In a surprising twist that has the crypto world buzzing today, Alameda Research has unstaked $35 million worth of Solana (SOL) after a four-year lock-up period. This move, unveiled by blockchain data from Arkham Intelligence, marks a significant moment for the once-prominent trading firm, which was founded by convicted fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried. The timing raises eyebrows, as it comes almost three years after Alameda’s infamous collapse alongside its sister company, FTX, in one of crypto’s largest scandals.
Alameda’s Unstake: A Possible Market Catalyst?
The sudden unstaking of such a substantial amount of Solana has ignited speculation among traders and analysts about its potential implications for the market. While the transfer doesn’t directly indicate an immediate sale, the movement of $35 million in SOL could certainly sway short-term price dynamics and investor sentiment. Arkham Intelligence highlights a crucial point: the SOL was initially locked for just $350,000 in late 2020, reflecting a staggering 100x increase in value—a testament to Solana’s meteoric rise.
Some market watchers are now pondering whether these funds might finally make their way back to FTX creditors as part of ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. However, the situation remains fluid, and the lack of concrete answers leaves room for uncertainty. As one crypto analyst noted, “This move by Alameda may signal that things are happening behind the scenes, but whether it’s a precursor to broader market moves remains to be seen.”
Solana’s Market Position: Quiet Before the Storm?
Despite the buzz surrounding Alameda’s unstake, Solana itself has been in a period of relative quiet. Trading at $174.64, SOL is down 4.39% in the latest session, continuing a consolidation phase below the critical $200 resistance level. Since February 2025, Solana has struggled to break through this psychological barrier, facing consistent selling pressure at higher levels. This mirrors recent trends where Solana meme coins slumped as investors rotated into ETH and ‘quality-focused’ altcoins.
Yet, the long-term technicals remain robust. The 50-week simple moving average (SMA) provides immediate support at $172.30, while the 100-week and 200-week SMAs sit comfortably below, illustrating a healthy uptrend. “SOL is holding above key moving averages, which is a bullish signal. But without volume to back it up, the price action may stay muted,” remarked a market strategist.
The broader crypto market has witnessed Ethereum gaining momentum, dubbing this period as “Ethereum season.” However, some analysts believe Solana’s current quiet phase could be laying the groundwork for a significant breakout. Historically, large-cap altcoins like SOL tend to follow Ethereum’s lead, gaining traction once Ethereum’s rally loses steam. This is reminiscent of recent market movements where Ethereum, Solana, and XRP rebounded amid reports of potential crypto inclusion in 401(k) plans.
What’s Next? Unanswered Questions Linger
As Alameda’s unstake adds a layer of intrigue to Solana’s narrative, the crypto community is left with more questions than answers. Will these funds influence Solana’s price trajectory in the near term? Could this unstaking signal a forthcoming redistribution process tied to Alameda’s bankruptcy? Or is it merely a routine adjustment, with no immediate market impact?
The coming weeks will be telling. A decisive breakthrough above $200 might pave the way for Solana to test the $250–$260 zone, while failure to clear this resistance could prolong the current consolidation or even trigger a pullback towards the 100-week SMA. For now, the market remains in a state of cautious watchfulness, as traders and investors alike await Solana’s next move in this unfolding saga.
Source
This article is based on: Alameda Research Unlocks $35M In Solana After 4 Years – Imminent Distribution?
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
