Definition ∞ Stake delegation incentives are rewards or benefits offered to cryptocurrency holders who delegate their tokens to a validator in a Proof-of-Stake network. These incentives encourage token holders to participate in network security and consensus without needing to run their own validator nodes. Delegators receive a portion of the block rewards generated by the validator they support, typically after the validator takes a commission. This mechanism helps to distribute staking participation and maintain network decentralization.
Context ∞ News often reports on the varying stake delegation incentives offered by different Proof-of-Stake blockchains and their impact on network participation and token economics. Discussions frequently revolve around the optimal incentive structures to promote decentralization and prevent validator centralization. The design and effectiveness of stake delegation incentives are crucial for the long-term health and security of Proof-of-Stake protocols.