TRON Surpasses Cardano in Market Cap with 12% Weekly Gain Ahead of Nasdaq Listing

Justin Sun’s TRON (TRX) has surpassed Cardano (ADA) to secure the ninth position among cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, a shift that coincides with its impending Nasdaq listing on July 24, 2025. The re-ranking reflects growing investor interest, driven by TRON’s strategic upgrades and institutional support. TRX’s market cap now stands at $29.2 billion, while ADA falls to $27.8 billion. Daily trading volume for TRX has surged 30% to $1.64 billion, highlighting increased engagement in decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain applications [1].

The Nasdaq debut follows TRON Inc.’s reverse merger with SRM Entertainment, a transaction that positions the company as the largest publicly listed entity holding TRX tokens. The listing, under the ticker “TRON,” is intended to enhance transparency and attract traditional investors. Justin Sun, TRON’s founder, will ceremonially ring the Nasdaq opening bell from Times Square, underscoring the project’s integration into mainstream finance. TRON Inc. CEO Rich Miller emphasized the milestone, stating it aligns with efforts to build long-term shareholder value through innovation and leadership [1].

TRON’s recent momentum is partly attributed to its Gas-Free feature, introduced in early 2025 and developed in 2024. The initiative reduced average weekly transaction fees by 70%, dropping from 2.47 TRX to 0.72 TRX, according to Nansen. This cost efficiency has bolstered network activity and user adoption, positioning TRON as a scalable alternative to Ethereum and other smart contract platforms. The platform’s focus on low-cost, high-throughput transactions has attracted developers to its ecosystem, particularly in sectors like content distribution and gaming [1].

The overtake of ADA highlights the competitive dynamics in the crypto market. While Cardano, led by Charles Hoskinson, remains a significant player with a strong developer community, its recent decline in rankings suggests shifting investor priorities. TRX has gained 12% in the past week, though it has dipped 3% in the last 24 hours, shedding $500 million in market value. Analysts note that TRON’s ability to sustain its momentum will depend on continued adoption, regulatory clarity, and strategic partnerships [1].

TRON’s Nasdaq listing represents a pivotal step in bridging crypto-native ecosystems with traditional financial markets. Public trading could enhance TRX’s liquidity and provide a benchmark for institutional participation. However, challenges persist, including regulatory scrutiny and competition from other blockchain projects. Justin Sun has emphasized TRON’s commitment to compliance, aligning with industry trends toward regulatory alignment. The platform’s success post-listing will hinge on demonstrating tangible growth in user activity, developer engagement, and cross-chain innovation [1].

TRX is currently trading at $0.30, with a 3% intraday decline. Despite short-term volatility, the token’s long-term trajectory remains tied to its Nasdaq debut and broader DeFi adoption. The platform’s focus on interoperability and developer incentives has spurred growth in decentralized applications, particularly in emerging markets. While Ethereum dominates DeFi, TRON’s lower fees and faster transaction times offer a compelling alternative for specific use cases [1].

Source: [1] [Justin Sun’s TRON Flips Cardano for Top 9 Crypto Spot as Nasdaq Debut Nears] (https://coinpedia.org/news/justin-suns-tron-flips-cardano-for-top-9-crypto-spot-as-nasdaq-debut-nears/)