Top Altcoins with Major Token Unlock in January 2026

A major token unlock in January 2026 is scheduled for several well-known projects. While token unlocks often trigger fear in the market, the reality is more nuanced. 

Unlocks don’t automatically crash prices, misunderstanding and poor preparation usually do. Token unlocks change incentives. Early investors, teams, and ecosystems respond very differently to new supply compared to retail traders. 

That’s why understanding who receives the tokens, how big the unlock is, and the market context matters far more than reacting emotionally. This article breaks down the biggest January 2026 unlocks and explains what they could mean for price action.

Key Takeaways

1. A major token unlock in January 2026 affects several high-profile projects.

2. Unlock size, recipients, and market sentiment matter more than headlines.

3. Large cliff unlocks often increase short-term volatility.

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Major Token Unlock in January 2026

Image Source: Webopedia

Token unlocks release previously locked tokens into circulation. These tokens often belong to teams, early investors, or ecosystem funds. When unlocked, holders can sell, but they don’t always do so immediately.

The real risk comes from uncertainty. Traders who don’t understand vesting schedules often sell out of fear, while others hold blindly without a plan. By knowing the unlock timeline and context, price movements stop feeling random and become easier to manage.

January 2026 stands out because several projects are unlocking a significant percentage of their circulating supply within a short time window.

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Ondo Finance (ONDO): The Biggest Token Unlock 

Image Source: Ondo Finance

Ondo Finance (ONDO) leads the list for the major token unlock in January 2026. Scheduled for January 18, this unlock is unusual because Ondo uses a yearly cliff unlock, rather than daily or monthly releases. 

This event will release 1.94 billion ONDO tokens, valued at roughly $886 million at current prices. That equals 57.23% of the circulating supply, making it one of the largest unlocks of the month.

ONDO Unlock Allocation

• Protocol Development: 825 million ONDO allocated to ongoing development.

• Ecosystem Growth: 792 million ONDO reserved for partnerships and expansion.

• Private Sales: 322.56 million ONDO unlocked for early investors.

Looking back, Ondo’s January 2025 unlock happened during a strong bull market, and demand absorbed the new supply smoothly. January 2026 is different. 

The market is in a consolidation or late-cycle phase, with weaker liquidity. Under these conditions, a temporary price correction is more likely.

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Bitget Token (BGB): One of Exchange Tokens

Next on the list is Bitget Token (BGB), one of the exchange tokens. On January 26, around 140 million BGB tokens will unlock, worth approximately $504 million. That’s about 20% of the circulating supply.

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BGB Unlock Allocation

• Team Incentives: 80 million BGB for internal incentives.

• Branding and Promotion: 60 million BGB for marketing and partnerships.

What makes BGB interesting is its active quarterly burn mechanism. In 2025, Bitget burned a large portion of tokens ahead of schedule, reducing long-term inflation pressure. Because of this, the impact of the January unlock depends heavily on how tokens are used.

If team tokens are sold quickly, a short-term dip of 10–30% is possible. If they’re deployed gradually for growth initiatives, price impact may remain limited.

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Plume Network (PLUME): A High-Risk Cliff Unlock

Plume Network (PLUME) is another RWA-focused project facing a major supply event. On January 21, Plume will unlock 1.37 billion PLUME tokens, representing 39.75% of the circulating supply.

At current prices, this unlock is worth around $26 million, but percentage-wise, it’s substantial.

PLUME Unlock Allocation

• Investors: 700 million PLUME allocated to investors.

• Core Contributors: 667 million PLUME for the team and contributors.

PLUME is already down more than 90% from its all-time high, and this large cliff unlock could add further downside pressure in the short term. Volatility around the unlock date is highly likely.

Sei Network (SEI): Smaller but Still Relevant

Image Source: Career Vault

Sei Network (SEI) has the smallest unlock on this list, but it’s still worth monitoring. On January 15, 55.56 million SEI tokens will unlock, worth about $7.25 million.

This unlock represents only 1.05% of the circulating supply and follows a regular monthly schedule. Historically, such unlocks cause only minor, short-lived price dips. Any sustained move will depend more on overall market demand than the unlock itself.

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Conclusion

A major token unlock in January 2026 doesn’t guarantee a market crash, but it does increase short-term uncertainty and volatility. 

Tokens like ONDO and PLUME face large cliff unlocks that could pressure prices, especially in a weaker market environment. Meanwhile, tokens like BGB and SEI may see more muted reactions depending on how supply is managed. 

Knowing the size, timing, and recipients of each unlock allows traders to plan instead of panic.  In crypto, understanding supply dynamics is often the difference between emotional losses and informed decisions.

FAQ

What is a token unlock?

A token unlock is the release of previously locked tokens into circulation, usually from vesting schedules.

Does a token unlock always cause a price crash?

No. Price impact depends on market sentiment, unlock size, and whether tokens are sold or held.

Which project has the biggest unlock in January 2026?

Ondo Finance (ONDO) has the largest unlock by value and percentage of circulating supply.

Are small unlocks like SEI risky?

Smaller, recurring unlocks usually have limited impact, but they can still cause short-term volatility.

How can traders prepare for token unlocks?

By tracking unlock schedules, monitoring on-chain flows, and avoiding emotional trading decisions.

Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.