At the recent BaseCamp event, Jesse Pollak, the creator of Base, dropped a bombshell: the team is exploring the launch of a Base native token. Could this be the catalyst that propels Base to new heights? Let’s dive into the details from the event held on September 15, 2025, in Stowe, Vermont.
The Big Reveal: Exploring a Base Native Token
Jesse Pollak, who also serves as Coinbase’s Head of Protocols, took the stage at BaseCamp to outline the future of Base. He emphasized that while Base has focused on building practical solutions since its 2023 launch, the network is now in the early stages of considering a Base native token.
“We’re going to be exploring a network token,” Pollak stated, adding that it’s still “early” in the process. This shift marks a departure from earlier stances where token issuance wasn’t a priority, as Pollak had previously highlighted on X (formerly Twitter) in November 2024: “We are focused on building. And we want to solve real problems.”
The proposed Base native token would aim to enhance decentralization, empower developers, and broaden participation in the on-chain economy. Built entirely on Ethereum, it aligns with Base’s vision of being an “open, connected” platform rather than an isolated ecosystem.
As a U.S.-based company under Coinbase, the team is committed to regulatory compliance, working closely with legislators to ensure everything is done “right.” No specifics on timelines, token mechanics, or distribution methods (such as potential airdrops) were shared, leaving room for speculation.
This move comes amid Base’s impressive growth, positioning it as a top contender among Ethereum Layer-2 networks. By introducing a Base native token, the platform could incentivize more user engagement, similar to how tokens have boosted ecosystems like Arbitrum and Optimism.
Base’s Explosive Growth: Key Metrics at a Glance
BaseCamp wasn’t just about the Base native token tease; it showcased the network’s robust performance. Here’s a breakdown of some standout statistics that underline Base’s momentum:
- Total Value Locked (TVL): Reached $5 billion, with $1.7 billion added in 2025 alone, making it the second-largest Layer-2 after Arbitrum.
- Transactions in the Past 30 Days: A staggering 328 million, outpacing competitors like Arbitrum (77 million) and even Ethereum’s mainnet (under 50 million).
- Monthly Active Addresses: Approximately 20.8 million over the last 12 months, the highest among Ethereum Layer-2s.
- User Operations per Second (UOPS): Seven times higher than Arbitrum, enabling sub-second transactions at under a cent.
- Stablecoin Market: $4.5 billion in value, highlighting its role in DeFi and everyday on-chain activities.
- Daily Revenue: Around $100,000, reflecting sustainable economic activity.
These figures, sourced from platforms like L2Beat and Token Terminal, demonstrate how Base has become a hub for DeFi, NFTs, and social-fi applications, with over a third of TVL bridged from Ethereum.
Other Highlights from BaseCamp: Bridges and Builder Tools
Beyond the Base native token discussion, Pollak announced an open-source bridge connecting Base to Solana. This interoperability move allows seamless asset transfers between the two chains, fostering a more connected global on-chain economy. “For a better global economy to work, we need it to be interoperable,” Pollak noted.
The event also introduced new tools for builders, including an open stack for developing on-chain apps. With a focus on speed, low costs, and community-driven growth, Base is positioning itself as a bridge in the blockchain landscape.
What This Means for the Future of Layer-2 Networks
The potential Base native token could supercharge adoption, drawing in more participants through incentives and governance opportunities. However, as a regulated entity, Base’s cautious approach might delay rollout compared to less scrutinized projects.
In a competitive field with rivals like Polygon and Optimism (whose tokens boast market caps of $1.3–2.7 billion), this could solidify Base’s edge. As blockchain continues to mature, announcements like this remind us of the sector’s innovative spirit.
Stay tuned for updates. Will the Base native token become a game-changer?
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