Sophon Nodes | Guardian Membership Buyback Program
Starting August 15th, 2025, Sophon is launching our Guardian NFT Buyback Program on Easeflow's NodeStore.
This is the first liquidity option since the Guardian NFT claim went live in December 2024. Guardian NFTs haven't been transferable since launch, and this program adds a layer of flexibility for holders.
You set your price, we either buy it instantly or submit a bid, and once a price is agreed by both parties you get immediate USDC settlement.
Every license we buyback stays active - the Sophon Treasury continues running those nodes to maintain network strength while giving you the flexibility you've earned as an early supporter.
What's coming next:
- Phase 1 (Now): Sophon-only buybacks starting August 15. We purchase Guardian NFTs directly from holders who want to sell.
- Phase 2: Additional liquidity mechanisms (details coming soon) that create more ways for Guardians to access liquidity and value from their NFTs.
- Phase 3: Full marketplace opens. Anyone can buy or sell Guardian NFTs, creating a complete secondary market for network participation.
How It Works
We're hosting the buyback program entirely on NodeStore – the first marketplace built for tradable infrastructure assets like node licenses and validator rights.
If you want to access liquidity:
- Connect your wallet to NodeStore (on Sophon)
- List your Guardian Node NFT at your chosen USDC price
- Sophon may buy it back using a whitelisted wallet
- If sold, you receive USDC directly in your wallet
Sophon is not obligated to buy every listing.
Why This Matters
This program delivers three key benefits for our Guardian community:
Liquidity When You Need It
Get a simple path to financial flexibility without compromising security. NodeStore handles everything while maintaining full trust and transparency.
Your Role Can Evolve
The buyback model lets you adjust your position, exit when needed, or commit for the long term.
Network Stays Strong
By improving optionality, the program encourages continuous participation and reduces churn or inactivity. Plus, every license we buyback continues running our infrastructure – we guarantee these nodes stay operational, ensuring network stability while providing you with liquidity.
The Bigger Picture: Opening Guardian Membership
This buyback is just Phase 1. The real vision is Phase 3 - opening Guardian Membership to everyone.
Once NFTs become fully transferable at year-end, anyone can buy in. New Guardians get steady SOPH exposure through node rewards. Current Guardians get real liquidity options. The network is open to new operators, increasing its decentralisation.
What's Coming:
- Phase 2: Additional liquidity mechanisms for current Guardians
- Phase 3: Full marketplace opens - fresh participants can join the network
Answering Your Questions
Who is eligible to participate in the buyback program?
Anyone holding a Sophon Guardian License NFT is eligible to list it for sale through NodeStore.
What currency is used for buying and selling?
All transactions are conducted in USDC on the Sophon chain.
How do I list my Guardian License?
Visit NodeStore.com, connect your wallet, and follow the listing steps. You’ll be able to select your Guardian license and set your desired USDC price.
Is the sale instant?
Once listed, your license stays on the marketplace until purchased. We can either buy at your listed price, or submit a bid.
When a transaction happens (either at your list price or as an accepted bid), the sale is instant with onchain settlement and direct USDC transfer.
Can I cancel my listing?
Yes, you can de-list your Guardian license at any time before it is purchased.
What happens to my rewards if I sell?
You’ll forfeit any SOPH rewards that haven’t unlocked yet – including those set to unlock on August 28. Any tokens that have unlocked you keep, regardless of whether SOPH has been claimed or not.
What will happen to the bought back licenses?
All licenses purchased through the buyback program will continue to be operated by the Sophon Foundation.
Is this a limited-time program?
No. This buyback program is here to stay, but it will evolve.
- Phase 1 starts August 15 with Sophon-only buybacks. We purchase licenses directly from Guardians who want to sell.
- Phase 2 introduces additional financial mechanisms (details coming soon) that create more ways for Guardians to access liquidity and value from their licenses.
- Phase 3 opens the marketplace completely. Anyone can buy or sell Guardian licenses, creating a full secondary market for network participation.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, financial or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any digital assets and the use of finance-related terminology are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute any recommendation for any action or an offer to buy or sell securities or any other financial instruments. This content may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to purchase or sell any digital asset referenced herein. The content speaks only as of the date indicated.