Sorare, the blockchain-based fantasy sports platform, has announced that it is moving its operations from StarkEx to Solana. The platform, which allows users to collect and trade NFT-based sports cards, says the migration is intended to make its ecosystem more open, interoperable, and scalable within the web3 space. According to Sorare, the move is not simply a change in underlying infrastructure, but a step toward creating a more flexible and efficient system for managing digital sports collectibles.
The migration is structured as a four-phase process that will occur automatically over several weeks, requiring no action from users. Sorare emphasizes that all player assets, including cards, experience points, and collections, will transfer seamlessly to Solana while maintaining full ownership and functionality. Gameplay, tournaments, and marketplace activity are expected to continue uninterrupted throughout the transition.
Sorare is Migrating to Solana
Sorare is Migrating to Solana
Sorare’s previous setup on StarkEx, an Ethereum-based Layer 2 solution, allowed the platform to efficiently process transactions while keeping assets non-custodial. The switch to Solana is designed to leverage the blockchain’s high throughput, low fees, and developer-friendly environment. Solana can reportedly handle tens of thousands of transactions per second with sub-second confirmations, making it well-suited for NFT-based gaming platforms like Sorare.
In addition to faster transactions, Solana supports widely used wallets such as Phantom and Backpack, which improves accessibility for users. The migration also introduces support for payments in SOL and potentially stablecoins like USDC, alongside existing ETH support. This broader compatibility aims to attract both crypto-native players and those less familiar with web3.
Sorare is Migrating to Solana
ETH Balances Are Being Moved
Sorare has detailed a phased approach to the migration. In the first phase, ETH balances are moved from StarkEx to Base, keeping user funds visible and accessible while maintaining full platform functionality. The second phase focuses on reissuing all Sorare cards as Solana NFTs using the compressed NFT (cNFT) standard, preserving all card metadata including edition, scarcity, and XP. The third phase will deploy Solana-based payment options, and the fourth phase will phase out StarkEx contracts entirely, completing the transition.
Sorare will cover all migration costs, and users will not need to pay gas fees or execute blockchain transactions. Players who prefer to manage their assets independently can withdraw NFTs to Ethereum before the migration, though continued gameplay on Sorare will require assets to be bridged to Solana after the transition.
Sorare is Migrating to Solana
New Opportunities for Web3 Users
For players who primarily interact with Sorare in a traditional fantasy sports format, the experience will remain largely unchanged. However, the migration is expected to unlock new opportunities for web3 users, including improved trading options, earning mechanisms, and interactions with other Solana-based projects.
Sorare also hinted at potential future developments such as new gameplay features, partnerships within the Solana ecosystem, and possibly the introduction of a native token to enhance player rewards and card utility. By anchoring its assets on a public blockchain, Sorare reinforces its commitment to transparency and digital ownership. All transactions and assets will be visible via blockchain explorers, and all smart contracts have undergone audits prior to deployment.
Digital Collectibles Meet Real-world Sports
Sorare is a fantasy sports platform that combines card-based digital collectibles with real-world sports performance. Users can buy, sell, and trade officially licensed digital cards featuring athletes from leagues including the Premier League, LaLiga, and NBA. Cards function as NFTs and are used in fantasy competitions where player performance in real-life matches determines outcomes in-game. The platform emphasizes a non-custodial model, giving players full control over their assets.
Sorare also offers a free-to-play web2 version called Sorare Rivals, available on Android and iOS, allowing players to form lineups and participate in head-to-head games without requiring NFT ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Sorare moving from StarkEx to Solana? Sorare is migrating to Solana to improve transaction speed, reduce fees, and expand interoperability within the web3 ecosystem. Solana’s high throughput and compatibility with widely used wallets provide a more flexible environment for both players and collectors.
Will I lose my cards or progress during the migration? No. All cards, XP, and collections will transfer automatically to Solana while maintaining ownership and functionality. Users are not required to take any action during the process.
What changes will Solana bring to gameplay? Gameplay, tournaments, and marketplace activity will continue as normal. The main improvements include faster transactions, additional payment options like SOL, and broader interoperability for trading and integration with other Solana projects.
Can I still use Ethereum with Sorare after the migration? ETH balances will initially move to Base, but continued gameplay on Sorare will require NFTs to be bridged to Solana. Cross-chain swaps between ETH and SOL will be supported to enhance flexibility for secondary market trading.
Is there any cost to users for this migration? No. Sorare will cover all migration fees. Users will not pay gas fees or perform blockchain transactions during the transition.
When will the migration be completed? The migration is planned in four phases, beginning in mid-October 2025 and continuing into early November 2025. The final phase, which involves the deprecation of StarkEx contracts, will conclude the process.
