Coinbase’s Base layer-2 network might soon introduce its own token, as creator Jesse Pollak mentioned during the BaseCamp event. Base explained that this new token could help with decentralization and provide more opportunities for builders and creators. “We are just starting to look into this, and we don’t have any details about timing, design, or how it would be managed”, the network said on Monday. Base is a layer-2 blockchain that’s built on Ethereum and developed by Coinbase. It handles transactions off the main blockchain before finalizing them on Ethereum. Since its launch in 2023, the network has become the most popular Ethereum layer-2 blockchain, with around 20.8 million active addresses each month, according to Token Terminal data from the last year. During the BaseCamp event, Pollak also shared that an open-source bridge to Solana would be launched. This bridge will let users transfer assets between the two blockchains and give developers access to a larger pool of liquidity. Pollak mentioned that Base aims to be a “bridge, not an island”, and emphasized that the intention is to enhance the entire ecosystem by making it more open and connected.

“For a better global economy, we need to work together and to be connected”. The idea of creating a native token for Base shows a change in direction from earlier messages. Back in November 2024, Pollak wrote a thread on X where he praised Hyperliquid for focusing on creating a product instead of offering tokens. He indicated that there were no plans for a token for the Base network. “Our main goal is to build, and we want to tackle real issues that lead to better development”, Pollak said. However, the possible Base token seems to be part of the network’s growth rather than just a pump scheme. “At first, launching a token wasn’t our top priority because we thought we needed to concentrate on developing the core product first”, a Base spokesperson said. “Now that we’ve achieved quick and inexpensive transactions and have moved into a more open system, we’re looking into a network token to help further decentralize and create a more open, accessible, and community-focused ecosystem”, Base explained. The spokesperson also mentioned that issuing a token aligns with its goals of decentralization. “Base is meant for everyone, and a network token could allow more people to join in the Base’s on-chain economy”.