Polymarket aims to release a native crypto token, but it won’t be available until next year according to sources. The company is concentrating on reestablishing its status in the U.S. market after past regulatory issues.
Polymarket Token Launch Delayed Until 2026
Polymarket plans to launch its native crypto token, “POLY,” but the launch is expected to be delayed until 2026. The company is focused on reestablishing a strong presence in the U.S. market before introducing the token publicly.[1]
Token Launch Plans
Polymarket plans to release its native crypto token, “POLY,” but sources indicate the launch will not happen in 2025. The company aims to first secure a strong position in the U.S. market before releasing the token publicly.[1][2]
Major Investment and Valuation
- Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), owner of the New York Stock Exchange, announced a $2 billion investment in Polymarket.
- This investment values Polymarket at about $9 billion, underscoring significant institutional confidence.[3][4][1]
- The partnership aims to distribute Polymarket’s market data to thousands of financial institutions globally.
Regulatory History and U.S. Market Reentry
- In 2022, Polymarket was fined $1.2 million by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and effectively banned from U.S. operations due to unregistered trading activities.[5][6]
- Polymarket acquired QCX, a CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange and clearinghouse, earlier in 2025, allowing legal reentry into the U.S. market.[7][5]
- The CFTC issued a no-action letter enabling Polymarket to relaunch prediction markets in the U.S. as early as October 2025.[5][7]
- Polymarket opened a waitlist for U.S. users in early October 2025.[1]
Market Competition
- Polymarket holds approximately 31% market share in prediction markets.
- Rival Kalshi recently raised $300 million, valuing the company at $5 billion and now commanding over 60% of the global market share.[8][9]
- Kalshi is expanding into over 140 countries, while Polymarket focuses on regaining U.S. dominance.[9][8]
Token Speculation and Utility
- Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan teased the “POLY” ticker on social media alongside Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Binance Coin, sparking speculation of an imminent token.[10][11][12][1]
- The company hints at “rewards and drops” for loyal users but has not disclosed token utility details.
- Polymarket filed for token warrants in their 2025 funding round, allowing investors rights to purchase tokens if issued.[13]
- Some messaging to users suggests potential token airdrops tied to trading volume and reinvestment.[10]
Prediction Market Growth
- The sector has surged in 2025, with combined weekly trading volumes across platforms like Polymarket, Kalshi, Limitless, and Myriad exceeding $1.4 billion.[1]
- Polymarket’s strategic moves and regulatory clearance position it to compete robustly in the prediction market space.
