CoinBase and Solana Launch Cross-Chain Bridge Using Chainlink Protocol

TLDR

• Base and Solana launched a bridge using Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol to enable asset transfers between the two networks
• The bridge allows users to trade Solana tokens and SPL assets on Base apps like Zora, Aerodrome, and Virtuals
• Solana holds $9 billion in locked value as the second-largest blockchain while Base ranks sixth with $4.5 billion
• This marks a technical milestone connecting Ethereum Virtual Machine chains with Solana’s different architecture
• SOL and LINK tokens both dropped 3% following the announcement

Coinbase’s Base network and Solana have connected through a new bridge that allows users to move assets between the two blockchains. The bridge went live on mainnet this week using Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol.

The new infrastructure enables users to trade Solana-based tokens on Base applications without leaving the Base environment. Apps including Zora, Aerodrome, Virtuals, Flaunch, and Relay have integrated the bridge for their users.

Base developers can now add support for Solana assets like SOL and SPL tokens directly in their applications. The bridge code is open-source and available on GitHub for any development team to integrate.

Technical Connection Between Different Blockchain Types

The bridge represents a technical achievement by linking Ethereum Virtual Machine compatible chains with Solana’s separate architecture. Base operates as an Ethereum layer-2 network while Solana uses its own non-EVM system.

Solana currently ranks as the second-largest blockchain by total value locked with $9 billion in assets. Base holds the sixth position with $4.5 billion in locked value according to DefiLlama data.

Both networks focus on high-speed transactions and low fees. These characteristics have made them popular for memecoin trading and minting activities.

Usage Patterns and Activity Levels

Solana’s active addresses peaked at over 6 million in November 2024 but have since dropped to 2.4 million. The decline in activity has continued throughout 2025.

Base has experienced similar patterns with active addresses declining since June 2025. However, the network’s total transaction count increased this year, reaching nearly 407 million transactions in November.

Johann Eid, Chief Business Officer at Chainlink Labs, stated the bridge helps developers build secure cross-chain applications. He said this infrastructure supports the vision of global onchain finance.

Token Price Performance

The SOL token price fell 3% on the day of the announcement to below $140. The token now trades more than 50% below its January 2025 all-time high of over $293.

Chainlink’s LINK token also dropped approximately 3% to $14.30. LINK remains 73% below its 2021 peak of nearly $53 despite the recent launch of the first US spot LINK exchange-traded fund.

Base positions itself as a hub for multichain activity rather than competing only within the Ethereum ecosystem. Solana is the first blockchain to connect through this bridge with more chains expected to follow.

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