The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has created a pivotal opportunity for Solana. While Ether (ETH) already boasts significant ETF traction, Solana’s market infrastructure is catching up. key takeaways include: **Ethereum’s headstart**: ETH ETFs launched in the US on July 23rd, 2024, attracting approximately $107 million in net inflows and paving the way for mainstream investment. However, Solana (SOL) faces a more complex regulatory landscape to achieve its full potential. **Solana’s infrastructure:** CME futures were launched for SOL in March 2025, with options slated for October 13th. The SEC adopted generic listing standards in September 2025, streamlining ETF listings beyond Bitcoin (BTC) and ETH. This opens the door to broader market access through regulated investment wrappers. **Potential for outperformance**: A US SOL ETF could fuel sustained demand, potentially surpassing ETH on price and fundamental metrics. To achieve this, Solana needs to demonstrate consistent growth, including: • Sustained creation of new tokens • Tight hedging strategies • Real-world onchain usage • Continued developer activity. **Comparing the two:** While Ethereum has a headstart in the ETF race, Solana’s robust infrastructure and potential for sustained demand could shift market dynamics in the long run. The real test lies in whether ETF flows translate into actual onchain adoption and a broader ecosystem. **Risks to consider**: Concerns remain over reliability (e.g., a 2024 outage) and regulatory scrutiny. If these challenges are overcome, Solana’s trajectory could be significantly impacted.** **Key factors:** **Demand signals:** The approval of a US spot SOL ETF would unlock access for RIAs and brokerages, improving market mechanics and liquidity. Continued on-chain activity in Solana (stablecoin growth, active user numbers) will be crucial in assessing the potential for outperformance. **The path forward**: A key factor will be whether sustained net creations and redemptions materialize in the market. **Investor takeaways:** The approval of a US spot SOL ETF is an important development with the potential to shift market dynamics. However, Solana’s ultimate success will hinge on its ability to demonstrate sustained growth and navigate regulatory hurdles. This article should not be considered as investment advice.