Rarible Turns Fees Into Fuel For A Self-Sustaining NFT Ecosystem

Rarible, a leading non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace, has unveiled a redesigned platform aimed at offering a more sustainable and competitive trading experience. On Tuesday, the platform introduced a novel system that channels transaction fees into token buybacks and redistributes them to active traders. This approach is designed to address the shortcomings of earlier incentive schemes in the NFT market, which often relied on fixed token allocations that eventually became unsustainable [1].

Anna Riabokon, head of operations and governance at the RARI Foundation, emphasized that previous NFT marketplaces created unsustainable conditions by offering high levels of token redistribution to traders. As these token allocations were exhausted, incentives dwindled, leading to a decline in user engagement and liquidity [1]. In contrast, Rarible’s model is structured to create a self-sustaining ecosystem where all transaction fees are funneled into a buyback and redistribution program. This mechanism not only supports traders but also aims to reduce the perception of transaction costs, making the platform appear "fee-free" to users [1].

Rarible’s strategy is not the first of its kind in the NFT space. Other marketplaces, such as Blur and LooksRare, have previously introduced token-based reward systems to stimulate trading activity. However, these models often led to practices such as wash trading—where users engaged in artificial transactions to maximize airdrop rewards without genuine demand. Such practices eventually undermined the integrity of the platforms and led to sharp declines in activity once token rewards became less valuable [1].

Despite these past challenges, Rarible remains confident in its approach, noting that it generates revenue through software licensing agreements with major brands such as Mattel and McFarlane Toys. This additional income stream allows the platform to maintain a consistent flow of incentives without relying solely on token distributions [1]. According to Riabokon, the foundation will maintain full transparency by publishing onchain data related to transaction fees and implementing regular transparency reports to build trust among its user base [1].

The platform also plans to introduce leaderboards as part of its incentive structure, further encouraging active participation while ensuring all trading activity is traceable to the RARI Foundation treasury. This level of transparency sets Rarible apart from its competitors, who have faced criticism over the opacity of their reward systems [1].

While the Rarible token (RARI) remains volatile, some analysts have made price forecasts based on historical trends and expected growth. According to one set of predictions, the token is expected to see a gradual increase in value, with prices projected to reach $1.04 by 2026 and $1.26 by 2030. These forecasts are based on an assumed annual growth rate of 5%. Additionally, short-term projections suggest a modest rise in the token’s value over the next several months, with expected prices of $0.9726 in October 2025 and $0.9890 in February 2026 [2].

Such forecasts, while informative, should be treated with caution, as the cryptocurrency market is known for its high volatility and unpredictable nature. Investors are advised to conduct thorough research and consider multiple sources before making any investment decisions.

Source: [1] Rarible bets on token buybacks to outlast NFT farming hype (https://cointelegraph.com/news/rarible-nft-marketplace-rari-buyback-rewards) [2] Rarible (RARI) price Prediction (https://www.bitget.com/price/rari/price-prediction)