Running News Daily

The Wanda Diamond League is raising the stakes again in 2026, offering more athletes the chance to earn top-level prize money while maintaining its record overall purse.

Beginning next season, athletes will be able to earn up to $20,000 per event at series meetings and $60,000 at the Diamond League Final—the highest individual payouts in the 17-year history of the circuit. 

A key change comes with the expansion of Diamond+ Disciplines, the premium events that carry the highest prize money. In 2026, each meeting will feature eight Diamond+ events, doubling from four in 2025. This move significantly broadens access to top earnings across the sport.

“The adjustment reflects the Diamond LP League’s commitment to delivering a competitive, financially sustainable and gender-equal prize money structure that benefits athletes across the full diversity of track and field,” said Petr Stastny.

More Events, More Opportunities

Under the updated format, each meeting must include:

One men’s and one women’s sprint or hurdles event

One men’s and one women’s middle- or long-distance event

One men’s and one women’s field event

Two additional events (one male, one female) from any discipline

This structure ensures both discipline diversity and full gender equality, while allowing more athletes to compete for the top payouts.

Prize Money Holds at Record Level

While the top-tier opportunities are expanding, the overall prize pool remains unchanged after reaching a record $9.24 million in 2025

Standard prize levels will continue at:

Up to $10,000 per event at series meetings

Up to $30,000 at the Final

Diamond+ Disciplines were first introduced in 2025 as part of a major over haul aimed at elevating athlete compensation and visibility across the series.

A Growing Investment in Athletes

Including promotional fees for elite competitors, the Diamond League expects to distribute approximately $18 million to athletes in 2026. Additional investment will support travel, accommodation, medical services, and physiotherapy.

Since its launch in 2010, the series has now invested more than $300 million into the sport—reinforcing its position as track and field’s premier one-day circuit.