
Multiple perpetual futures exchanges are currently implementing points programs that are likely to culminate in token airdrops. Among these, Lighter stands out as the largest decentralized perpetual futures exchange by 30-day trading volume, making its points program one of the most eagerly awaited. This program is set to continue until the end of 2025, leading many to speculate that a token airdrop could occur early in the following year. Bettors on Polymarket are optimistic, assigning a 90% probability to the airdrop happening before the close of 2025. Alongside Lighter, exchanges such as EdgeX, Aster, and Paradex are also executing points programs at various stages, which may also lead to token distributions in 2026.
MetaMask’s Token Speculation
Crypto enthusiasts have long been anticipating the potential for the MetaMask wallet to introduce its own token. In September, Consensys CEO Joseph Lubin confirmed that the highly awaited MASK token is indeed on the way, arriving “sooner than you would expect.” Later that month, the MetaMask X account shared an image that further suggested a token’s imminent arrival. However, specific details about the MASK token’s functionality and launch remain limited. In October, MetaMask initiated a rewards program that grants points for token swaps conducted through the wallet, which will convert into Linea tokens, offer fee discounts, and potentially pave the way for future airdrops, according to the MetaMask website.
Potential Developments for Base Token
The idea of a Base token seemed rather far-fetched until recently when Jesse Pollak, the creator of Base, revealed that the team behind Coinbase’s layer 2 blockchain is actively exploring the concept of a token. The specifics of what a Base token might entail are still uncertain. Should this token materialize, it would mark Coinbase as the first major publicly traded company to launch a related cryptocurrency token. Pollak’s announcement coincided with Lubin’s revelation regarding MetaMask’s token, leaving questions about whether this indicates a resolution of regulatory challenges or simply a coincidence. Clarity on these developments may emerge in 2026.
