Base’s Shift Away From Optimism Raises Questions About Superchain’s Future

The Defiant

by Jona Jaupi

February 19, 2026

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Base’s Shift Away From Optimism Raises Questions About Superchain’s Future

Base’s decision to transition away from Optimism’s OP Stack has sparked significant debate about the long-term viability of Optimism’s Superchain model. As one of Ethereum’s top Layer-2 blockchains, Optimism currently holds $1.84 billion in total value locked (TVL), a figure that underscores its importance in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. However, the recent sell-off of Optimism’s native token (OP), which dropped 26% following Base’s announcement, highlights concerns about the sustainability of its shared revenue model. This move by Base, which boasts $3.8 billion in TVL on its own platform, raises questions about whether Optimism’s business strategy can remain competitive and profitable. The shift away from the OP Stack is a strategic decision that reflects Base’s priorities. By developing its own unified software stack, Base aims to address scalability challenges and gain greater operational control over its ecosystem. While this could benefit Base in the short term by reducing costs and improving performance, it also casts doubt on the long-term viability of Optimism’s revenue-sharing model, which relies on shared infrastructure usage. This decision comes at a critical time for Layer-2 scaling solutions, as they are increasingly seen as vital for Ethereum’s scalability and adoption. The implications of Base’s move extend beyond Optimism itself. The broader crypto community is closely watching how this transition impacts the DeFi landscape. If Optimism struggles to adapt or if its TVL continues to decline, it could signal broader challenges for Layer-2 networks that rely on shared infrastructure models. Meanwhile, Base’s decision to go it alone may set a precedent for other Layer-2 platforms to reassess their relationships with shared technologies. For readers interested in crypto and De

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Originally published on The Defiant on 2/19/2026