Base creator Jesse Pollak confirmed today that developers are exploring the launch of a native network token for the Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain. This marks a significant shift from Coinbase's previous stance, as company representatives had consistently stated they had no plans to issue a token for Base, which currently uses ETH as its gas token.
Both Pollak and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong emphasized that this is purely exploratory at this stage, with no definitive plans regarding timing, design, or governance. Armstrong stated on X: "We're exploring a Base network token. It could be a great tool for accelerating decentralization and expanding creator and developer growth in the ecosystem. To be clear, there are no definitive plans. We're just updating our philosophy."
Pollak outlined two key motivations for the exploration: pushing the boundaries of crypto and rewarding ecosystem participation. He also highlighted that developers will continue building exclusively on Ethereum, despite potential arguments for a multichain future. Notably, the firm plans to work with US regulators to develop a fully compliant network token, taking advantage of what Pollak called a "golden opportunity" presented by Trump's new pro-crypto regulatory environment.
The early announcement was intentional, with Pollak stating that full transparency should be a major pillar of the process. This approach has already generated significant community hype, given Coinbase's stature in the industry and the potential market opportunities a Base token could create.