Overview

• Grand Slam Track began issuing installment payments Friday that bring each athlete to 50% of 2025 appearance and prize money, according to an email from operations manager Karen Taylor.
• Existing investors provided an up to eight-figure rescue, with roughly $5.5 million immediately directed to athlete payouts.
• Total obligations are about $19 million, including roughly $11 million to athletes and about $8 million to vendors, with some vendor costs targeted for renegotiation.
• Winners Alliance organized the emergency raise and has covered payroll for a staff now under 10 employees.
• The league canceled its Los Angeles finale in June and cut staff, and founder Michael Johnson has said a 2026 return depends on clearing debts as legal pressure from athletes and suppliers has been mounting.