TLDR
- Base creator Jesse Pollak announced at BaseCamp 2025 that the layer-2 network is exploring issuing a native token
- This marks a shift from Base’s previous no-token stance when it launched in 2023
- The token would be built on Ethereum with regulatory compliance as a priority
- Base has reached $5 billion in total value locked, making it the second-largest layer-2 blockchain
- The network also launched a cross-chain bridge to Solana for improved interoperability
Base, Coinbase’s layer-2 blockchain network, is considering launching a native token following explosive growth since its 2023 debut. The announcement came from Base creator Jesse Pollak during the BaseCamp 2025 event on Monday.
“We’re going to be exploring a network token,” Pollak told attendees, though he emphasized that plans remain in early development stages. The potential Base token launch could trigger increased network activity as users position for a possible airdrop.
This announcement represents a strategic shift from Base’s original position. When the network launched in 2023, Coinbase explicitly stated it had no plans to issue a token for the layer-2 platform.
As recently as November 2024, Pollak reinforced this stance on social media, writing that Base remained focused on building products rather than token incentives. The network prioritized solving real problems for developers and users.
A Base spokesperson explained the evolution to media outlets, stating the team initially focused on core product development. Now that Base has achieved sub-second, sub-cent transactions, the network is exploring token options to further decentralization goals.
Network Performance and Market Position
Base has demonstrated impressive growth metrics since launching. The network has accumulated $5 billion in total value locked (TVL), with $1.7 billion added in 2025 alone.
This TVL figure positions Base as the second-largest layer-2 network behind Arbitrum. However, Base leads in transaction volume, processing 328 million transactions over the past 30 days compared to Arbitrum’s 77 million.
The network also records seven times more user operations per second than Arbitrum. Both layer-2 networks significantly outpace Ethereum mainnet, which processed fewer than 50 million transactions in the same timeframe.
Token Terminal data shows Base maintains approximately 20.8 million monthly active addresses, making it the most actively used Ethereum layer-2 blockchain by this metric.
Regulatory Compliance and Cross-Chain Expansion
Base commits to building any potential token on Ethereum while working closely with regulators on distribution. As a U.S.-based company, Coinbase emphasizes regulatory compliance in all blockchain initiatives.
“As a U.S. company, we’re committed to working with regulators and legislators, and doing this right,” Pollak stated during his presentation.
At BaseCamp 2025, Pollak also unveiled an open-source bridge connecting Base to Solana. This cross-chain infrastructure allows users to transfer assets between networks while providing developers access to expanded liquidity pools.
The Solana bridge aligns with Pollak’s vision of Base as “a bridge, not an island.” The network aims to strengthen the broader crypto ecosystem through interoperability rather than operating in isolation.
Base processes transactions off-chain before settling them on Ethereum, following the standard layer-2 scaling model. The network was incubated by Coinbase as part of the exchange’s infrastructure expansion strategy.
