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CryptoMediumUpdated•Originally published 8 July 2026•Updated 8 July 2026•
1 min read

Berachain Hard Fork Phases Out Dual-Token Model for WBERA Rewards

Key Facts

1Berachain launched the first stage of its PoL Next upgrade, phasing out the BGT token.
2The network's reward system will shift entirely to the WBERA token from the previous model.
3There are concerns that the shift to WBERA rewards may centralize governance power.

In a move designed to streamline the network's incentive structure, Berachain has launched the first stage of its PoL Next upgrade, phasing out its long-standing dual-token model. According to reports, the network's reward system will shift entirely to the WBERA token, replacing the previous BGT-based mechanism. This transition marks a pivotal shift in the protocol's Proof of Liquidity (PoL) evolution, though it has raised concerns regarding the potential centralization of governance power under the new reward system.

This radical shift comes as Layer 1 protocols increasingly compete to optimize liquidity incentives and capital efficiency. While peers like Monad or Sei focus on execution speed, Berachain is doubling down on re-engineering its tokenomics to attract deep liquidity.

Traders should monitor the subsequent phases of the PoL Next rollout to assess its impact on voting power distribution. While the economic calendar lacks direct crypto-specific catalysts, broader market sentiment remains sensitive to macro data, such as the US Non-Farm Payrolls reported on July 2, 2026, which showed a lower-than-expected 57k jobs added, potentially impacting risk-on assets.