Prediction platform Polymarket has officially announced plans to launch its own token, POLY, accompanied by an airdrop — a move that could reshape the rapidly expanding prediction market industry. Matthew Modabber, Polymarket’s Chief Marketing Officer, confirmed the plans during an interview with Degenz Live . “There will be a token, there will be an airdrop,” Modabber said, emphasizing that the company wants to ensure POLY has “real utility and longevity.” Polymarket’s Next Focus: U.S. Launch Before the Token Drop The CMO clarified that Polymarket’s current focus remains on re-launching its app in the United States, where it recently received approval to return after halting operations in 2022 due to regulatory uncertainty. “Why rush the token if we need to prioritize the US app, right? After the US launch, the focus will be on the token and ensuring its proper operation,” Modabber noted. His comments have sparked intense speculation among traders about the airdrop criteria. Many believe that rewards could be based on trading volume, giving the platform’s most active users a larger share of tokens once the airdrop begins. Record Activity and Rising Valuation The announcement follows a surge in market activity. According to The Block , Polymarket reached $1.4 billion in trading volume last month, while competitor Kalshi surpassed 2.5 billion prediction contracts. Polymarket is also attracting institutional capital at record pace. Bloomberg reports the company is in talks to raise new funding at a valuation of up to $15 billion. In September, Polymarket secured a $2 billion investment from Intercontinental Exchange, the parent of the New York Stock Exchange, raising its valuation to $9 billion. This followed a $150 million round led by Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund earlier this year, which valued the company at $1.2 billion. Additionally, Polymarket recently signed a multi-year licensing deal with the National Hockey League, signaling deeper mainstream integration between blockchain and sports industries.
