"Michael Johnson shares his lack of sleep during Grand Slam Track turmoil, as allegations regarding athletes' entitlement to $3m surface"
In a significant blow to the world of athletics, the newly-established league, Grand Slam Track, has found itself in financial turmoil. The season finale in Los Angeles was abruptly cancelled due to a major investor withdrawing their funding, leaving the league with a debt of $13 million (£9.8m) (sources: [1], [3], [5]).
The league, launched in April with a grand total of $40 million in funding from hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman and others, was aiming to revolutionize the athletics scene. However, the global economic landscape shifted, causing a cash flow crisis in 2025 (source [5]).
Founder Michael Johnson described the situation as "a very difficult situation financially" and admitted that the cancellation of the Los Angeles season finale was primarily due to the investor pull-out (source [1]). The decision to end the inaugural season early was made to focus on long-term stability, with hopes pinned on a 2026 comeback (source [1]).
Despite the setbacks, Johnson remains optimistic about the future of Grand Slam Track. He emphasized that they now have a product to show, not just an idea, and reiterated that they are still fighting for the return of the league (source [1]).
The league had positioned itself as fan-first and adaptive, offering first-class flights and hotel rooms to athletes as part of their pledge to overhaul athletics. The prize money on offer included £75,000 for winners, $38,000 for second place, and further prize money down to $7,500 for eighth place (source [1]).
However, Grand Slam Track missed the deadline to pay athletes a total of $3 million (£2.3m) in prize money by Thursday. Athletes have only been paid their appearance fee from the Kingston meet (source [1]). The cancellation and the issues with payments have drawn criticism, with some athletes publicly demanding payment and World Athletics reportedly considering steps to ensure athletes get paid (source [1], [5]).
Since the cancellation, meets in Atlanta and Philadelphia have taken place. Despite the challenges, Johnson is hopeful that Grand Slam Track will make a return, eyeing a 2026 comeback (source [1]).
The league's debut event took place in Kingston, Jamaica, and it was launched with the aim of revitalizing the athletics scene. Prior to its launch, Johnson raised $30 million (£22.6m) in funding for Grand Slam Track (source [1]).
As Grand Slam Track navigates through this financial crisis, it remains an active organization, albeit on hold, with its focus on recovery for the 2026 season.
Sources: [1] BBC Sport (2025). Grand Slam Track: Michael Johnson's athletics league in financial trouble. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/61144706 [3] The Guardian (2025). Grand Slam Track: Michael Johnson's athletics league cancels season finale due to funding shortfall. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/oct/01/grand-slam-track-michael-johnson-athletics-league-cancels-season-finale-due-to-funding-shortfall [5] Sky Sports (2025). Grand Slam Track: Athletes demand payment after season finale cancellation. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/athletics/news/12463/12250513/grand-slam-track-athletes-demand-payment-after-season-finale-cancellation
- The financial turmoil of the Grand Slam Track, a new league aimed at revolutionizing sports, has led to the cancellation of its season finale in Los Angeles.
- Michael Johnson, the founder of Grand Slam Track, remains optimistic about the future of the league, hoping for a 2026 comeback after navigating through the financial crisis.
