Top 7 Token Unlocks This Week: Big Supply Hits the Market as Prices Hold Firm
Top 7 Token Unlocks This Week: Hype, Aster, Sui, EigenCloud, Kamino and What They Mean for the Market
The crypto market is ending the year on a strong footing, but a familiar test is approaching. More than $585 million worth of tokens are scheduled to unlock this week, raising a critical question for traders and investors alike: Is the current green market strong enough to absorb fresh supply, or could these unlocks disrupt short-term price action?
At the time of writing, the total crypto market capitalization stands near $3.13 trillion, up about 2.5 percent over the past 24 hours. Trading volume has climbed to roughly $80.5 billion, signaling rising activity and renewed risk appetite. Bitcoin dominance remains elevated at 57.5 percent, while Ethereum’s share sits near 11.7 percent, reflecting a market still led by majors even as select altcoins gain attention.
Against this backdrop, the top seven token unlocks scheduled for the coming days represent a meaningful liquidity event. According to data compiled from Tokenomist and market trackers monitored by the hokanews editorial team, these releases will test whether bullish momentum can offset near-term selling pressure.
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| Source: Tokenomist Website |
Why Token Unlocks Matter in a Bull Market
Token unlocks occur when previously restricted or vested tokens become transferable. These events are common in crypto projects that allocate tokens to early investors, teams, ecosystem funds, or strategic partners.
In weak markets, unlocks often trigger sharp sell-offs as new supply overwhelms demand. In stronger environments, however, markets can absorb the additional tokens more smoothly, particularly when projects have active communities, clear roadmaps, and ongoing demand drivers.
This week’s unlocks arrive at an interesting moment. Liquidity is improving, sentiment has turned cautiously optimistic, and volatility has picked up across major assets. That combination makes the upcoming releases especially important for short-term price discovery.
The Largest Token Unlocks This Week
Hyperliquid (HYPE): The Week’s Biggest Supply Event
Leading the list is Hyperliquid (HYPE), which is set to unlock 9.92 million tokens with an estimated value of $251.19 million. This is by far the largest single unlock of the week, accounting for a significant share of the total supply entering the market.
HYPE is currently trading around $26.04, down roughly 0.69 percent on the day. Despite the modest dip, the scale of the unlock places Hyperliquid firmly in focus. Large unlocks often bring increased volatility, as traders position ahead of potential selling from early holders.
That said, strong derivatives activity and consistent interest in decentralized trading infrastructure could help cushion the impact, particularly if broader market strength persists.
Sui (SUI): A High-Profile Layer 1 Unlock
Next on the calendar is Sui (SUI), which is scheduled to unlock 46.41 million tokens on January 1, 2026, valued at approximately $67.29 million.
SUI has shown resilience ahead of the event, trading near $1.49 after posting a 3.3 percent daily gain. The project has benefited from growing developer activity and expanding ecosystem usage, which may help offset near-term supply pressure.
Historically, Layer 1 unlocks tend to attract heightened speculation. In bullish phases, traders often treat these events as temporary headwinds rather than trend reversals, particularly when on-chain metrics remain supportive.
EigenCloud (EIGEN): Unlock Tied to Restaking Narrative
EigenCloud (EIGEN) will unlock 36.82 million tokens worth about $14.44 million on January 1, 2026. The token is currently priced around $0.4064, up roughly 2.9 percent intraday.
Interest in EigenCloud remains closely linked to the broader restaking and EigenLayer narrative, which has been one of the most closely watched themes in crypto this cycle. While the dollar value of this unlock is smaller compared to Hyperliquid or Sui, sentiment around restaking infrastructure could influence how the market reacts.
If demand for restaking-related exposure remains strong, selling pressure may be absorbed relatively quickly.
Kamino Finance (KMNO): DeFi Supply Hits the Market
Kamino Finance (KMNO) is another notable unlock scheduled for this week. Approximately 229.17 million KMNO tokens, valued near $11.75 million, are set to be released.
KMNO is currently trading around $0.05270, posting a 2.24 percent gain on the day. As a DeFi-focused project, Kamino’s price action is often sensitive to broader risk sentiment and activity across decentralized finance protocols.
In periods of improving liquidity, DeFi tokens can outperform expectations following unlocks, particularly if usage metrics and protocol revenues remain stable.
Smaller Unlocks Still Matter for Sentiment
While the following unlocks are smaller in dollar terms, they still contribute to overall market psychology and short-term volatility.
Aster DEX (ASTER)
Aster DEX (ASTER) is set to unlock 10.28 million tokens valued at approximately $7.44 million on January 1, 2026. ASTER is currently trading near $0.7288, up about 1.91 percent on the day.
DEX-related tokens often react sharply to unlock events due to relatively lower liquidity compared to majors. However, consistent trading activity and ecosystem engagement can help stabilize prices after initial moves.
Slash Vision Labs (SVL)
Slash Vision Labs (SVL) will unlock 242.47 million tokens worth roughly $7.24 million on December 30, 2025. The token is trading around $0.02959, with a 2.93 percent daily increase.
Given the timing near year-end, some traders may adopt a cautious stance, while others may view post-unlock dips as tactical entry points if fundamentals remain intact.
Optimism (OP): Layer 2 Unlock to Watch
Rounding out the list is Optimism (OP), which will unlock 31.34 million tokens valued at approximately $8.66 million on December 31, 2025.
OP is currently trading near $0.2813, up 1.72 percent on the day. Ongoing activity across Layer 2 networks and scaling solutions has kept Optimism relevant, even amid broader competition in the sector.
Layer 2 unlocks often draw attention due to their close ties to Ethereum’s scaling roadmap, making OP’s price action worth watching as the year closes.
What These Token Unlocks Mean for Investors
The timing of this week’s unlocks is notable. They arrive during a period of improving sentiment, rising volumes, and renewed confidence across the crypto market. In such conditions, markets often digest new supply more efficiently than expected.
For short-term traders, unlocks can introduce volatility and create tactical opportunities. Prices may dip as new tokens enter circulation, but rebounds are common when broader trends remain intact.
For long-term investors, the focus should remain on fundamentals. Projects with active development, clear use cases, and sustained demand are generally better positioned to absorb unlock-related pressure.
It is also important to distinguish between one-off supply shocks and structural dilution. Unlock schedules are typically known well in advance, and markets often begin pricing them in weeks or months ahead of time.
A Market at a Crossroads
With Bitcoin holding firm near key levels and total market capitalization trending higher, the crypto market appears better equipped to handle supply events than it was during previous risk-off periods.
Still, caution is warranted. Sharp moves in either direction can occur when multiple unlocks cluster within a short time frame. Monitoring volume, order book depth, and on-chain flows will be critical in the days ahead.
Conclusion
The top seven token unlocks this week, totaling more than $585 million, introduce a meaningful test for a market that has recently regained momentum. While fresh supply can create short-term pressure, strong liquidity and improving sentiment suggest the risk may be manageable.
For traders, volatility around these events could present opportunities. For long-term participants, the coming days will offer insight into which projects command enough conviction to withstand dilution.
As always, staying informed and disciplined remains key as the market navigates this pivotal stretch.
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