Is It a Gamble to Bet on Bored Apes as an Investment?

At one point in 2021 and 2022, owning a Bored Ape was more than owning a JPEG. It signified status, cultural relevance and entry into one of the most exclusive communities in Web3. From celebrity endorsements to high-value airdrops and real-world events, the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) quickly became a symbol of the NFT bull run. Fast forward to today and the vibe has shifted. While the project still holds weight in the NFT ecosystem, its value proposition as an investment is now under more scrutiny.

Current Snapshot

As of July 2025, the BAYC floor price sits at approximately 11.4 ETH, or around 40000 USD. This is a steep drop from its all-time high in early 2022, when apes were routinely trading at or above 75 ETH. Daily trading volumes remain active compared to most collections, but have cooled significantly from the frenzied peaks.

High-value grail apes with rare traits still have degens salivating at the prospect of owning (or flipping) one, but the majority of recent sales are down near the floor. While liquidity still exists, it is far thinner than during the height of the market, much like most other surviving projects.

The Bull Case

Despite the market reset, BAYC continues to operate as one of the most recognizable NFT brands. Yuga Labs, the company behind the project, is actively developing its Otherside metaverse and continues to integrate ApeCoin into the broader ecosystem.

The Bored Ape community remains relatively strong, with ongoing events and collaborations keeping engagement alive. Holders also retain IP rights to their apes, giving them the opportunity to build commercial projects or license their artwork.

These elements continue to differentiate BAYC from most other NFT collections and may help it sustain long-term brand value.

The Bear Case

On the other hand, the sharp decline in price reflects a broader shift in sentiment around NFTs. Much of the initial value was tied to hype, speculation and future promises. Many of the major incentives and airdrops have already been delivered, raising questions about what comes next.

Interest from outside the Web3 space has declined. While some celebrities still hold their apes, the cultural spotlight has moved on. Regulatory uncertainty around NFTs and digital tokens also adds an additional layer of risk, especially for projects with their own currencies or commercial licensing models.

Liquidity is another factor. Even at lower prices, moving high-value NFTs quickly can be difficult. This creates risk for anyone treating BAYC as a short-term asset.

Conclusion

The question of whether investing in a Bored Ape today is a gamble depends on your risk tolerance and your belief in the long-term viability of NFT culture and digital ownership. The fundamentals of the project are still in place, but the market has shifted and the path forward is so uncertain that even the best online casinos can’t figure out the odds of success in this market.

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*All investment/financial opinions expressed by NFT Plazas are from the personal research and experience of our site moderators and are intended as educational material only. Individuals are required to fully research any product prior to making any kind of investment.