Binance Discontinues BAYC and MAYC Staking Rewards by August 2025 Amid APE Protocol Adjustments

Binance NFT has confirmed the discontinuation of staking rewards for Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) and Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC) NFTs by August 2025, citing adjustments to the APE NFT staking mechanism as the primary reason. The official announcement, published on Binance’s support platform, states that all staked BAYC and MAYC NFTs will be automatically unstaked and returned to user accounts by August 3, 2025. Once this transition is complete, these NFTs will no longer generate staking rewards on the platform [1]. The move follows a pattern observed in the crypto industry, where exchanges frequently revise staking programs in response to protocol updates or shifting market priorities [2].

The decision impacts approximately 10,000 users who have held BAYC and MAYC NFTs since their 2021 launch. These NFTs, created by Yuga Labs, were among the first major collections to introduce staking as a revenue stream for holders. Binance’s support for BAYC and MAYC since 2022 helped drive their adoption but also exposed the exchange to challenges such as fluctuating user engagement and liquidity constraints. The discontinuation reflects a strategic recalibration toward NFT projects with stronger long-term viability or higher demand, though Binance did not specify which collections will replace them in its staking offerings [3].

The market reaction to the announcement has been muted, with limited public discourse beyond logistical queries about the unstaking process. However, the APE token, which underpins the BAYC and MAYC staking ecosystem, has seen a decline in value. As of July 25, 2025, APE trades at $0.64, with a 24-hour trading volume of $42.94 million and a 34.57% drop in its market capitalization year-to-date [4]. Analysts suggest that reduced staking activity could further dampen demand for APE, as the token’s utility is closely tied to the incentives provided by platforms like Binance. Coincu research highlights that historical trends indicate a potential shift toward self-custody practices if centralized staking options dwindle, though this remains speculative [5].

Binance’s decision underscores broader industry trends of platforms refining their NFT portfolios amid market consolidation. While BAYC and MAYC retain cultural and speculative value, their utility-driven appeal has waned compared to newer NFTs offering governance rights, metaverse access, or tokenized real-world assets. The exchange’s focus on utility-centric NFTs aligns with its broader strategy to prioritize projects with clear functional applications over those reliant on tokenomics-driven incentives [6].

The timeline for the discontinuation—fully implemented by the end of 2025—allows users to adapt their strategies. Holders may choose to sell their NFTs, migrate them to other platforms offering staking, or repurpose them in alternative ways. Yuga Labs, the creator of BAYC and MAYC, has not publicly addressed Binance’s move but has previously emphasized expanding NFT utility through initiatives like the Otherside metaverse project [7].

Regulatory considerations may also play a role, though Binance has not explicitly linked the decision to compliance efforts. The exchange faces ongoing scrutiny in jurisdictions including the U.S. and China, where evolving laws governing digital assets could influence its operational choices. By streamlining its NFT services, Binance may aim to align with global compliance standards while mitigating risks associated with speculative NFT markets [8].

The announcement highlights the maturation of the NFT sector, where platforms increasingly prioritize quality over quantity in their supported collections. While staking has traditionally served as a key incentive for NFT retention, its diminishing role on Binance reflects a shift toward use cases that align with blockchain’s foundational value propositions. This recalibration positions Binance to focus on NFT projects with sustainable utility, even as it leaves early adopters of BAYC and MAYC to navigate a landscape where passive income is no longer guaranteed [9].

Source:

[1] [Binance NFT: Important Update on APE NFT Staking Products] [https://www.binance.com/en/support/announcement/detail/2be379d1fe084e97b865b7b0bb407cbe]

[2] [Binance NFT Discontinues BAYC, MAYC Staking in 2025] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6883e9438cc78b1500f6247f/]

[3] [Binance NFT Discontinues BAYC, MAYC Staking in 2025] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6883e9438cc78b1500f6247f/]

[4] [ApeCoin(APE), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 20:24 UTC on July 25, 2025] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6883e9438cc78b1500f6247f/]

[5] [Coincu research suggests possible market shifts could arise from this change, affecting APE token demand] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6883e9438cc78b1500f6247f/]

[6] [Binance NFT Discontinues BAYC, MAYC Staking in 2025] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6883e9438cc78b1500f6247f/]

[7] [Binance NFT Discontinues BAYC, MAYC Staking in 2025] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6883e9438cc78b1500f6247f/]

[8] [Binance NFT Discontinues BAYC, MAYC Staking in 2025] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6883e9438cc78b1500f6247f/]

[9] [Binance NFT Discontinues BAYC, MAYC Staking in 2025] [https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6883e9438cc78b1500f6247f/]