Coinbase announced a technical pivot for its Base network on February 18, 2026. The Ethereum layer-2 solution was originally launched in 2023. Base will transition from Optimism’s OP Stack to a unified, Base-operated stack. This shift provides Coinbase with greater developmental control to improve network scalability and innovation.
The transition occurs during a broader cryptocurrency market downturn in February 2026. This announcement follows the company’s fourth-quarter 2025 earnings report released on February 12. Coinbase missed financial estimates in that report but highlighted the ongoing resilience of its retail user base.
The move to an independent infrastructure signals a long-term strategic focus on internal development. This pivot allows the company to navigate current market headwinds through enhanced technical autonomy.