Ethereum News Today: 26 Altcoins Face Major Token Unlocks Next Week Amid Liquidity Concerns

The cryptocurrency market is set to experience a series of major token unlocks across 26 altcoins between August 11 and August 17, 2025, at various times in UTC+3. These unlocks, which involve the release of previously restricted tokens into the open market, could impact liquidity and price dynamics, particularly for tokens with lower market capitalizations. The unlock schedule includes assets such as Solar (LAYER), io.net (IO), and Nereus Token (NRS), among others, with unlock values ranging from $1.11 million to $53.19 million relative to their market caps[1].

For example, Aptos (APT), which holds a market cap of $3.17 billion, is set to unlock $53.19 million—equivalent to 1.68% of its total value—on August 12 at 03:00 UTC+3. Meanwhile, smaller-cap tokens like Nereus Token (NRS) face a more substantial unlock of $2.41 million, which represents 45.78% of its $5.25 million market cap, also occurring on the same day. The scale of these unlocks raises concerns about potential sell pressure and downward price movements if token holders opt to liquidate their positions[1].

Among the tokens with unlocks scheduled for August 16, Arbitrum (ARB) will see the release of $43.57 million in tokens—1.82% of its $2.35 billion market cap—highlighting the potential for volatility in a large-cap project. Zebec Network (ZBCN) and GoPlus (GPS) also face significant unlocks of $10.94 million and $2.89 million, respectively, at 03:00 UTC+3 on the same day[1].

The unlocks are expected to draw attention from investors and traders as they assess the potential for market impact. Historical context shows that large token unlocks can create uncertainty, especially when combined with other factors such as reduced exchange listings or regulatory changes. For example, Ethereum (ETH) recently faced price pressure amid similar unlock events and a lack of new listings, though whale activity has indicated potential for a rebound[5].

While the report does not disclose the identities of all 26 altcoins, it emphasizes the importance of monitoring unlock sizes in relation to total supply and trading volume. Tokens with higher unlock proportions relative to their market caps—such as Oxygen (OXY), with a 360.47% unlock ratio—may be particularly susceptible to price declines, unless strong fundamental or on-chain factors provide a counterbalance[1].

Analysts caution that token unlocks are a routine part of many blockchain projects' tokenomics, but they underscore the need for transparency and strategic planning. The report also notes that similar events in the past, such as the Glacier Drop airdrop by the Midnight Network, have influenced user adoption and market dynamics by distributing tokens to new participants[4].

Investors are advised to remain cautious and to consider unlock schedules as part of a broader risk assessment, especially when evaluating smaller-cap tokens that may lack the liquidity to absorb large sell-offs. The Arbitrum project, for instance, faces challenges related to token supply overhang and competition from other Layer-2 solutions, despite its strong technical foundations and growing ecosystem[7].

The upcoming unlocks highlight the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market, where token supply management and unlock timing play a critical role in shaping investor sentiment and asset performance. While the market continues to evolve with increased institutional interest and innovation, regulatory uncertainties remain a potential risk. As the unlocks approach, market participants are urged to stay informed and to conduct due diligence to mitigate risks and identify potential opportunities[1].

Source:

[1] Watch Out: 26 Altcoins Will Have Huge Token Unlocks Next Week – Here’s the Day-by-Day, Hour-by-Hour List (https://en.bitcoinsistemi.com/watch-out-26-altcoins-will-have-huge-token-unlocks-next-week-heres-the-day-by-day-hour-by-hour-list/)

[5] Ethereum's Rally (https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-09-aug-2025/liveblog/123195194.cms)

[4] Cardano Attracts New Users After Glacier Drop Airdrop (https://www.fastbull.com/news-detail/cardano-attracts-new-users-after-glacier-drop-airdrop-news_6100_0_2025_3_7055_3/6100_ETH-USDT)

[7] Arbitrum (ARB) Deep Due Diligence Investment Report 2025 (https://www.bitget.com/price/fragmetric/price-prediction)