Overview

• The BBC confirmed Johnson will not be on its Tokyo punditry team, with a spokesperson citing other commitments.
• Reports link his absence to Grand Slam Track’s financial shortfall, with multiple athletes still awaiting prize money and appearance fees.
• Johnson acknowledged the payment problems, saying the league is struggling to compensate athletes as promised.
• Grand Slam Track had touted appearance fees and roughly £74,000 per event winner from a prize fund reported at more than £8.7–£8.8 million.
• Following a poorly attended Jamaica opener that undercut revenue, Johnson canceled the Los Angeles finale and said there will be no 2026 series until debts are cleared, with World Athletics monitoring the situation.