LayerZero (ZRO) Next Unlock Set for December 20, 2025 — Market Impact Explained

LayerZero’s ZRO token is about to witness its next scheduled unlock on December 20, 2025, and investors are paying close attention. Unlock events like these can influence market dynamics, particularly in projects with structured tokenomics and a clear vesting schedule. 

Understanding how this upcoming ZRO release could affect supply and trading behavior is essential for both short-term traders and long-term holders. 

With over 24.68 million ZRO slated for release, equivalent to roughly 2.47% of the total supply, the market may see shifts in liquidity, price, and investor sentiment.

Register now on Bitrue and get the best crypto prices today. Enjoy our various campaigns too!

LayerZero (ZRO) Next Unlock: December 20, 2025

The upcoming LayerZero (ZRO) unlock is part of the protocol’s planned vesting schedule. Scheduled for December 20, 2025, this release will make 24.68 million ZRO available to various stakeholders, representing approximately $35.98 million based on current valuations. 

While this is only a small fraction of the total supply, such releases are closely watched because they temporarily increase circulating tokens, which can influence short-term trading pressure.

This release is divided among different categories of holders. Strategic partners and core contributors will receive portions of the unlock, following the structured LayerZero vesting plan. 

Meanwhile, the community allocation has already been fully vested at the token generation event, ensuring that those tokens are already in circulation.

Read also: LayerZero Season 2 Airdrop 2025: How to Join and Earn More in the Ethereum Ecosystem

ZRO Tokenomics and Vesting Schedule

LayerZero’s tokenomics are designed to balance long-term incentives with immediate usability. The total supply of ZRO is allocated across four primary groups: core contributors, strategic partners, LayerZero community, and repurchased tokens. Key figures include:

• Core Contributors: 255 million ZRO, with 24% released in each vesting period.

• Strategic Partners: 322 million ZRO, following a similar linear vesting schedule.

• LayerZero Community: 250 million ZRO, fully vested at TGE.

• Repurchased Tokens: 40 million ZRO, accounting for roughly 4% of total supply.

The vesting schedule is structured with cliffs and linear releases over 24 months for contributors and strategic partners, ensuring that tokens are gradually distributed rather than flooding the market all at once. 

This design is intended to mitigate excessive selling pressure while rewarding early stakeholders.

Read also: LayerZero Foundation Plans to Acquire Stargate Bridge for $110M!

LayerZero (ZRO) Price Today

As of December 15, 2025, ZRO is trading around $1.45, reflecting a slight 4.14% decline over 24 hours. Its market capitalization is approximately $296.33 million, with an adjusted market cap of $552.67 million and a fully diluted valuation near $1.46 billion. 

While ZRO has experienced moderate volatility recently, the upcoming token unlock could create short-term fluctuations as the newly unlocked supply enters circulation.

The Impact of Token Unlocks on the Market

Token unlocks typically influence markets in two ways. First, they increase circulating supply, which can temporarily amplify selling pressure if recipients choose to liquidate tokens immediately. Second, they provide liquidity, which can facilitate trading and deeper market participation.

In LayerZero’s case, the upcoming ZRO unlock is relatively modest compared to the total supply, suggesting that any price impact may be limited. 

However, traders should remain attentive to potential market responses, particularly in spot exchanges where unlocked tokens may become available for sale. 

Historical data from prior unlocks show that price adjustments often occur around such events, although long-term tokenomics and gradual vesting schedules tend to temper extreme swings.

Investors should also consider the strategic context, unlocking events often coincide with ecosystem milestones, partnerships, or network upgrades, meaning that market reactions are not purely driven by supply changes but also by sentiment and perceived project developments.

Read also: How to Be Eligible and Claim the LayerZero (ZRO) Airdrop

Conclusion

The LayerZero (ZRO) unlock on December 20, 2025, represents a controlled step in the project’s long-term vesting strategy. 

While a modest increase in circulating supply could introduce temporary selling pressure, the structured tokenomics and gradual vesting schedule are designed to maintain market stability. 

Traders and holders should monitor the unlock closely, factoring it into short-term trading strategies while keeping an eye on LayerZero’s broader ecosystem growth.

FAQ

What does LayerZero do?

LayerZero is a blockchain interoperability protocol that enables secure and efficient cross-chain communication. Its main function is to allow developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) that work seamlessly across multiple different blockchains.

Who bought LayerZero?

Advent International, a leading global private equity firm, acquired a majority equity stake in LayerZero Power Systems (a power infrastructure manufacturer). Note: This sale refers to the power systems company, not the blockchain protocol, though they share the name.

Who is the CEO of LayerZero?

The Co-Founder and CEO of LayerZero Labs (the blockchain protocol company) is Bryan Pellegrino.

What is the prediction for LayerZero token?

Assuming the price changes at a rate of 5% every year, the price of the LayerZero token is predicted to reach $1.98 by 2030 and potentially hit $3.22 by 2040.

How much did LayerZero sell for?

Advent International's acquisition of a majority stake in LayerZero Power Systems (the power infrastructure company) was valued at approximately $1 billion.