Founder Michael Johnson said the Grand Slam track will not be played in 2026 unless athletes receive bonuses this year.
The four-time Olympic sprint champion confirmed that the upstart track tour could not pay for its inaugural season appearance fees and bonuses and did not move forward until those debts were cleared.
Launched in 2025 as a high-paying alternative to the Diamond League, Grand Slam Track focuses on track and field competitions and offers contracted athletes as well as up to $100,000 for racing winners. The concept is well-known for its top names, including British Olympic sprinters Daryll Neita and Matthew Hudson-Smith, as well as 1500m world champion Josh Kerr, and promises quick spending and provides a bold new stage for elite sprints and mid-range races.
The season began with gatherings in Kingston, Miami and Philadelphia, although the latter extended the cost from three to two days to two days. The finale of Los Angeles, which was scheduled to take place in June, is Completely cancelled After the organizers fail to get the promised investment. Johnson said the move was to “avoid further losses” and to start the “long process of stabilizing the company to get back on track.”
“It’s very difficult, it’s very difficult to feel relaxed with the people you’re planning to help while you’re building something bigger than yourself.” In a statement said On Friday. “We promise that athletes will be compensated fairly and promptly. But here we are working to make up for their abilities.”
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Industry channel front desk sports Report last month The Grand Slam owes competitors about $13 million. Johnson blamed the crisis on “a situation we can’t control” but insisted that the league had no plans to fold.
He said the Grand Slam was “building systems and partnerships” to ensure that this collapse would never happen again. “While I’m no stranger to setbacks and overcoming obstacles, this kind of situation where I can’t pay athletes and partners is currently one of the most difficult challenges I’ve ever experienced. It won’t happen until these obligations are met, the 2026 season is – it’s my top priority.”
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