1. Why Base Is Launching a Token

2. Impact of BASE Token Launch

3. Airdrop Eligibility Criteria

4. Conclusion

Base

@base

Base is beginning to explore a network token

We’re in the early phases of exploration, and don’t have any specifics to share around timing, design, or governance. We’re committed to bringing the community along with us, and building in the open.

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2:51 PM • Sep 15, 2025

Coinbase's Layer 2 network Base recently announced its exploration of launching a native network token, marking a significant shift from its previous stance of having "no plans" for token issuance. At the BaseCamp 2025 event, Base creator Jesse Pollak confirmed early discussions on the BASE token, emphasizing the team's commitment to building transparently with the community.

Base's decision to explore token issuance stems primarily from its decentralization roadmap. As an Ethereum Layer 2 built on Optimism's OP Stack, Base has been progressing through decentralization stages defined by Vitalik Buterin's framework. The network achieved Stage 1 decentralization in April 2025 by implementing fault proofs and establishing a decentralized Security Council.

To reach full decentralization (Stage 2), establish a DAO, and transfer governance authority to the community, Base requires a native token. This represents the primary motivation behind the token exploration, as stated by the Base team: "Now that we've achieved sub-second, sub-cent transactions and expanded into an open stack, we're exploring a network token to further decentralize and make the ecosystem more open, accessible, and community-driven".

Secondary factors driving the token launch include strategic positioning in the competitive Layer 2 landscape. Base has achieved remarkable growth, with $5.095 billion in total value locked (TVL) following Defillama, making it the largest Layer 2 network. With 20.8 million monthly active addresses and 600,000-800,000 daily active users, Base recognizes that launching a token could attract additional capital flows and benefit the entire ecosystem of dApps built on the platform.

Projects built on Base will likely experience increased transaction volumes and fee revenues. The ecosystem has already seen significant traction with notable projects like Clanker (AI-powered meme token creator with $70 million market cap), Virtual Protocol (AI infrastructure), DEGEN (evolved from memecoin to utility token), and ZORA (NFT platform turned content finance protocol).

Users who have been actively using Base's dApps over the past two years since its mainnet launch in August 2023 will likely be eligible for airdrops. This aligns with the typical retroactive reward mechanism seen in other Layer 2 launches.

Base is expected to attract more builders and users, reinforcing its position as the most successful Layer 2 launch to date. The network already processes 1-3 million transactions daily and has reached 181 million wallet addresses at its peak.

Most other Layer 2 networks have already launched tokens and conducted airdrops, yet none have achieved Base's level of builder and user quality. The BASE token launch will likely intensify competition and potentially draw developers and users away from competing networks.

Since Base's launch, Optimism has provided retro funding for Base builders and users through its $3.3 billion OP token allocation program. When Base launches its own token, it may reduce dependency on Optimism's incentive programs, potentially affecting OP token holders and the broader Optimism ecosystem.

With Base's growing market share, Layer 1 networks beyond Ethereum, Solana, and BNB Chain may face increased competitive pressure as Base captures more users and transaction volume.

The potential BASE airdrop faces unique challenges due to Base's organic growth without token promises, resulting in a massive user base accumulated over two years of operation. This makes eligibility criteria particularly stringent and competitive.

Based on analysis of similar Layer 2 launches and Base's ecosystem development, likely eligibility criteria include:

Developers who built applications on Base from testnet onwards may receive allocations similar to Optimism's retro funding model. These allocations will likely be distributed based on on-chain metrics including gas contributions, TVL, and unique addresses served.

Users demonstrating long-term engagement through:

• Native bridge usage between Ethereum and Base

• Consistent dApp interaction over extended periods

• Maintained ETH balance and TVL on Base

• Regular transaction activity since network launch

Users of Base's official initiatives including:

• Base Names (base.org/names) on-chain scoring system

• Base App users - the recently launched SocialFi platform migrated from Coinbase Wallet with Farcaster integration

Early Farcaster users and verified badge holders represent key eligibility criteria, given Farcaster's deep integration with Base's SocialFi strategy and the Base App launch.

Holders of foundational Base ecosystem tokens including $CLANKER, $DEGEN, $VIRTUAL, and $ZORA may receive preferential treatment given their early commitment to the ecosystem.

Base's token exploration represents a strategic evolution rather than a departure from its original vision. With the network having achieved sub-second, sub-cent transactions and Stage 1 decentralization, the BASE token serves as the next logical step toward full decentralization and community governance.

The competitive airdrop landscape means that casual users may face challenges qualifying, while early builders, active dApp users, and Farcaster participants likely have the strongest eligibility profiles. As Base continues building "in the open" with community involvement, the final token design and distribution mechanism will become clearer in the coming months.

The launch represents a significant milestone for the broader Layer 2 ecosystem, potentially setting new standards for how successful networks transition from centralized operation to community governance while maintaining growth momentum and ecosystem development.