Coinbase’s Layer-2 network Base announced its departure from the Optimism Superchain, shifting to a fully proprietary tech stack. The move, which precipitated a sharp drop in Optimism’s OP token, is seen as a strategic step to secure Base’s economic future, with industry observers speculating it clears a path for a potential BASE token launch.
Base, the largest network built with Optimism‘s technology, is ending its technical reliance on the OP Stack. The chain announced it will consolidate its infrastructure into a new, in-house codebase called base/base.
This transition will replace Optimism’s fraud proofs with new Base-specific security proofs and remove Optimism from the chain’s security council. No disruption for end-users is expected, but node operators will need to migrate to the new software releases.
“The mission Base launched with is the same mission we have today: make it the best place to build and onboard the next billion people into the onchain economy,” the team wrote. “To accelerate innovation, scaling and security, Base is evolving its foundational software by moving to a unified, Base-operated stack.”
Industry observers note that Base historically generated over 90% of the Superchain’s revenue, which flowed to the Optimism Collective. The network, which holds $3.85 billion in total value locked (TVL), will now exert greater control over its economic future.
A related rumor on social media, mentioned by an analyst, suggests this move is prerequisite for a BASE token launch planned for later this year. The news caused Optimism‘s OP token to fall as much as 20% in value.
