“It’s about bringing that head-to-head competition to the fans … We want to give them what they (fans) want.” Michael Johnson vowed to save the track and give what fans wanted. The hype was real, and X was blowing up, but fans? Well, it seemed like the fans did not buy the idea or the ticket! Unfortunately, after the end of the first act on April 4, 2025, a shadow has been cast on the track-saving mission. As the opening day of the multi-million dollar (a whopping $30 million to be exact!) bonanza kicked off, Grand Slam Track looked pale. And the stands? Well, they looked empty! But it wasn’t a dull show for everyone! Any guesses?  So this acted as a golden opportunity for Alexis Ohanian to take some fresh digs at GST. After all, this is not the first time that Ohanian and Johnson have been at loggerheads. The only difference is…..

This time, Johnson is found wanting. Well, the cold war between ATHLOS and GST is not new. Trying to bring finance back into track and field, both Ohanian and Johnson launched their own events. Unfortunately, Johnson allegedly stated that athletes registered with GST would have to obtain permission before taking part in events such as ATHLOS. This was not well received by Serena Williams’ husband.

Calling out the league for not being ‘athlete-friendly,’ Ohanian said back in October 2024, “hey @MJGold I loved seeing you + @BillAckman fast follow @ATHLOS by launching. @GrandSlamTrack (great to see more people investing in athletics!), but it’s disappointing you’re requiring these women to get permission from you & Bill in order to compete in other leagues. It’s not very athlete-friendly.” And now, he is back with more!

As Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and co. took the field on GST Day 1, things seemed a bit off. The seats looked significantly empty as the crowd reaction, too, seemed quite timid. Taking an indirect dig, Alexis Ohanian flaunted how they pulled off a packed house at ATHLOS NYC in just 5 months! “We had 5 months and the Gathlos team pulled off a SPECTACLE and you fans responded in a huge way – thank you – and we’ll keep raising the bar this,” read the official account of ATHLOS. Surely, the lack of a crowd was a thing of worry for Johnson.

After all, names like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, and Marileidy Paulino took the track. And if such big names fail to attract a crowd, then Michael Johnson may need to revisit his tactics. And this was not all. Reacting to the post, Ohanian pointed out more things to flaunt about his ATHLOS. He further mentioned, “Yankees were playing up the road and Giants hosted the Cowboys that night for TNF. NYC is a fun city every night and yall showed up for these amazing athletes.”

Well, it is unknown whether GST can make up for all the lost hype on subsequent days. But Alexis Ohanian was not the only one throwing shade on Michael Johnson’s brainchild. Noah Lyles also had a lot to say.

Noah Lyles chose not to mince words as he took digs at Michael Johnson’s GST

Noah Lyles isn’t holding back! And his latest critical takes had been a direct aim at Michael Johnson’s new athletics league, Grand Slam Track. While the concept promised a revolutionary shift in how track and field is showcased, Lyles made it clear he’s not buying the hype, and neither is Sha’Carri Richardson, who also opted out without public comment.

Speaking on his Beyond The Records podcast in March, Noah questioned the league’s preparedness, specifically slamming its marketing and sponsorship approach. “Money is not the thing that’s going to drive me every time,” he said. Lyles further enquired, “We’re two months out, and I’m looking, who are your outside sponsors, who are your non-track and field sponsors? I haven’t even heard a block’s sponsor.”

His criticism went deeper. Noah suggested the whole operation feels rushed and lacks a strong foundation. “I think they should allow one more year. You get in touch with Mondo, you get in touch with a city organization, and you create this stadium that’s going to be used year-round, and it’s going to host four Grand Slams each year. One place,” shared Lyles, making his approach to Grand Slam Track clear.

Though unapologetic in his disapproval, Lyles left the door open for a turnaround. “I would love to be proven wrong. 100 percent, all the way,” he admitted, hinting at the league’s potential. Now, as the league has marked its beginning, it is time to reveal what Lyles’ notion would be if GST can get seats full and sponsors around and eventually succeed in its aim.