The Optimism Foundation has introduced a forward-thinking proposal designed to enhance the value of the OP token by connecting it to the economic activities within the Superchain ecosystem. This initiative was announced on January 8, 2026, and, if accepted, it would allocate 50% of revenues generated by the Superchain to facilitate monthly buybacks of OP tokens. This marks a notable transition in the long-term tokenomics strategy of Optimism.
Should the proposal receive approval, it would signify a shift from the OP token being utilized solely as a governance tool. Instead, it would introduce a consistent source of demand tied directly to actual network usage. The mechanics of this buyback strategy involve utilizing half of the revenue obtained from sequencer fees across the Superchain to repurchase OP tokens on the open market. The Superchain encompasses various networks built on the OP Stack, including OP Mainnet, Coinbase“s Base, Uniswap“s Unichain, and other participating chains.
In the previous year, the Superchain generated a total of 5,868 ETH in revenue, all of which was directed into a token-governed treasury. If the proposal is passed, 50% of future revenues will be allocated for these monthly buybacks over a span of 12 months, potentially beginning in February 2026. The remaining half of the revenue will continue to be overseen by the Optimism Foundation, which will manage it for ecosystem investments and treasury activities.
Regarding the OP tokens acquired through this buyback program, they will be returned to the treasury. The proposal does not stipulate an immediate burning of these tokens. Future governance votes will determine their fate, which could include options such as:
- Permanently burning the tokens to decrease total supply
- Allocating them for staking or incentive programs
- Utilizing them for other purposes aligned with the ecosystem
This approach maintains flexibility while establishing a structural demand mechanism that is closely tied to the growth of the Superchain. The proposal”s design aims to correlate OP token demand with blockspace utilization across the Superchain. As more applications and users engage with OP Stack chains, the revenue generated from sequencers will rise, leading to an increase in buybacks.
This model creates a self-reinforcing cycle where heightened activity within the Superchain results in greater revenue, which in turn fuels more substantial OP buybacks, potentially leading to a decrease in circulating supply or bolstered treasury positioning. The Foundation regards this initiative as a foundational step toward establishing a sustainable, usage-driven economic framework for the OP ecosystem.
The governance vote is scheduled for January 22, 2026, and if it receives approval, the buybacks are expected to commence in February 2026, continuing for a duration of 12 months. The results of this vote could significantly influence how Optimism positions the OP token within the broader context of Layer 2 solutions and the Superchain landscape moving forward.
