CZ Pressures Coinbase for More BNB Chain Listings Amid "CEX Listing Wars" (October 2025)

• Why Is CZ Pushing Coinbase to List BNB Chain Projects?
• The Backstory: How a Base Founder’s Complaint Ignited the Feud
• Coinbase’s BNB Move: Goodwill or Calculated PR?
• Fee Transparency: The Real Battle Behind the "Wars"
• What’s Next for BNB and the CEX Rivalry?
• FAQ: The CZ vs. Coinbase Drama Explained

Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has publicly urged Coinbase to list more BNB Chain projects, sparking a heated industry debate over exchange transparency and fees. This follows Coinbase’s symbolic addition of BNB to its listing roadmap—a rare olive branch between rival platforms. Analysts see this as a strategic move in the ongoing "CEX listing wars," where liquidity, narrative control, and inter-chain interoperability collide. Below, we break down the drama, the data, and what it means for crypto traders.

Why Is CZ Pushing Coinbase to List BNB Chain Projects?

In a viral X (Twitter) thread on October 15, 2025, CZ called for "reciprocity" between Binance and Coinbase, noting that Binance had listed multiple projects from Coinbase’s Base chain, while Coinbase had yet to support any BNB Chain tokens. "BNB Chain is more active—it’s a no-brainer for inclusivity," CZ argued, framing the request as a win for the broader ecosystem. The post came hours after Coinbase quietly added BNB to its listing roadmap, though technical integration could take months (per CoinMarketCap data).

The Backstory: How a Base Founder’s Complaint Ignited the Feud

The tension escalated when Jesse Pollak, creator of Coinbase’s Base chain, criticized high CEX listing fees. A Base project founder then accused Binance of demanding exorbitant fees for consideration—a claim CZ denied. Crypto influencer @vohvohh dubbed the fallout "CEX listing wars," with industry figures like Cecilia Hsueh (MEXC’s strategy lead) weighing in. Hsueh defended MEXC’s low-fee, high-speed listing model but acknowledged exchanges "play by different rules."

Coinbase’s BNB Move: Goodwill or Calculated PR?

Coinbase’s BNB roadmap addition shocked many, given its Ethereum-centric reputation. BTCC analysts suggest this could signal a shift toward inter-chain pragmatism—or just savvy marketing. "Timing is suspicious," noted one trader, referencing the feud’s media buzz. Coinbase clarified that listings require technical prep and market-making, delaying actual trading (per TradingView sources).

Fee Transparency: The Real Battle Behind the "Wars"

Critics accuse Binance of selective listings and opaque fees, while Coinbase faces backlash for slow non-ETH integrations. "Exchanges prioritize liquidity, not fairness," said a BTCC market strategist. Data shows Binance listed 12 Base projects in 2025 versus Coinbase’s zero BNB Chain additions (CoinMarketCap, October 2025).

What’s Next for BNB and the CEX Rivalry?

While Coinbase’s BNB nod hints at thawing tensions, both exchanges remain locked in a liquidity arms race. "Every ‘cooperative’ gesture has a spreadsheet behind it," quipped an industry insider. For traders, the takeaway is clear: More listings mean more options—but always DYOR.