Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Whales Offload $15B in BTC, Spur Fears of 2026 Price Drop

Bitcoin's major holders-commonly known as whales-have moved billions of dollars in Bitcoin in 2025, sparking fears of a potential price crash in the coming year. Data shows that whales have sold roughly 161,294 BTC, valued at about $15 billion, over the past 12 months, marking one of the largest selling events in the cryptocurrency's history according to reports. This activity has coincided with a 32% price correction from Bitcoin's October 2025 all-time high of $126,000 to around $84,000 according to analysis. Analysts are watching closely, as such selling is often seen before or during deeper market corrections.

The shift in whale behavior has raised concerns among investors and traders. On-chain analyst Ali Charts noted that the decline in whale holdings typically signals bearish sentiment, as large holders offload assets before market downturns according to reports. These sales have occurred during key price swings, often intensifying short-term volatility and undermining bullish momentum. At the same time, retail traders and smaller investors remain cautious as uncertainty grows.

The market's response has been mixed. While some whale selling has eased in recent weeks, with realized losses flattening at lower price levels, new short positions have emerged. One whale recently expanded its short exposure across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana to $243 million, leveraging positions with 10x to 20x amplification. This move indicates a strong conviction in further price declines and highlights the high-stakes nature of leveraged bets in the crypto space.

Why the Sell-Off Happened

Bitcoin's price volatility in 2025 has been driven in part by new whale activity. Large holders who accumulated Bitcoin near its $126,000 peak panicked as prices dropped, locking in steep losses. These sellers accounted for much of the sharp $40,000 decline from the October high. Meanwhile, older whale cohorts remained relatively stable, avoiding panic selling and maintaining positions through the downturn. This contrast suggests that newer entrants may be more sensitive to price swings.

At the same time, the broader market environment played a role. ETF outflows from spot Bitcoin funds have intensified in recent weeks, with $188.64 million in withdrawals recorded on one Tuesday alone according to reports. Institutional demand appears to be cooling, and investors are increasingly moving money out of risk assets like Bitcoin as macroeconomic conditions shift. This trend, combined with whale activity, has created a bearish backdrop for the coming months.

Risks to the Outlook

The potential for further price declines is heightened by the concentration of selling among large holders. If whale selling continues, Bitcoin may struggle to regain momentum in 2026, according to some analysts. The market's ability to rebound will depend on whether new buyers step in and whether whales begin to accumulate again. So far, however, data suggests that large holders are not showing signs of returning to the market according to market analysis.

Another risk lies in the expansion of leveraged short positions. The whale who expanded its short exposure to $243 million is now betting heavily on further declines in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. If the market turns bullish instead of bearish, these positions could lead to significant losses. The high leverage used in these bets means even small price movements could trigger margin calls or forced liquidations, adding to market instability.

What This Means for Investors

Investors are now facing a more complex and unpredictable market environment. The combination of whale selling, ETF outflows, and leveraged short positions has created a fragile balance. Traders are closely monitoring the behavior of large holders, as their next moves could determine whether Bitcoin stabilizes or faces another correction according to market analysis.

Meanwhile, some investors are taking a different approach. A major whale recently purchased $1.67 billion worth of Ethereum, signaling long-term confidence in the asset despite its recent price drop. This contrast in behavior-between sellers and buyers-reflects the broader market divergence in sentiment and strategy.

For now, the market remains in a cautious state. While some analysts believe Bitcoin is still in a mid-stage bull market , others warn of potential downside risks in 2026. Investors are advised to closely monitor key metrics, including whale activity, ETF flows, and macroeconomic developments, to gauge the next potential moves in the market.