Ethereum NFT Sales Soar: July Market Jumps 47.6% as CryptoPunks Dominate

The NFT market is roaring back to life, and Ethereum is leading the charge. July saw a staggering 47.6% surge in NFT sales, hitting $574 million—proof that digital collectibles are far from fading. But what’s driving this resurgence, and which collections are dominating? Let’s dive in.

Ethereum NFT Sales Skyrocket in July

July’s NFT sales reached $574 million, marking the second-highest monthly total of 2025. This represents a 47.6% jump from June’s $388.9 million, signaling a strong recovery. While still below January’s peak of $678.9 million, the rebound is undeniable. The average sale price climbed to $113.08—the highest in six months—indicating a shift toward premium transactions.

Ethereum Dominates the NFT Market Recovery

Ethereum-based NFTs accounted for $275.6 million in sales, a 56% increase from June. The platform’s dominance was further highlighted by Ethereum’s price rally, which pushed it above $3,900. All top 10 NFT collections by market cap were Ethereum-based, with CryptoPunks leading at $69.2 million in trades. Pudgy Penguins followed closely at $55.5 million, with its floor price soaring 65.44%—outpacing even Bored Ape Yacht Club.

Fewer Buyers, Higher Value: A Consolidating Market

Despite the dollar volume surge, transaction activity dipped slightly. Trades dropped 9% to five million, and unique buyers fell 17% to 713,085. Meanwhile, unique sellers rose 9% to 405,505. This suggests a consolidating market, where fewer buyers are acquiring premium assets. The total NFT market cap also grew 21% to $8 billion, up from $6.6 billion in late July.

NFT Lending Market Collapses Amid Caution

While NFT sales thrive, the lending sector has crumbled. Monthly volume plummeted 97% from $1 billion in January 2024 to just $50 million in May 2025. Average loan sizes dropped over 70%, and loan durations shortened to 31 days. Major platforms like DraftKings, GameStop, and Starbucks have scaled back or exited NFT operations entirely, reflecting a more cautious landscape.

What’s Next for the NFT Market?

The July figures reveal a market in flux: Ethereum reigns supreme, buyer behavior is shifting toward high-value assets, and lending has dried up. While demand for digital collectibles remains strong, the sector must innovate to sustain growth amid macroeconomic and regulatory challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did Ethereum NFT sales surge in July?

Ethereum’s price rally and renewed interest in premium collections like CryptoPunks and Pudgy Penguins drove the 47.6% sales increase.

2. Which NFT collections performed best in July?

CryptoPunks led with $69.2 million in trades, followed by Pudgy Penguins at $55.5 million.

3. Why did NFT lending collapse?

Lending volume dropped 97% due to reduced risk appetite, shorter loan terms, and major platforms exiting the space.

4. Are fewer people buying NFTs now?

Unique buyers fell 17%, but those remaining are spending more on high-value assets, pushing average sale prices up.

5. What’s the outlook for the NFT market?

Demand remains strong, but long-term growth depends on innovation and adaptation to regulatory and economic shifts.