Noah Lyles is the name that has been on everyone’s lips since his impressive performance at the last World Championships in Budapest. He clinched three gold medals, a feat only achieved by Usain Bolt in Beijing in 2015. But that’s not the only reason he’s making headlines. Lyles is noted for his outspoken nature, once remarking, “very outspoken, very verbal with… emotions.” Similarly, Michael Johnson also shares this outspokenness, creating a natural synergy between them. They frequently exchange insights on the sport and openly express mutual admiration for each other publicly.
Most recently, Johnson has highlighted the numerous challenges track and field in the US is facing, such as limited TV coverage, inadequate facilities, inconsistent marketing of star athletes, and the issue of unpaid athletes as recently seen in the case of Kyree King. In response, he announced in February of this year his intention to launch his own track and field league. Noah Lyles showed his enthusiasm for this initiative, stating, “Very excited to see where this goes.” Since then, Michael Johnson has been actively raising funds for the league. On April 23rd, Johnson shared on X that he had secured $30 million in funds. Despite this progress, a fan has voiced concerns about his future endeavors.
Michael Johnson’s bold move to revolutionize track and field
Before announcing his own league whose name is yet to be finalized, Michael Johnson used to be a prominent commentator for the BBC since his retirement in 2008. Known for his sharp insights, Johnson with the time has become a respected figure in the Olympic commentating scene. He even earned the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year Award for his contributions. Upon learning about his endeavors to transform the game for athletes, a fan expressed his concern, saying, “Hopefully you’ll still be on @BBCSport with @GabbyLogan.”
Not going anywhere! https://t.co/Tv0lSMiMWy
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) April 23, 2024
To this, Johnson replied with his characteristic assurance saying, “I’m not going anywhere!” It’s evident that Johnson is determined to bring about a change in track and field. As he stated, “Working to change the game for athletes and fans!” The primary goal behind launching his team is to provide athletes with more exposure and financial opportunities in a sport that often struggles for attention between Olympic cycles. Additionally, he aims to boost the sport’s popularity. Reflecting on his motivation, Johnson expressed, “It’s been a shame for me to watch it over the last couple of decades since I retired, not being able to continue providing the same amazing moments to people, outside of just the Olympics.”
It appears that the league will indeed provide significant financial opportunities for athletes, especially after securing $30 million from investors and strategic partners for track and field. Winners Alliance, reportedly the lead investor and operating partner of the league, suggests that substantial financial rewards will be on offer for athletes. Earlier reports from the Sports Business Journal indicated that this league would offer $1 million for its opening event, to be divided among contestants and two champions. However, the question remains: will these rewards surpass what World Athletics has offered?
Paris Olympics vs. Diamond League- money comparison
Earlier this April, the governing body of athletics announced that they would allocate $2.4 million to compensate the gold medalists across the 48 men’s, women’s, and mixed events in this year’s Paris Olympics track and field program. Each gold medalist in the 48 athletics events will be rewarded with $50,000. Relay teams will share the $50,000 prize among their members. Payments for silver and bronze medalists are scheduled to begin at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. But what about other Leagues? Are they offering more?
Looking at Diamond League, prize money is distributed as follows: In series meetings, the winner earns $10,000, followed by $6,000 for second place, $3,500 for third, $2,000 for fourth, $1,250 for fifth, $1,000 for sixth, $750 for seventh, and $500 for eighth. The finals offer higher rewards, with $30,000 for first, $12,000 for second, $7,000 for third, $4,000 for fourth, $2,500 for fifth, $2,000 for sixth, $1,500 for seventh, and $1,000 for eighth. There are also additional rewards for 9th–12th place finishers in distance races and ninth-lane sprinters.
The substantial prize money offered by Michael Johnson on track and field highlights a significant challenge to the traditional model of track and field competitions, especially when compared to the prize money offered by established events like the Diamond League and World Athletics. However, it will be intriguing to see when this league will open next year.
