The crypto market is preparing for a significant event in September 2025, as projects plan to unlock nearly $4.5 billion worth of vested tokens, according to data from Tokenomist.
$1.17 Billion in Cliff Unlocks, $3.36 Billion in Linear Unlocks
Token unlocks will be split into two categories:
- Cliff Unlocks: Large, one-time token releases totaling $1.17 billion. These unlocks often create supply shocks, influencing short-term price movements.
- Linear Unlocks: Gradual token distribution accounting for $3.36 billion, which tends to smooth market impact by releasing tokens over time.
Several major blockchain projects will see substantial token releases:
- Sui (SUI) leads with $153 million in tokens scheduled for release. The network has only released 35.1% of its supply, meaning a significant portion remains locked.
- Fasttoken (FTN) follows with $90 million in tokens, though the impact may be limited since 96% of its supply is already in circulation.
- Aptos (APT) and Arbitrum (ARB) will unlock $50 million and $48 million, respectively.
Other notable projects include Starknet with $16.85 million, Sei at $16.49 million, and smaller releases from ZK ($10.7M) and Immutable ($13.4M).
Impact on Market Sentiment
Historically, token unlocks created “unlock anxiety” among investors due to fears of price dilution. However, the market’s perspective is evolving. Vincent Kadar, CEO of Polymath, notes that sophisticated investors now focus on fundamentals—including token economics, adoption levels, and governance—rather than just short-term supply effects.
This shift reflects a maturing crypto industry, where token unlocks are increasingly viewed in the context of long-term growth and project sustainability, rather than temporary volatility.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.