TLDR
- Polymarket confirms POLY token launch with 5–10% of supply set for airdrop.
- The prediction platform reaches $20B total trading volume in record time.
- POLY airdrop will reward genuine and active traders, not yield farmers.
- Intercontinental Exchange invests $2B in Polymarket’s expanding platform.
Polymarket has surpassed $20 billion in total trading volume and announced plans to launch its native token, POLY, with a large airdrop planned for active users. The prediction market platform continues to grow rapidly and has confirmed that 5–10% of the POLY supply will be distributed to its community as it prepares for a 2026 token debut.
Polymarket Confirms POLY Token Launch and Airdrop
Polymarket Chief Marketing Officer Matthew Modabber confirmed that the team is preparing to release the POLY token while also conducting a retroactive airdrop. Speaking on a podcast, Modabber said the team wants to ensure the token has long-term utility.
“We could have released it earlier, but doing it right matters more than doing it fast,” he said. Modabber added that Polymarket aims to provide sustainable value to users and not just launch for hype. The upcoming airdrop will reward active traders who have genuinely used the platform.
Founder Shayne Coplan had hinted earlier in October that the team secured regulatory approval to resume operations in the United States after a three-year pause. The new token will be integrated into the relaunch, ensuring compliance with U.S. market standards.
POLY Token Expected in 2026
According to Modabber, the POLY token is expected to debut in 2026, with 5–10% of its supply reserved for airdrop participants. The team has confirmed that the airdrop will not allow farming or speculative participation. Only verified and active users will qualify based on their trading history.
Before the token launch, Polymarket is focusing on restarting its U.S. platform. “Why rush a coin if we need to prioritize the U.S. app first?” Modabber asked. He said the main goal is to successfully relaunch operations in the country and then shift focus to the token rollout.
“Our core priority is launching in the U.S. and making a big splash there,” Modabber stated. “After we take care of business on the U.S. app and U.S. launch there will be a focus on the token.”
Record Growth and Institutional Backing
Polymarket recorded $6 billion in trading volume in the first half of 2025, pushing its total past $20 billion. The platform now ranks among the most used decentralized applications worldwide. Its growth has also drawn the attention of institutional investors.
Reports indicate that the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) invested $2 billion in Polymarket. The investment reflects growing interest from traditional finance players in decentralized prediction markets. ICE’s involvement adds weight to Polymarket’s goal of bridging traditional finance with blockchain technology.
Airdrop Excitement Builds Among Crypto Users
The announcement of the POLY airdrop has generated enthusiasm in the crypto community. Many expect rewards to be tied to users’ past trading activity, giving more tokens to long-term and high-volume traders.
The move comes as other major projects prepare their own airdrops. MetaMask has introduced a rewards points program tied to a potential MASK token launch, while OpenSea recently confirmed that its SEA token will debut in the first quarter of 2026.
With a proven user base and growing institutional interest, Polymarket’s planned airdrop and token launch mark a new stage in its development, strengthening its position in the decentralized finance ecosystem.
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