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Grand Slam Track Defers 2026 Season Over Unpaid $13 Million in Athlete Fees

Michael Johnson says the league will pause its second season until new investors are secured to clear outstanding athlete payments

Overview

  • Founder Michael Johnson acknowledged on August 15 that Grand Slam Track failed to receive committed funding after a key investor withdrew
  • The league missed its self-imposed July 31 deadline for Kingston prize payouts and now owes about $13 million in prize money and appearance fees
  • Organizers canceled the Los Angeles finale and shortened the Philadelphia meet to limit losses amid weak ticket sales
  • World Athletics and USA Track & Field have said they are monitoring the situation as athletes, agents and vendors await settlements
  • Grand Slam Track will not move forward with a 2026 season until its 2025 obligations are met and fresh investment is secured