Solana’s $SOL token has jumped to $237, beating Binance Coin (BNB) to claim the fifth-largest spot among cryptocurrencies, with its market value now standing at $126 billion.
This impressive rise highlights Solana’s growing power, driven by big investors, fresh network upgrades, and its leadership in decentralised finance (DeFi) and real-world assets (RWAs).
With Bitcoin soaring past $115,000, experts believe SOL could climb to $300 in the near future, signalling a major shift in the crypto market.
Why Solana Is Rising
Big investors are pouring money into Solana, fuelling its growth. Companies like Galaxy Digital have snapped up 700,000 SOL, valued at around $160 million.
Meanwhile, FTX/Alameda added 192,000 SOL back into circulation, and a major whale staked 268,000 SOL to support price stability. The USDC treasury also created 250 million new units on Solana’s network.
This growing trust is boosted by the chance of an ETF approval by mid-October, as hinted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Solana’s DeFi ecosystem is thriving, with $13 billion locked in its system—a new peak. Platforms like Jupiter and Raydium make it easy for users to trade tokens and earn yields. Real-world assets, such as tokenised real estate and private credit through projects like xStocks, are gaining traction. DeFi Technologies, holding over 14,375 SOL, plans to launch 100 new products by the end of 2025, further strengthening the ecosystem.
Network Boosts Fuel the Climb
Solana’s technical improvements are a big part of its success. The upcoming Firedancer tool could handle over 1 million transactions per second in early tests, a huge leap forward.
The Alpenglow update, set for a December 2025 testnet, will make transactions 100 times faster, cutting block times from 12.8 seconds to just 150 milliseconds.
These changes address past network issues, leading to 16 months of uninterrupted uptime since June 2025. Daily active users have jumped 60% to 2.2 million, engaging with DeFi, NFTs, and networks like Helium.
This growth rides the wave of a broader market upswing. Bitcoin has climbed above $115,000, with futures reaching $116,270 as of this morning.
If Bitcoin holds above $113,000, analysts predict it could hit $118,000 by the end of September, lifting altcoins like SOL. Solana’s weaker correlation with Bitcoin at 0.62 shows it’s gaining strength on its own merits.
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What Experts Say
Analysts are buzzing with optimism. Scott Melker, a well-known crypto trader, calls this a “flywheel effect”, where upgrades, investments, and ETF hopes could push SOL to $300–$500. Some experts forecast an average of $425 by year-end if DeFi keeps expanding. More cautious predictions suggest $482, while short-term targets point to $294 if SOL breaks through $238 resistance.
However, risks are present. Solana’s 95% market cap growth in 2024 shows it can be volatile. A market downturn or new regulations could trigger a drop. BNB’s recent decline highlights tough competition among Layer-1 blockchains. Still, Solana’s Sharpe ratio of 1.87 and key support levels at $200–$210 offer some protection for investors.
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What This Means for the Future
Solana’s jump to $237 is more than a price milestone—it marks its rise as a leading blockchain. The network’s ability to handle high-speed transactions and attract real-world use cases sets it apart.
For traders, this could mean big opportunities. For developers, it opens doors to build innovative applications. The next few months might reshape the crypto landscape, especially with upcoming upgrades and potential ETF news.
The market is moving fast, and staying informed will be key to understanding its impact. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a curious newcomer, this moment could define the future of digital assets.
Angela Okafor is a lead reporter and journalist specializing in cryptocurrency and forex trading. Known for simplifying complex market trends into clear, engaging stories, she empowers readers to confidently navigate the fast-paced world of digital finance and global markets. She is dedicated to delivering actionable insights that inform, inspire, and drive smarter investing decisions.
Racheal Omoniyi
September 12, 2025Great breakdown! 🚀 Solana’s growth is looking unstoppable – the network upgrades and rising DeFi activity make $300 seem very realistic. Exciting times ahead for crypto.