🔥 Key Takeaways
- The cryptocurrency market is set to unlock over $1.054 billion worth of tokens in the third week of January 2026.
- Major unlocks include LayerZero (ZRO), Bitget Token (BGB), and River (RIVER), creating potential short-term volatility.
- Investors should monitor these events closely as increased circulating supply can impact token prices.
- Understanding the unlock schedules is crucial for risk management and trading strategy.
3 Token Unlocks to Watch in the Third Week of January 2026
The cryptocurrency market is bracing for a significant event as the third week of January 2026 approaches. A wave of token unlocks, valued at over $1.054 billion, is scheduled to hit the market. These unlocks involve the release of previously locked or vested tokens into the circulating supply. For investors and traders, these events are critical to monitor as they often introduce increased selling pressure and short-term volatility.
Major projects slated for these releases include Bitget Token (BGB), LayerZero (ZRO), and River (RIVER). Each of these unlocks varies in size and impact, but collectively they represent a substantial injection of liquidity into the market. Below is a detailed look at the three most significant token unlocks to watch this week.
1. LayerZero (ZRO)
Leading the list of significant unlocks is LayerZero (ZRO), an omnichain interoperability protocol designed to facilitate seamless communication between blockchains. The ZRO token unlock scheduled for this week is expected to be one of the largest in terms of value.
LayerZero’s growth has been closely watched by the DeFi community, and the release of these tokens will test the market’s absorption capacity. Typically, a large unlock can lead to short-term price depreciation as early investors and team members gain access to their allocations. However, LayerZero’s strong fundamental narrative regarding cross-chain infrastructure may provide some support against bearish pressure.
2. Bitget Token (BGB)
Bitget Token (BGB), the native utility token of the Bitget exchange, is another key asset on the watchlist. As a centralized exchange (CEX) token, BGB is used for fee discounts, staking rewards, and participation in token launches on the platform.
The upcoming unlock will increase the circulating supply of BGB. For exchange tokens, price stability often correlates with the utility and demand within the ecosystem. While increased supply can dilute value, strong buy-side demand from exchange users often counteracts this. Traders should watch for volatility spikes around the unlock date, as liquidity providers and market makers adjust their positions.
3. River (RIVER)
River (RIVER) represents the third major unlock this week. While less mainstream than LayerZero or Bitget, River has garnered attention within specific crypto niches. The unlock will release a portion of its vesting schedule, adding to the available supply.
For smaller to mid-cap projects like River, token unlocks can have a more pronounced effect on price action compared to larger, more liquid assets. The release of locked tokens often tests the resolve of long-term holders. Investors in RIVER should pay close attention to trading volume and depth, as these metrics will indicate whether the market can absorb the new supply without a sharp price correction.
Market Implications and Strategies
Token unlocks are a double-edged sword. While they introduce sell pressure, they also mark milestones in project maturity and decentralization. For the broader market, the combined $1.054 billion unlock represents a liquidity event that could influence market sentiment.
Traders typically adopt several strategies around these events. Some may look to “short” the tokens ahead of the unlock, anticipating a drop in price. Others might wait for the volatility to settle before entering long positions if they believe the project’s fundamentals remain strong. Regardless of the strategy, risk management is paramount during these periods of heightened supply.
As January 2026 unfolds, the performance of ZRO, BGB, and RIVER will serve as a barometer for how the market digests large-scale token emissions.
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