Popular NFT marketplace OpenSea is set to launch its highly anticipated native token SEA by the first quarter of 2026, following a recent statement from its CEO Devin Finzer. Notably, the proposed cryptocurrency is intended as a key part of OpenSea’s transformation into a one-stop shop for any blockchain-related business activity.
OpenSea will distribute 50% of tokens to the community
In an October 18 X article, Devin Finzer shared key information about OpenSea’s long-awaited SEA token covering its utility, distribution, and tokenomics. The token was first announced in February 2025, with its launch planned a year later.
According to details shared by Finzer, 50% of SEA’s total supply will be distributed to the OpenSea community, with at least half of that allocation going to initial requesters. Meanwhile, OGs and participants in the platform’s rewards program will be considered separately, recognizing their long-term commitment and contributions to the market.
The OpenSea CEO also revealed that 50% of the company’s revenue at launch will be used to purchase SEA tokens, establishing an immediate demand mechanism to support the value and liquidity of the token. In terms of functionality, SEA will be integrated into the core marketplace experience, allowing users to stake tokens and engage more deeply with their favorite collections.
A multi-chain trading project
As previously noted, SEA represents an integral part of OpenSea’s proposed operation to function as a one-stop shop for blockchain commerce. Finzer brings additional depth to this project, which aims to transform OpenSea from an “NFT marketplace” to a general trading platform.
The OpenSea boss describes NFTs as the first phase before a sequel that will provide users with seamless access to the on-chain economy to trade all objects, including tokens, culture, art and ideas, among others.
Finzer said:
Building this product is in our DNA. You should not have to use a CEX and give up custody of your assets. But you also shouldn’t need to navigate a maze of chains, bridges, wallets, and protocols to use on-chain liquidity, wondering if your balance is on Solana, an Ethereum L2, or elsewhere.
The OpenSea boss also explains the importance of the SEA token for this project, saying
You should just be able to exchange everything in one place, seamlessly. And that brings me to $MERof the OpenSea Foundation. Integration $MER entering OpenSea will be an opportunity to show the world our vision. This will shine a light on everything we are building. So we need to make sure what we’ve built is worthy of that attention – not just for us, but for all holders who believe in what crypto can become. $MER is not created to be thrown in and forgotten.
Meanwhile, OpenSea now boasts over $2.6 billion as of October 2025, 90% of which comes from token trading.
Featured image from Unsplash, chart from Tradingview
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