Altcoin Token Unlocks Are Back: Which Coins Face Sell Pressure?
The total market cap stabilised with Bitcoin dominance around 58%, while 24-hour trading volumes on major platforms reached record peaks exceeding $150 billion. However, the rally remains fragile. Analysts note selective rotation into liquid majors rather than broad altcoin euphoria, with caution lingering from late-2025 corrections. Institutional adoption continues to grow, supported by ETF inflows and tokenised assets, though volatility persists due to geopolitical factors and supply events like token unlocks.
And now, a new wave of altcoin tokens reportedly hit the market this week, adding fresh supply to several popular projects.
Prices reacted fast, with some newly unlocked tokens sliding 5–7% within days. This fits a wider 2025–2026 pattern where scheduled unlocks keep shaking altcoins even during calm market periods.
Altcoin Token Unlocks Return: Intensifying Sell Pressure in Early 2026
A token unlock is simple. Early investors, team members, or partners finally gain access to coins that were locked up.
More precisely, token unlocks occur when previously vested tokens (allocated to early investors, teams, foundations, or partners) become tradable. This suddenly increases circulating supply, often leading to downward pressure if demand does not absorb the new tokens quickly (classic supply-demand dynamics).
In 2025, unlocks released billions in value, pressuring projects like APT (Aptos), AVAX (Avalanche), and ARB (Arbitrum). Early 2026 has seen similar effects, with over $657 million in unlocks reported for the first full week of January alone, amplifying short-term dips amid market consolidation.
According to Tokenomist, upcoming one-time large token unlocks (exceeding $5 million) in the next 7 days include ONDO, TRUMP, CONX, ARB, DBR, CHEEL, STRK, SEI, ZK, etc.; Linear large unlocks (daily amounts exceeding $1 million) in the next 7 days include RAIN, SOL, TRUMP, WLD,… pic.twitter.com/erqqMsYGWF
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) January 12, 2026
EXPLORE: Top Solana Meme Coins to Buy in 2026
Key Altcoins Facing Pressure in Early 2026: ONDO and TRUMP Top The List
This week, crypto projects face $1.69B in token unlocks. Major cliff unlocks (sudden large releases) include:
- ONDO: 1.94B tokens (~$772M, 57% of adjusted supply) — biggest risk of selling pressure.
- TRUMP : ~55M tokens (~$299M, 13% of adjusted supply) on Jan 18.
Linear (gradual) unlocks add ~$530M more, with TRUMP contributing heavily via daily releases.
TRUMP coin (Solana-based, politically themed) currently trades at $5.41, with a market cap of $1.08B (circulating supply ~200M out of 1B total). It’s down sharply from its 2025 ATH of $73–75, reflecting post-hype decline and prior team sales. The upcoming unlock could add 10–30% downward pressure short-term, though inauguration timing (Jan 20) might spark sentiment-driven recovery. High volatility expected.
Is it always bad news? Sometimes unlock pressure fades fast if demand absorbs the supply. Strong projects often stabilize weeks later. Unlock-driven dips can last longer during weak market phases. And smaller market caps swing harder.
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