- Optimism governance approves buyback program using 50% of Superchain revenue.
- Proposal passed with 84.4% support, starting a 12-month pilot period in February.
- Community reactions range from bullish enthusiasm to concerns about tokenomics.
Optimism has announced its token buyback program will commence in February, following governance approval. During a 12-month experimental period, the Optimism Foundation will donate 50% of net Superchain sequencer revenue to recurring OP token purchases. The proposal received 84.4% approval from delegates and tokenholders through the onchain governance portal.
The buyback mechanism creates a direct linkage between OP token demand and network activity across the Superchain ecosystem. This collection of OP Stack-based chains includes OP Mainnet, Base, Unichain, World Chain, Soneium, and Ink, among others. The program is Optimism’s first formal effort to connect token economics to revenue generation across its expanding chain network.
Revenue Allocation and Treasury Management Structure
Superchain sequencers generated approximately 5,900 Ethereum in revenue over the past year, according to the Optimism Foundation. The 50% allocation designated for buybacks could increase as additional chains launch and transaction volume grows across the network. The remaining 50% of revenue will continue supporting ecosystem funding, grants, and operational expenses.
OP tokens acquired through the buyback program will be held in the Optimism Collective treasury rather than burned or removed from circulation. Future use of these accumulated tokens remains subject to subsequent governance decisions, with potential applications including staking mechanisms, incentive programs, or burn proposals.
The buyback structure introduces a dynamic distinct from OP’s primary function as a governance token. Holders previously influenced protocol upgrades and treasury spending decisions without direct value capture from network activity. The new mechanism establishes capital flows directed toward open market OP purchases as Superchain usage expands.
Community Divided on Tokenomics Implications
A community member Foraga.io, called the approval a “big step for Optimism. Aligning OP buybacks with Superchain growth creates stronger long term incentives for everyone building and participating on the network. Excited to see this play out.”
Breeze posted, “This is why I’m always with Optimism,” while Dean stated, “LFG Optimism!!! Still holding my OP.” Lilivic added “Kudos,” and Maceo posted “Bullish Asf” in response to the governance decision.
However, SENIAN criticized the approach, calling it nonsense and accusing the team of denying the reality of its own management. He said they were ignoring token holders, turning OP into a playground for speculators, and pretending not to see the damage being done, describing the behavior as irresponsible and detached from reality.
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