The cryptocurrency market is set for a wave of significant token unlocks in early January 2025, with several high-profile projects releasing large portions of their supply. These events can influence price volatility, market sentiment, and trading strategies—especially when substantial volumes enter circulation relative to existing supply.
Among the most notable are SUI, Optimism (OP), and ZetaChain (ZETA), each facing unlocks worth tens of millions of dollars. Investors and traders should pay close attention to timing, unlock size, and potential market impact as these tokens become available.
This article breaks down the upcoming unlock schedule, analyzes key metrics such as circulating supply ratio and estimated value, and provides insights into how these events might affect market dynamics.
Key Upcoming Token Unlocks (December 30, 2024 – January 5, 2025)
Below is a detailed overview of the major token unlocks scheduled over the next week, presented in chronological order.
December 30, 2024
- Beldex (BDX): Approximately 330 million BDX tokens will unlock at 8:00 AM UTC+8, representing 4.78% of the current circulating supply. With an estimated value of $26.1 million, this is one of the larger unlocks this week.
- Tribal Token (TRIBL): Around 22.07 million TRIBL tokens will be released, accounting for 15.38% of the circulating supply. Despite its relatively modest valuation—around $6.3 million—the high percentage could lead to short-term price pressure.
- Slash Vision Labs (SVL): A massive 605 million SVL tokens will unlock, equaling 12.25% of the current supply. Though valued at approximately $3.9 million, the sheer volume may trigger selling activity from early holders.
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December 31, 2024
- Optimism (OP): One of the most anticipated unlocks involves 31.34 million OP tokens—worth around $58.6 million—representing 2.32% of the circulating supply. As a leading Layer 2 Ethereum scaling solution, any shift in OP availability could affect DeFi liquidity and governance participation.
- Delysium (AGI): About 34.38 million AGI tokens will unlock, making up 2.57% of the current supply. Valued at roughly $5 million, this release may influence sentiment in the AI-focused crypto sector.
January 1, 2025
This date marks the busiest unlock day, with multiple major projects releasing tokens simultaneously at or near 8:00 AM UTC+8.
- Sui (SUI): The most significant unlock comes from Sui Network, with approximately 64.19 million SUI tokens entering circulation—valued at about $270 million and representing 2.19% of the current supply. Given SUI’s position as a top-tier smart contract platform, this event could have broad implications across the ecosystem.
- ZetaChain (ZETA): Around 53.89 million ZETA tokens will unlock (9.35% of supply), worth an estimated $32 million. As a cross-chain interoperability protocol, increased token availability may affect developer incentives and staking yields.
- Sleepless AI (AI): With 23.21 million AI tokens unlocking—17.85% of circulating supply—and valued at $14.6 million, this represents one of the highest proportional releases. Projects with AI narratives often experience amplified volatility during such events.
- dydx (DYDX): Approximately 8.33 million DYDX tokens will unlock ($12.8M), equaling 1.17% of supply. As a decentralized derivatives exchange, changes in token distribution may influence trader engagement and governance voting power.
- Maverick Protocol (MAV): About 36.2 million MAV tokens will be released (7.86% of supply), valued at $7.8 million. This concentrated release may affect liquidity mining dynamics on the concentrated liquidity DEX.
- Eigenlayer (EIGEN): Around 1.29 million EIGEN tokens will unlock at 3:00 AM UTC+8, worth ~$4.4 million and representing 0.61% of circulating supply. As a restaking protocol gaining traction, even small unlocks can sway market perception.
- Sidus (SIDUS): Approximately 448 million SIDUS tokens will unlock ($2.1M), equaling 4.05% of supply—a moderate release for this metaverse and gaming-focused project.
- DODO (DODO): Roughly 10 million DODO tokens will unlock ($1.6M), or 1.38% of current supply. Known for its proactive market maker model, this release may impact community-led trading initiatives.
- Manta Network (MANTA): Nearly 1.87 million MANTA tokens will unlock just before the hour (7:59 AM UTC+8), valued at $1.6 million and representing 0.49% of supply. As a privacy-focused L2, stability post-unlock will be closely watched.
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January 3–5, 2025
- Staika (STIK): On January 3, about 1.57 million STIK tokens will unlock (~$2.2M). No circulating supply percentage was disclosed.
- Alephium (ALPH): On January 4, approximately 1.88 million ALPH tokens will unlock (1.95% of supply), valued at $2.5 million.
Cetus Protocol (CETUS) and Everclear (NEXT): Both projects will unlock tokens on January 5:
- CETUS: ~8.33 million tokens ($2.7M, 1.32% of supply)
- NEXT: ~20.11 million tokens ($2M, a substantial 18.82% of supply)—one of the highest percentages this week
Why Token Unlocks Matter
Token unlocks refer to the release of previously locked cryptocurrencies that were allocated to team members, investors, advisors, or ecosystem funds during a project’s initial distribution phase.
When large volumes enter circulation:
- Selling pressure may increase, especially if early stakeholders decide to cash out.
- Market sentiment can shift, depending on whether the unlock was anticipated and well-communicated.
- Liquidity dynamics change, potentially affecting trading volume and volatility.
- Staking rewards or governance influence may be diluted if new tokens flood voting pools.
Projects with transparent vesting schedules tend to see smoother transitions, while unexpected or poorly managed unlocks can lead to sharp price drops.
Core Keywords
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- ZETA token release
- cryptocurrency vesting schedule
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- blockchain token distribution
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a token unlock?
A token unlock occurs when previously restricted tokens—often held by teams, investors, or foundations—become available for trading or transfer according to a predefined vesting schedule.
How do token unlocks affect price?
Unlocks can increase sell pressure if recipients choose to offload tokens immediately. However, if the market anticipates the event and absorbs the supply efficiently, price impact may be minimal.
Are all token unlocks negative for investors?
Not necessarily. While large unlocks can cause short-term dips, they also reflect project maturity and ongoing development milestones. Transparent communication and strong fundamentals help mitigate negative reactions.
Which upcoming unlock has the largest market impact?
The SUI unlock, valued at approximately $270 million, stands out due to its sheer size and Sui Network’s prominence in the Layer 1 blockchain space.
How can I track future token unlocks?
Several blockchain analytics platforms offer unlock calendars showing dates, amounts, percentages of supply, and estimated values—allowing traders to prepare in advance.
Should I sell my tokens before a major unlock?
That depends on your investment strategy, risk tolerance, and belief in the project’s long-term vision. Some traders take profits ahead of known unlocks to avoid potential volatility.
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