What EigenLayer is in 2026
EigenLayer is the original restaking protocol on Ethereum. Founded in 2024 by EigenLabs (Sreeram Kannan), the protocol allows ETH stakers and liquid staking token holders to restake — using their staked ETH to additionally secure Actively Validated Services (AVS) and earn additional rewards. Live slashing for EigenDA went into production in 2026.
How restaking works
Users deposit ETH or liquid staking tokens (stETH, rETH, eETH) into EigenLayer. The stake is delegated to operators who run AVS infrastructure — data availability layers (EigenDA), bridges, oracles, MEV markets. Operators earn rewards from AVS fees and emissions; restakers earn a share of those rewards.
Realistic yield in 2026
Restaking adds 0.5–2.5% to base ETH staking yield in 2026. This is meaningfully below the 5–15% that 2024 marketing implied. The gap reflects two realities: AVS reward tokens are often inflationary with limited value capture, and the points-era loyalty programs converted to lower realised yields than holders projected.
Layered risks
Restaking compounds risk: AVS slashing across multiple services, smart contract risk on EigenLayer + LRT wrappers + LST underlying, peg risk on LRTs during stress events, and value risk on AVS reward tokens. Slashing for EigenDA went live in 2026 with a 14-day challenge window and up to 5% stake reduction.
Who EigenLayer fits
Sophisticated users wanting additional ETH yield with explicit understanding of the layered risks. Most users access EigenLayer through liquid restaking tokens (eETH, ezETH, rsETH) for convenience. Casual stakers should generally stick to plain liquid staking until restaking matures further.
