Key Takeaways
- Over the next seven days, SUI, Solana, and 24 other altcoins will unlock more than $686 million worth of tokens.
- Most token unlocks will range between 1–2% of the circulating supply.
- Historically, many altcoins have faced sharp price drops following large unlock events.
As Ethereum (ETH) and a growing number of altcoins inch closer to their all-time highs, the market is gearing up for what looks like a full-fledged altseason.
However, a looming wave of token unlocks could test that momentum.
Over the next week, more than $686 million worth of tokens will be released into circulation across 26 altcoin projects, including big names like SUI, Jupiter (JUP), Optimism (OP), and Solana (SOL).
What Are Token Unlocks—and Why Do They Matter?
Token unlocks happen when previously locked tokens, usually allocated to team members, early investors, or strategic partners, are released into the open market according to a pre-set vesting schedule.
While these events are expected, they often create added sell pressure by increasing supply and lowering scarcity, especially when large chunks are unlocked at once.
One-Time Unlocks: SUI Leads the Pack
Among the standout unlocks this week:
- SUI will release 44 million tokens worth approximately $189 million, the largest single unlock of the week.
- JUP follows with 53.4 million tokens valued at $32.1 million.
- Ethena (ENA), backed by BlackRock, will unlock 40.6 million tokens worth $26.6 million.
- Other projects like SIGN, GPS, ZETA, and REZ are also set to unlock between $6 million and $20 million in tokens.
Daily Linear Unlocks from Top Altcoins
In addition to these one-time events, linear (daily) unlocks will continue for a host of high-profile projects, including:
Solana (SOL), Worldcoin (WLD), Avalanche (AVAX), Dogecoin (DOGE), The Open Network (TON), TAO, DOT, SEI, ETHFI, and others.
Each of these unlocks more than $1 million in tokens daily, contributing steadily to the overall increase in circulating supply.
Can the Market Absorb the Pressure?
Historically, token unlocks have had a mixed impact on price.
On average, 90% of altcoins experience some degree of post-unlock selloff.
Larger unlocks, especially those exceeding 5% of a token’s supply, tend to lead to more severe drops, with declines of 15–29% not uncommon.
That said, most of this week’s unlocks fall around the 1% mark, which could soften the blow.
And there are exceptions: SUI, for example, bucked the trend after its August 2023 unlock, rallying more than 10% in the weeks that followed.
Much depends on who receives the unlocked tokens. If long-term holders or community allocations are involved, price impact may be minimal.
However, if tokens go to early investors or advisors with a shorter time horizon, selling pressure could spike.
Unlocks Aren’t All Bad News
While unlocks are often viewed as bearish, they can also increase market liquidity, which may attract more participants and reduce volatility over time.
In a market the size of today’s altcoin space—now measured in the trillions—even major unlocks don’t always move the needle significantly.
With altseason heating up, the question now is whether the market can maintain its momentum—or whether this $686 million unlock wave could stall the rally just as it’s gaining steam.
Prashant Jha is a seasoned crypto journalist based in Delhi, India, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science Engineering. Passionate about the evolving world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, he has been a dedicated voice in the industry since 2018. Prashant’s expertise lies in regulatory reporting, where he unravels complex legal and financial developments with clarity and precision. Before joining CCN in 2024, he honed his craft at Cointelegraph, establishing himself as a trusted name in crypto journalism.
His coverage spans major industry events, including the high-profile collapses of FTX, Three Arrows Capital (3AC), and LUNA, offering readers insightful analyses of their regulatory and market implications. Prashant’s technical background enables him to bridge the gap between intricate blockchain technology and its real-world applications, making his work accessible to novices and experts.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Prashant is an avid music enthusiast, often exploring diverse genres to unwind. A sports lover, he has a particular passion for cricket and frequently engages in discussions about the game. His multifaceted interests and sharp journalistic instincts make him a valuable contributor to CCN, where he continues shaping the crypto landscape's narrative.
