Solana ETF Set to Lead the “Altcoin ETF Summer”

Bitcoin, Ethereum & Solana

In January 2024, the SEC began approving spot Bitcoin ETFs, followed by Ethereum ETFs in May 2025.

Solana seems poised to be next in line, primarily due to its staking model, which enables yield generation. This is a feature that neither Bitcoin nor Ethereum ETFs initially included.

If the Solana ETF incorporates staking, it would become the first of its kind to offer built-in passive income potential for both institutional and retail investors.

• One crypto user summed it up well: “If staking gets approved, it changes the game.”

Solana is the third-largest crypto by market cap and runs a high-performance network that powers a growing ecosystem of DeFi, NFT, and meme-token projects. Earlier this year, Solana futures went live on the CME, just as they did for Bitcoin and Ethereum before their respective ETF approvals. It’s a key milestone for gaining institutional trust.

Major issuers are already showing confidence. Grayscale is planning to convert its Solana Trust into an ETF. Fidelity and VanEck have filed, too. Bloomberg has pegged the chance of approval by July 2 at 90%, though some filings extend to October.

Solana’s price has already reacted to the news. SOL gained 3–5% to trade at around $165–$170. Our analysts say a breakout above the 200‐day moving average could push it to $180 or higher. The approval of staking would likely add momentum.

This excitement isn’t without precedent. Spot Bitcoin ETFs saw over $17 billion in inflows during their first 135 days. Ethereum ETFs reached $2.8 billion. Analysts now estimate Solana ETFs could attract $3–6 billion in their first year.

Solana may be first, but it’s not alone. XRP and Dogecoin are also in the SEC pipeline. XRP has about an 85% chance of approval, with Dogecoin close behind at 80%, according to analysts. Some firms have filed for basket ETFs, which package multiple altcoins for diversified exposure. 21Shares is leading that charge.

Still, Solana is in a stronger position. Its market cap, tech stack, and infrastructure give it an edge. JPMorgan expects Solana ETFs to attract the most inflows compared to other altcoin funds.

What’s Next?

Keep an eye on three things:

1. S‑1 Amendments: Expected within the week.
2. SEC Review Window: Around 30 days after filing.
3. Approval Date: Most likely between late June and early July.

The broader regulatory environment is also shifting. With bipartisan crypto legislation gaining momentum and potential changes at the SEC, many believe the ETF door for altcoins has been cracked open for good.

Parting Shot

A Solana ETF approval in early July, especially one that allows staking, would be a major milestone. It would show that traditional finance is ready to move beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

With strong odds, institutional support, and market momentum, Solana is poised to lead a new phase of crypto investing. If the SEC says yes, it might just kick off the biggest summer altcoins have ever seen.