The capitalization of the non-fungible token (NFT) segment surpassed $6 billion, up 28% in 24 hours. Daily sales in the sector jumped 191% to $46 million, according to CryptoSlam.
The rise in demand coincided with the strengthening of Ethereum and Solana. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, reached a 2025 high of $3,800, while Solana rose to $190, its highest level in five months.
The trigger for the growth of the NFT sector was also a major purchase on OpenSea. An unknown investor purchased 45 NFTs from the CryptoPunks collection, spending more than 2,080 ETH ($7.8 million).
This transaction drew the attention of both individual collectors and institutional participants, as it demonstrated significant confidence in top-tier NFT assets. The purchase also contributed to renewed momentum across NFT marketplaces, with increased trading activity and notable rises in the value of flagship collections.
Against this backdrop, the floor price of CryptoPunks NFTs rose 16.5% in 24 hours, to 47.7 ETH.
According to analysts at LVRG Research, the NFT sector is gaining momentum amid a general bullish trend. Traders are returning to leading projects like CryptoPunks, suggesting these projects are undervalued.
Vincent Liu, investment director at Kronos Research, believes that this whale buying signals the strength of blue-chip NFTs and the growing appetite among large investors. The influx of liquidity could trigger a rotation of capital back into premium NFTs.
Presto Research analyst Min Jung said activity is focused on older collections rather than new projects. This suggests a return of investor interest, but not yet a full-fledged "NFT season."
