In the Base ecosystem, "inconsistent words and actions" shake trust in Coinbase

The relationship between Coinbase and its Layer 2 network Base is becoming more complex. Critics, including developers and traders, are raising concerns about the disconnect between the platform’s proclaimed openness and decentralization commitments and the actual support for the ecosystem, leading to discussions about inconsistency.

Contradictions Visible in Numbers: Selection Compared to Solana

Recent comparative data highlight the core issue. By 2025, Coinbase had approved 11 Solana-based meme coins for listing, but only 3 projects from the Base ecosystem were listed in the same period. This imbalance has led to accusations of “double standards” by the company.

Trader rbtthreeak pointed out this discrepancy, noting that despite CEO Brian Armstrong previously expressing skepticism about meme coins, Coinbase subsequently listed several similar projects based on Solana. Many of these projects later experienced nearly 67% drops, exposing a clear lack of selection criteria.

“Invisible Walls” Within the Ecosystem

Another example raised by trader Turtle suggests a more complex picture. Projects like Arcadia and Giza, which received investment from Coinbase Ventures, do not appear to receive visible support, whereas external initiatives like Zora are actively promoted.

This inconsistency is not just a matter of superficial branding but poses risks to broader trust in the entire Base ecosystem.

Conflicting Expectations in Practice

However, not all voices are critical. User Zk suggested that the leadership of Base, especially Jesse Pollak, is actually supportive, and that underlying tensions stem from mismatched expectations among participants.

According to his analysis, some meme communities focus on short-term price fluctuations and listing opportunities, while the Base team has been concentrating on building a long-term foundation through the development of the Base app last year. In other words, while the desire for success is shared, their approaches to achieving it differ significantly.

Gradual Reversal of Trust

The trust level, tracked by user Amy, depicts a more serious decline. Delays in listing procedures, competition with Solana-based projects, opacity in the rollout of creator tokens, delays in decentralized exchange integrations, and unmet expectations regarding rewards distribution in the Base app have gradually eroded trust.

The perception that Coinbase favors certain partners has had enough impact to cause some developers and users to leave the chain.

Shift Toward “Marketplace” and Its Challenges

In response to these criticisms, Armstrong directly addressed the issues. He claimed that Coinbase is now providing access to millions of tokens through decentralized exchange integrations, redefining its role from merely a listing gatekeeper to a marketplace provider. He emphasized that centralized listings are more complex, not a matter of value judgment but of technical selection.

His priority for 2026 includes expanding to all blockchains and onboarding more users onto the chain via Base and Coinbase developer tools.

However, the case of creator tokens related to YouTuber Nick Shirley, which plummeted 67% within hours from a valuation near $9 million, raises doubts about this vision. On-chain data suggests strong royalty revenues, but whether this will drive adoption or merely accelerate short-term speculation remains unclear.

If inconsistent strategies persist, the appeal of the Base ecosystem could further decline.