SharpLink CEO Predicts Ethereum Total Value locked May Surge Ten Times Next Year

TLDR

Table of Contents

Ethereum TVL may grow 10x in 2026 according to SharpLink CEO Joseph Chalom.
Stablecoins could reach $500 billion, boosting Ethereum network usage.
Tokenized RWAs may hit $300 billion supporting Ethereum total value locked.
On-chain AI agents and prediction markets will increase Ethereum adoption.

Ethereum (ETH) may experience a major surge in total value locked (TVL) in 2026, according to Joseph Chalom, CEO of SharpLink. Chalom, a former BlackRock executive, predicts Ethereum’s USD-denominated TVL could grow tenfold. Key sectors including stablecoins, tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), and on-chain AI agents are expected to drive the increase. Both institutional and retail investors are showing growing interest in Ethereum-focused strategies, signaling stronger network activity. These developments could shape the Ethereum ecosystem throughout 2026.

Stablecoins to Drive Ethereum TVL Growth

Chalom highlighted the stablecoin segment as a central factor in Ethereum’s projected TVL increase. He estimates that stablecoins could reach $500 billion in value as national economies adopt them alongside major financial institutions.

“Stablecoins are becoming core to digital finance,” Chalom said. “Their growth will push Ethereum usage higher.” Companies such as PayPal and JP Morgan are expected to expand operations using Ethereum, which could strengthen TVL further.

The growth of stablecoins also provides more liquidity to decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. Increased participation by institutional investors in this segment can support Ethereum’s network stability. Analysts note that wider adoption of stablecoins will encourage both new projects and traditional financial players to interact with Ethereum’s blockchain.

📊 #ETH Institutional Adoption Watch
SharpLink CEO: Ethereum’s total value locked (TVL) could grow 10× in 2026, driven by broader real-world use cases and accelerating institutional participation.
On-chain Activity: SharpLink Gaming has withdrawn 35,627 ETH (~$104.4M) from… pic.twitter.com/stDkbcSr2I
— Crypto Patel (@CryptoPatel) December 27, 2025

This adoption trend is expected to create additional transactional activity, contributing to Ethereum’s overall network value. With stablecoins increasingly used for payments, lending, and trading, Ethereum’s ecosystem could see consistent growth in 2026. Stablecoin-based lending and borrowing services are likely to expand, further increasing network transactions. Stablecoins may also enable cross-border payments and remittances, boosting Ethereum’s practical usage in real-world finance.

Tokenized Real-World Assets Gain Traction

Another factor driving Ethereum TVL is the tokenized real-world assets market. SharpLink projects this sector could reach $300 billion in capital, reflecting strong growth potential for Ethereum’s network.

Chalom stated that financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs, BNY Mellon, Franklin Templeton, and BlackRock, are planning significant moves in tokenized RWAs. This activity may attract both retail and institutional investors, increasing the network’s liquidity and usage.

Tokenized RWAs allow investors to access traditional assets like bonds, real estate, and commodities on a blockchain. Ethereum provides a secure and transparent environment for these operations, supporting higher TVL. As more institutions explore tokenized assets, Ethereum’s ecosystem is likely to see additional on-chain activity and investment flows.

The development of RWAs on Ethereum may also encourage secondary markets and DeFi applications that interact with these assets. This can increase overall network volume while providing broader opportunities for asset management, trading, and financial innovation. Institutional adoption may further support regulatory compliance and create a more stable ecosystem for Ethereum users.

On-Chain AI Agents and Prediction Markets

Ethereum’s adoption by on-chain AI agents and prediction markets is another key factor in the TVL forecast. Chalom noted that businesses prefer Ethereum for security and network reach over competing platforms.

“On-chain AI and prediction markets will increase activity on Ethereum,” Chalom said. These tools enable automated decision-making and market forecasting, which rely on Ethereum’s infrastructure.

As companies integrate AI-driven solutions on Ethereum, transaction volumes and network liquidity are expected to rise. The combination of AI adoption and DeFi applications may further accelerate TVL growth, adding diverse use cases for both institutional and retail users. Increased adoption of AI agents could also improve smart contract efficiency and open new possibilities for Ethereum-based applications.

Institutional Support and Ethereum Staking

SharpLink currently manages over $2 billion in Ethereum, supporting both treasury and staking strategies. Chalom emphasized that institutional involvement will play a major role in 2026.

Sovereign wealth funds and corporate treasuries are expected to migrate capital to Ethereum-based systems. This activity could amplify network usage and contribute to higher TVL.

Chalom concluded, “The upside couldn’t be more clear.” Investors across Web2 and Web3 are closely monitoring SharpLink’s initiatives, signaling confidence in Ethereum’s projected growth. Ongoing staking and treasury strategies by firms like SharpLink are expected to sustain Ethereum’s liquidity and strengthen its network resilience. The combination of institutional support, DeFi growth, and technological adoption is likely to define Ethereum’s trajectory in 2026.