Grand Slam Track League Aims to Revolutionize Track and Field
In an ambitious move to elevate professional track and field, sprinting legend Michael Johnson has launched the Grand Slam Track league. This innovative series promises athletes regular, high-stakes competitions against top-tier rivals, coupled with unprecedented financial incentives.
Unprecedented Financial Incentives
Grand Slam Track offers a substantial $12.6 million in prize money for its inaugural season. Athletes will compete in four major meets, with prize distributions as follows:
• 1st Place: $100,000
• 2nd Place: $50,000
• 3rd Place: $30,000
• 4th Place: $25,000
• 5th Place: $20,000
• 6th Place: $15,000
• 7th Place: $12,500
• 8th Place: $10,000
In contrast, the established Diamond League offers $10,000 for event winners and $1,000 for eighth place, highlighting Grand Slam Track’s commitment to elevating athlete compensation.
Season Schedule and Venues
The 2025 season features four high-profile meets:
1. Kingston, Jamaica – Independence Park: April 4–6
2. Miami, USA – Ansin Sports Complex: May 2–4
3. Philadelphia, USA – Franklin Field: May 30–June 1
4. Los Angeles, USA – Drake Stadium: June 27–29
These venues have been strategically selected to maximize global engagement and showcase the sport’s premier talents.
Elite Athlete Participation
The league has successfully attracted 48 elite athletes, known as “Grand Slam Racers,” who are contracted to compete in all four events. Notable participants include:
• Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: Double Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles.
• Josh Kerr: 2023 world champion and 2024 Olympic silver medalist in the 1500m.
• Fred Kerley: World-renowned sprinter and Olympic medalist.
• Emmanuel Wanyonyi: Prominent middle-distance runner.
These athletes are poised to deliver thrilling head-to-head competitions, enhancing the sport’s appeal.
Visionary Leadership and Funding
Michael Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, spearheads the Grand Slam Track league. His vision is to create a platform that offers consistent, high-quality competitions and substantial financial rewards, addressing long-standing challenges in track and field. The league has secured over $30 million in funding from private investments and strategic partnerships, including media rights deals with The CW Network and NBC Sports, ensuring extensive coverage and robust financial backing.
Broadcasting and Global Reach
Grand Slam Track has established broadcasting agreements with The CW Network and Peacock in the United States. Every event of each three-day meet will stream live on Peacock, with exclusive coverage of each Friday’s races, while The CW will air weekend coverage. NBC, whose parent company owns Peacock, will also air highlight specials. The global broadcast team will be led by Steve Cram, Carrie Tollefson, and Anson Henry, with reporting from Radzi Chinyanganya and Taliyah Brooks. These collaborations aim to bring track and field to a broader audience, revitalizing interest in the sport.
With its innovative approach, substantial financial incentives, and commitment to showcasing elite talent, Grand Slam Track is set to redefine the landscape of professional track and field.
posted Friday April 4th
by Boris Baron