Polymarket Plans to Launch Its Own Token – But Not Until 2026, Sources Say

• Why Is Polymarket Delaying Its Token Launch?
• What Sparked the POLY Token Rumors?
• How Does Polymarket Stack Up Against Competitors?
• What Role Would the Token Play?
• When Will Polymarket Return to the U.S.?
• FAQs: Polymarket’s Token and U.S. Comeback

Polymarket, a leading blockchain-based prediction market platform, is reportedly gearing up to launch its native token, though insiders suggest the release won’t happen until 2026. The company is prioritizing its U.S. relaunch after regulatory hurdles, including a 2022 CFTC ban. With a $9 billion valuation post-ICE’s $2 billion investment, Polymarket aims to solidify its domestic foothold before rolling out the token. Meanwhile, rivals like Kalshi dominate the space, but speculation around "POLY" tokens has surged after CEO Shayne Coplan’s cryptic social media post. Here’s the full breakdown.

Why Is Polymarket Delaying Its Token Launch?

According to sources close to the matter, Polymarket is laser-focused on re-establishing its U.S. operations before introducing its token. The platform was banned stateside in 2022 by the CFTC for alleged transparency violations but has since negotiated a comeback. Its recent acquisition of CFTC-registered derivatives exchange QCX and a "no-action" letter from regulators signal a strategic pivot toward compliance. "The U.S. market is their top priority—tokens can wait," an industry insider told us. This aligns with CEO Shayne Coplan’s earlier remarks about "earning trust first."

What Sparked the POLY Token Rumors?

The buzz ignited when Coplan tweeted "$POLY" alongside crypto heavyweights like BTC and ETH on October 8, 2025. The post, now deleted, sent prediction markets into a frenzy, with Myriad’s contracts briefly pricing a 2025 token launch at 45% odds. However, those odds have since cooled to 22%. While Polymarket hasn’t confirmed plans, insiders hint at "rewards and airdrops" for loyal users. "Token warrants for July investors are likely," added a source referencing The Information’s report.

How Does Polymarket Stack Up Against Competitors?

Data from Dune Analytics reveals Polymarket controls 31% of the $1.4 billion weekly prediction market volume, trailing Kalshi’s 66%. Kalshi, backed by Sequoia and a16z, boasts a $5 billion valuation but lacks a token—giving Polymarket a potential edge. "A well-timed token could flip market share," noted a BTCC analyst. Meanwhile, ICE’s $2 billion bet on Polymarket underscores institutional confidence, though regulatory scars from the 2022 CFTC fine ($1.2 million) and FBI raid on Coplan’s home linger.

What Role Would the Token Play?

Leaks suggest the POLY token could validate prediction outcomes, decentralizing governance while incentivizing participation. Think of it as a "staking-meets-arbitration" model—users might earn tokens for accurate forecasts. "It’s about aligning incentives," said a DeFi developer. However, without official details, skepticism remains. Myriad’s markets now reflect doubts, with 78% odds against a 2025 launch.

When Will Polymarket Return to the U.S.?

Mark your calendars: October 2, 2025, is D-Day for Polymarket’s CFTC-approved relaunch. The platform will debut with sports and election markets, and a U.S. waitlist is already live. "This is their moonshot—get the base right, then scale," said a trader on TradingView. If successful, the token could follow in 2026, potentially reshaping the prediction landscape.

FAQs: Polymarket’s Token and U.S. Comeback

Will Polymarket’s token launch in 2025?

Unlikely. Sources indicate a 2026 timeline, with the company prioritizing U.S. regulatory compliance first.

What triggered the POLY token speculation?

CEO Shayne Coplan’s October 2025 tweet listing "$POLY" alongside major cryptos fueled rumors, though the company hasn’t confirmed plans.

How does Polymarket compare to Kalshi?

Kalshi leads with 66% market share but lacks a token. Polymarket’s 31% share could grow if its token integrates utility like governance or rewards.

What’s next for Polymarket?

A U.S. relaunch on October 2, 2025, followed by potential token rollout in 2026—assuming regulatory winds stay favorable.