Coinbase Adds Support for Polygon’s Rebranded Ecosystem Token POL

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The cryptocurrency world is abuzz as Coinbase, one of the leading U.S.-based digital asset exchanges, announces support for Polygon’s rebranded native token, now known as the Polygon Ecosystem Token (POL). This marks a pivotal development in the evolution of the Polygon network, signaling broader institutional recognition and enhanced utility for its ecosystem.

Originally launched as MATIC, the token has undergone a strategic rebranding to POL, reflecting a larger vision for the network’s future. Coinbase has officially added POL to its product suite under an experimental label, indicating that while the token is now tradable, users should be aware of potential high price volatility or lower-than-average trading volume during the initial phase.

👉 Discover how the POL token is reshaping layer-2 ecosystems and why it matters for your portfolio.

Why the Rebrand from MATIC to POL?

The shift from MATIC to POL was first proposed in mid-2023 as part of a comprehensive upgrade to the Polygon protocol. The rebrand isn’t merely cosmetic—it reflects a fundamental transformation in how the network operates and scales.

According to Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of Polygon Labs, the change aligns with the rollout of Polygon 2.0, a major upgrade designed to transition Polygon from a single-layer-2 solution into a modular ecosystem of interconnected L2 chains. These chains will share security, liquidity, and interoperability through a unified staking layer powered by POL.

“POL delivers the benefits of multi-chain staking without the added risks of restaking. With the Polygon 2.0 proposal, the Polygon Ecosystem will expand from a single chain to an ecosystem of L2s (layer-2s) that can easily interoperate and share liquidity with each other.”

This new architecture aims to solve some of the biggest challenges in blockchain: fragmentation, poor cross-chain communication, and inefficient capital use. By unifying multiple layer-2 networks under one economic security model, POL becomes the backbone that secures and powers this interconnected web of chains.

Key Features of the Polygon Ecosystem Token (POL)

Native Staking and Gas Token

Unlike its predecessor MATIC, which primarily served as a gas token for transaction fees on the original Polygon PoS chain, POL is designed to be the native staking and gas token across all chains within the Polygon ecosystem. This consolidation streamlines user experience and enhances network security through pooled validation.

Interoperability at Scale

With Polygon evolving into a multi-chain network, POL enables seamless asset and data transfers between different L2s built on the framework—such as zkEVM, Supernets, and upcoming app-specific chains. This interoperability reduces friction and boosts developer adoption.

Governance and Future Expansion

While POL currently serves as a utility token for staking and transactions, future upgrades may expand its role to include on-chain governance, allowing token holders to vote on protocol changes, upgrades, and funding proposals. The community will ultimately decide whether to unlock these additional functionalities.

What Does Coinbase Support Mean for POL?

Coinbase first signaled its interest in POL by adding it to its official listing roadmap in August 2024—a transparent process introduced in 2022 to prevent insider trading and ensure fair access to new assets. Now, with full support across its platform (albeit labeled as experimental), Coinbase is giving millions of users direct exposure to POL.

This inclusion significantly increases liquidity, visibility, and credibility for the token. For retail investors, it means easier access without relying on decentralized exchanges or third-party bridges. For institutional players, it represents a signal of compliance readiness and long-term viability.

At the time of writing, POL is trading at $0.37, reflecting a 4% decline over the past 24 hours. However, market analysts suggest this dip may present a strategic entry point ahead of broader ecosystem adoption.

How Does This Impact MATIC Holders?

A critical question for existing stakeholders: what happens to MATIC?

The transition plan ensures a smooth migration path from MATIC to POL. The two tokens will not coexist indefinitely—POL will fully replace MATIC as the primary utility token across all Polygon chains. Details on the swap mechanism, including timelines and conversion ratios, are expected to be released by Polygon Labs in coordination with major exchanges.

Users holding MATIC on supported platforms like Coinbase can expect automated conversion processes, minimizing friction during the transition. Those storing tokens in private wallets should stay updated via official Polygon communications to ensure timely participation.

👉 Learn how early adopters are positioning themselves ahead of major crypto upgrades like this one.

FAQ: Your Questions About POL Answered

Q: Is POL a new token or just a rebranded MATIC?

A: POL is technically a new token but represents a direct evolution of MATIC. It replaces MATIC entirely within the Polygon ecosystem and introduces enhanced functionality for staking, gas payments, and future governance.

Q: Will I need to manually convert my MATIC to POL?

A: If you hold MATIC on a centralized exchange like Coinbase, the conversion will likely be automatic. For self-custody users, manual migration steps may be required once the official bridge or swap tool launches.

Q: What makes POL different from other layer-2 tokens?

A: Unlike most L2 tokens that secure only one chain, POL is designed to secure an entire ecosystem of interoperable L2s. This multi-chain staking model improves capital efficiency and strengthens cross-chain security.

Q: Is POL available for trading now?

A: Yes, Coinbase has listed POL with an experimental label. Other major exchanges are expected to follow suit ahead of the full mainnet rollout.

Q: Could POL be used for governance in the future?

A: While not currently enabled, governance capabilities are under discussion. The Polygon community may vote to expand POL’s utility beyond staking and transaction fees.

Q: Why did Polygon choose to rebrand now?

A: The rebrand coincides with the launch of Polygon 2.0, marking a shift from being a single scaling solution to becoming a modular, interconnected network of chains—better aligned with Web3’s decentralized future.

The Road Ahead for Polygon and POL

As Ethereum continues to scale, demand for efficient, secure layer-2 solutions grows exponentially. With POL at its core, Polygon is positioning itself not just as a competitor among L2s, but as an interoperable ecosystem orchestrator.

Developers building on Polygon will benefit from shared security, lower costs, and faster deployment cycles. Meanwhile, users gain access to a wider range of applications without sacrificing speed or safety.

With support from top-tier platforms like Coinbase and growing momentum behind its technical roadmap, POL stands at the center of one of the most ambitious transformations in blockchain infrastructure today.

👉 See how next-gen blockchain tokens like POL are driving innovation in decentralized ecosystems.

Core Keywords

As the crypto landscape evolves, staying informed about foundational shifts like the MATIC-to-POL transition ensures you’re not just keeping up—but positioning yourself ahead of the curve.