Michael Johnson, founder of the Grand Slam Track, recently shared a thrilling news. He dropped the big news that this much-hoped-for league will remain on ice until it pays off its considerable obligations from the first season. 2025 would see the introduction of the Grand Slam Track, a serious rival to the Diamond League. It does this by concentrating exclusively on track events and providing mouthwatering salaries and prizemoney to tempt the top stars.
The Grand Slam Track aims to make professional track and field sustainable. It gives contracted athletes a living wage and pays race winners up to $100,000. The first season launched with thrilling competitions in Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia. Events like Mulhouse and Paris were able to lure in big names such as Daryll Neita, Matthew Hudson-Smith, and World 1500m champion Josh Kerr.
The season faced significant challenges. The Philadelphia meet was cut from three days to two to save on increasing costs. As a result, their grand finale originally scheduled for June in Los Angeles has been canceled. The deal they negotiated did not guarantee enough investment.
Because of these delays, Grand Slam Track is now behind schedule. They’re left unable to pay out millions in promised guaranteed appearance fees and prize money. Johnson reiterated that the national organization can’t move forward until it pays off these debts.
“We promised that athletes would be fairly and quickly compensated. Yet, here we are struggling with our ability to compensate them.” – Michael Johnson
Johnson reiterated that the immediate focus is on paying off the debts before making any plans for additional seasons. No 2026 season until all 2025 obligations are fulfilled. This commitment illustrates Johnson’s dedication to ensuring that athletes receive the compensation they deserve before moving forward with the league’s activities.
Grand Slam Track’s future rests on whether its financial woes can be restored. Resolution of this policy is imperative to restoring the trust of athletes and stakeholders. The league’s long-term vision is to become the premier circuit for track and field events. Its vision is very unclear until it cuts through its debts.