The decentralized prediction market Polymarket is preparing to enter a new era - one defined by record-breaking growth, institutional interest, and the long-anticipated launch of its own cryptocurrency.
After months of speculation, Polymarket executives have confirmed that the platform will introduce the POLY token, accompanied by a retroactive airdrop designed to reward active participants. The announcement comes as the company celebrates a remarkable $20 billion in lifetime trading volume, a figure that cements its status as one of the leading onchain applications globally.
A Token Built for Utility, Not Hype
Rather than rushing to release a token during last year’s bull cycle, Polymarket chose a slower, more methodical approach. In a recent podcast appearance, Chief Marketing Officer Matthew Modabber explained that the team wanted to ensure the token had genuine, long-term purpose within the ecosystem.
“Our focus isn’t on launching another hype coin,” Modabber said. “We want POLY to have real utility – something that rewards people who actually use the platform.”
According to internal estimates, between 5% and 10% of the token’s total supply will be distributed to verified users who have traded actively, avoiding so-called “airdrop farmers” looking for quick gains.
U.S. Relaunch Before Token Rollout
The token reveal isn’t Polymarket’s only headline this year. Founder Shayne Coplan recently confirmed that the platform is preparing to reopen to U.S. users after resolving a years-long regulatory dispute.
While the crypto community has been buzzing about the upcoming airdrop, the team insists that bringing the platform back to the American market comes first. “We need to get our U.S. app right before anything else,” Modabber emphasized. “Once that’s done, we can think about the token.”
The POLY token is expected to launch sometime in 2026, likely following the official U.S. rollout.
Big Investors and Bigger Numbers
Polymarket’s growth story has caught the attention of Wall Street. The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) – the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange – has reportedly invested $2 billion in the project, betting on the convergence of decentralized prediction markets and traditional finance.
This backing comes after a stellar year for the platform. Polymarket processed over $6 billion in trades in the first half of 2025 alone, representing one of the fastest growth rates among decentralized applications.
