$WAL refers to the native token of Walrus (ticker: WAL), a decentralized storage and data availability protocol built on the Sui blockchain.
Foundation and Blockchain
Walrus was developed by Mysten Labs, the team behind the Sui blockchain (a high-performance Layer-1 blockchain focused on scalability and low-cost transactions). Walrus serves as a programmable, decentralized storage network designed for large-scale data (e.g., blobs, AI datasets, media files, NFTs). It enables verifiable, monetizable, and secure data markets, particularly for the AI era.
Key features:
Uses advanced encoding (like Red Stuff / erasure coding) for efficient, scalable on-chain storage of any data size.
Decentralized nodes handle storage with high reliability and fault tolerance.
Bridges Web2 cloud storage (e.g., AWS) with Web3 by offering permissionless, cost-effective alternatives.
Token utilities include paying for storage (with fiat-stable pricing), staking for network security, delegated staking, and governance (voting on parameters).
Official site: walrus.xyz
It's positioned as a key infrastructure layer on Sui, with growing adoption for dApps, AI agents, and data-heavy applications.
Current Price
As of early February 2026, the live price of WAL is approximately $0.09 to $0.12 USD (fluctuating; check real-time sources like CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, or Kraken for the latest).
24-hour changes have recently shown volatility, with drops around 10-15% in some periods but also recoveries.
Market cap: Around $140M–$190M USD.
Circulating supply: ~1.58 billion WAL (max supply: 5 billion).
All-time high: Around $0.76 (reached in mid-2025).
Trading volume: Often $10M–$20M in 24 hours across exchanges.
Price Prediction
Cryptocurrency prices are highly speculative and volatile—no prediction is guaranteed. Predictions vary widely based on models, market sentiment, adoption, and broader crypto trends (e.g., Sui ecosystem growth, AI/data storage demand).
From aggregated sources:
Short-term (next weeks/months): Some models forecast potential drops to ~$0.07–$0.11 amid bearish sentiment or unlocks, but rebounds possible with positive news.
Medium-term (2026): Estimates range from $0.11–$0.21 (e.g., one model suggests up to +130% potential by year-end in optimistic scenarios).
Long-term (2030+): Bullish forecasts see $0.21–$2+ if adoption grows (e.g., via institutional interest like Grayscale trusts for Sui protocols), but risks include competition and token supply pressures.
Factors influencing price:
Sui ecosystem momentum and AI/data storage narrative.
Token unlocks and staking rewards.
Broader market (Bitcoin halving cycles, regulatory news).
Always do your own research (DYOR), consider risks, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.