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Crypto This Week: $229M Unlock Events Ahead While Ethereum Whale Makes $17M Move

Published by
Debashree Patra and Anjali Belgaumkar

The crypto market is set for a large wave of token unlocks over the next seven days, with the total value expected to exceed $438 million, according to data from Tokenomist.

Token unlocks refer to the release of previously locked tokens into circulation. These tokens are usually allocated to early investors, project teams, or ecosystem incentives and become available based on pre-set schedules.

Several large one-time unlocks exceeding $5 million are scheduled during the period. These include tokens such as ZRO, BARD, RIVER, MBG, YZY, and KAITO, along with the native token of Arbitrum (ARB).

Alongside the one-time releases, several projects will conduct linear unlocks, meaning tokens are distributed gradually each day. Projects with daily unlock values above $1 million include RAIN, Solana (SOL), CC, RIVER, TRUMP, Worldcoin (WLD), Dogecoin (DOGE), ASTER, and Bittensor (TAO).

Major Token Releases Between March 16–22

Crypto analytics platform Top 7 Crypto reported that more than $229 million worth of tokens will be unlocked between March 16 and March 22, 2026.

The largest release is expected from ASTER, which plans to unlock 78.4 million tokens worth approximately $55.9 million on March 17, representing about 0.98% of the token’s total supply.

Another notable unlock involves ZRO, the token associated with the LayerZero ecosystem, which will release $50.3 million worth of tokens on March 20. This event represents roughly 2.47% of the token’s total supply.

Other scheduled releases include BARD with $34.8 million on March 18, RIVER with $27 million on March 22, and STBL unlocking $15.1 million on March 16. 

Additional projects participating in the release schedule include ESPORTS with $12.6 million, RTX with $10.5 million, ARB with $9.8 million, BR with $7.4 million, and KAITO with $6.3 million.

Ethereum Whale Accumulates $17 Million in ETH

On the other hand, while token unlocks dominate the weekly schedule, blockchain data also shows large accumulation activity. Analytics platform Onchain Lens reported that a crypto whale identified as billΞ.eth purchased 7,769 ETH in the past few hours.

The purchase was valued at $17.46 million, with the buyer acquiring Ethereum at an average price of around $2,248 per token.

The transaction occurred within roughly three hours, indicating a significant accumulation move during a relatively short time frame.

Supply Expansion Arrives Alongside Whale Activity

The upcoming token releases will introduce a notable amount of new supply across multiple projects. At the same time, large wallet accumulation in major assets such as Ethereum highlights continued capital movement within the crypto ecosystem.

Together, these developments mark an active week for the market as new tokens enter circulation while major holders continue increasing positions in leading cryptocurrencies.

FAQs

What are crypto token unlocks and why do they matter?

Token unlocks release previously locked coins into circulation for investors, teams, or rewards. They increase supply and can influence price volatility.

How much crypto is scheduled to unlock this week?

More than $438 million worth of tokens are expected to unlock over the next seven days, adding new supply across multiple crypto projects.

Do token unlocks usually affect crypto prices?

They can. Large unlocks may increase selling pressure if holders sell tokens, but strong demand or market sentiment can offset the impact.

Debashree Patra and Anjali Belgaumkar

Fun-loving and cheerful, a passionate blockchain and crypto writer who knows no boundary…connect if you share the same passion. With 10+ years of writing experience, I am a Crypto Journalist by chance, exploring, and learning all the dynamics of the sci-fi action-filled crypto world. Currently, focusing on cryptocurrency news and price data. With a passion for research and challenging my capabilities, I am slowly getting into the crypto arena to bring new insights every day.

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