Base Network Surpasses $13 Billion in Bridged TVL, Challenges Traditional Layer 2 Ecosystems

The Base network has become one of the leading Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystems, surpassing $13 billion in bridged total value locked (TVL) by May 2026. According to DefiLlama data, this figure represents a significant milestone for the platform, which operates without a native token.

The absence of a native token is unusual for a Layer 2 network like Base, with most competitors having their own tokens such as ARB (Arbitrum) and OP (Optimism). Instead, Base uses Ethereum for transaction gas fees, settling transactions on-chain. This approach has been successful in reducing costs, with transaction fees dropping below one cent following the Ethereum Dencun upgrade.

The network's success can be attributed to its connection to Coinbase, which provides a significant distribution advantage through its large user base and onboarding funnel. As a result, Base has captured approximately 46.6% of all Layer 2 DeFi TVL, according to The Block's 2026 Digital Assets Outlook report.