Magic Eden CEO Jack Lu announced a shift in the company's direction. He stated that the NFT marketplace will focus on the segment where "finance merges with entertainment."
Excited to announce increasing our revenues flowing into $ME today. 15% going into $ME, split across buybacks and USDC yield.
— Jack (@0xLeoInRio) January 19, 2026
Stepping back: we’re heading into a speculation supercycle — where finance merges with entertainment.
Prediction markets are all over Emmys and the… https://t.co/DyZ1HQQyTl
Lu noted a growing interest in prediction markets and betting. He remarked that speculation has become mainstream, and Magic Eden is adapting to these new realities.
This quarter, the company will launch Dicey — its own crypto casino and betting platform. Users will be able to create games, place bets, and interact in a decentralized environment.
According to Lu, despite a prolonged downturn in the NFT market in 2025, the marketplace generated about $24 million in revenue. A representative of the platform described the native asset ME as the centerpiece of the revamped "crypto entertainment" ecosystem.
This decision comes amid a boom in prediction platforms. The daily trading volume in this sector recently reached a record $814.2 million, surpassing the previous high of $701.7 million. Kalshi remains the leader, with Polymarket and Opinion holding strong positions.
Source: Dune.Token Holder Payouts
Additionally, the Magic Eden team has revised the project's tokenomics. ME holders will receive 15% of all platform revenues.
The funds will be distributed equally:
- 50% will go towards token buybacks;
- 50% will be allocated for staking rewards.
Payouts will be made in the stablecoin USDC. The reward amount will depend on the staking amount and duration. Reward claims will open in March.
Analysts from a16z crypto have stated that in 2026, the crypto market will focus on integrating its tools, such as prediction platforms and cryptographic proofs, into traditional business and infrastructure.