Solana and Base Enable Cross-Chain Swaps Using The Chainlink CCIP Bridge

TLDR

Table of Contents

Chainlink CCIP enables direct Solana to Base transfers without third-party apps
Base apps can now support Solana-based SPL tokens natively
Solana and Base hold over $13.5B combined in total value locked
The bridge is now live on mainnet and used by major Base apps

Solana and Coinbase’s Base blockchain are now connected through a new bridge powered by Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol. This bridge allows developers and users to transfer assets between the two networks without using third-party tools or complex processes.

Solana and Base Now Connected via Chainlink CCIP

Solana and Coinbase’s Base blockchain are now linked through a new bridge powered by Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP). The bridge went live on mainnet and allows users to move digital assets directly between the two networks. It also lets developers build cross-chain applications without needing complex manual integration.

The connection between Solana and Base is the first official bridge that uses Chainlink to connect an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible chain with Solana’s non-EVM architecture. According to Base, this is a technical advancement that will help expand liquidity and user access across both networks.

The announcement states that applications, including Zora, Aerodrome, Virtuals, Flaunch, and Relay, have already integrated the new bridge. The integration allows users to trade and move Solana-based assets such as SPL tokens within the Base ecosystem.

A New Path for Crosschain DeFi and Asset Transfers

With this bridge, users can deposit SOL and Solana-based tokens on Base. They can also return assets to the Solana chain whenever needed. This offers a simpler experience for users who want access to both ecosystems without managing multiple wallets or going through centralized exchanges.

Developers can integrate the bridge to bring Solana assets into Base-based apps. This is expected to improve trading, liquidity, and DeFi application performance across both networks. “The bridge is live and ready for builders to integrate into their apps,” Base said in its official announcement.

Solana currently holds $9 billion in total value locked (TVL), while Base holds around $4.5 billion, according to DeFiLlama. Both chains are used for high-speed transactions and have seen high activity from the memecoin and NFT sectors.

Chainlink Expands Coverage with Institutional Tools

Chainlink’s CCIP secures the connection and authenticates messages between Solana and Base. The protocol is known for helping enterprises and blockchains build secure cross-chain functionality. This bridge is part of a broader strategy to expand institutional-grade blockchain tools, including ETFs like the recently launched Grayscale Chainlink ETF.

Chainlink’s role in securing the Base-Solana bridge adds another use case to its CCIP technology. This also aligns with Chainlink’s goal of powering cross-chain operations between different blockchain ecosystems with different architectures.

User and Developer Interest Grows Despite Falling Activity

While this bridge may boost usage, both Solana and Base have seen a drop in active addresses in recent months. Solana’s active addresses dropped from over 6 million in November 2024 to 2.4 million by late 2025. Base has also seen a decline in unique active users since its peak in June 2025.

Despite this, Base’s transaction volume rose and reached nearly 407 million in November. The launch of this bridge could help both chains attract new users by offering a faster, more convenient way to interact with both ecosystems.

SOL traded down 3% on the day of the announcement, priced at around $138. LINK also fell by 3%, trading at $14.30, showing muted market reaction. Still, developers and users now have new tools to interact with both networks more efficiently.