Jesse Pollak confirmed that Coinbase is now considering launching a token for Base, a departure from the initial position in 2023.
Airdrop Base? A Strategic Turnaround for Coinbase
The subject is already sparking excitement within the community: Jesse Pollak, the creator of Base, confirmed at the BaseCamp event that the network supported by Coinbase is seriously considering launching a native token. The announcement remains cautious, nothing is set in stone yet, but the anticipation is immediate. Users are already speculating about a possible airdrop.
At the launch of Base in 2023, Coinbase had stated that they did not want to create a token. Two years later, things have changed. Pollak emphasizes one point: if the token is launched, it will be built on Ethereum and distributed in compliance with US regulations.
This approach contrasts with some competitors who prioritize agility over compliance. However, for Coinbase, listed on Nasdaq, legitimacy with authorities remains a strategic asset.
Impressive Numbers
Base is not a small L2 seeking visibility. Since its launch, the network has accumulated $5 billion in TVL, with $1.7 billion in 2025 alone. It is now the second biggest layer 2 blockchain behind Arbitrum.
And that’s not all: in terms of usage, Base is breaking records. In August 2025, the network processed 328 million transactions in 30 days, over four times more than Arbitrum (77 million) and well above the Ethereum mainnet itself (less than 50 million). In transactions per second, Base also outshines its rivals with a x7 factor over Arbitrum.
A Market Ready to Ignite?
The tokens of the main L2s show impressive valuations. Mantle (MNT) already has a $5.3 billion market cap, despite only 219 million in TVL. For comparison, Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism range between $1.3 and $2.7 billion.
If Base decides to launch a token, the momentum could be explosive. The alignment between massive adoption (transactions, users, TVL) and the power of Coinbase as a distribution engine creates an explosive mix. Investors know: the mere prospect of an airdrop is already attracting activity.
The Equation Still Open
The big question remains: what utility for this future token? Governance, on-chain incentives, economic role in the ecosystem… Nothing is set in stone. Pollak insists, “It’s still early,” but the announcement marks a shift in Coinbase’s strategy.
With record adoption and a rapidly growing community, Base could redefine the hierarchy of L2s. If the token is launched, it will not just be another line on CoinGecko: it might be the moment when Coinbase chooses to transform its network into a real financial asset.
