Track and field has some incredible races, but it’s been struggling with broadcasting and funding issues. Even Noah Lyles has called it a “dying” sport at times. But now, Michael Johnson, a true track and field legend and four-time Olympic gold medalist from the ’90s, is stepping in with a game-changing idea. He’s launching a new track league, Grand Slam, aiming to shake things up and revitalize the sport. And he’s got his sights set on bringing in top stars like Noah Lyles. As Johnson puts it, “Noah’s certainly one of those; I mean, Noah is the fastest… Those sorts of athletes are the people that we want to be part of this league.”

Michael Johnson’s new league is aiming to give track and field a golf or tennis-style makeover, with four big “Grand Slam” events each offering $100,000 for first place and $10,000 for last. That’s on par with the top prizes in the sport right now. So, the big question is: Will Noah Lyles be part of this league when it kicks off in 2025? Well, Noah recently revealed the answer to it in an ESPN interview on YouTube.

When asked by an ESPN host about Michael Johnson’s upcoming venture, Grand Slam Track, and whether he would be involved, Noah Lyles responded thoughtfully. He acknowledged, “Yeah, I mean, I think he has an amazing setup. Truly, creating your own track and field league is not easy, and you know he’s going against the grain here. Me, having the information I know, there are things I can say and things I can’t say, but I’d say that he’s definitely going with what he feels is the best way to represent track on the global stage and especially in America.“

Well, we know that youth are the future of any country, and trends often follow their lead. However, track and field is struggling to connect with a younger audience, particularly those aged 18 to 34. Although the sport has a rich tradition and loyal fans, it’s experiencing a noticeable decline in engagement from this key demographic. In contrast, other sports like the NFL, top European soccer leagues, the NBA, and Major League Baseball don’t face the same existential struggle.

But T&F also struggles to maintain a consistent television audience outside of major events like the Olympics. The lack of regular broadcasting has been a significant issue. However, Michael Johnson has assured that discussions with potential broadcast partners are underway. While he didn’t disclose specific details, Johnson emphasized that for track and field to stay relevant, it must evolve in how it’s produced and presented to appeal to modern audiences.

Adding his perspective, Lyles said, “Personally, I just need to see a TV provider. The problem with our sport right now is we have great performances, but nobody’s able to see them. So, until I hear about a TV sponsor, I don’t know that I can make a decision on that yet. We could have the greatest performances at the Grand Slam Track, but, you know, if a tree falls in the middle of the woods and nobody there to see it, did it really fall?” For now, Lyles appears to be uncertain about committing at the moment, but a couple of weeks ago he mentioned a significant requirement that needs to be fulfilled before he contemplates joining Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League.

Noah Lyles sets his cards on the table before joining Michael Johnson’s league

Noah Lyles has been talking to Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League very often. But he has a requirement before officially joining as a professional athlete. During an interview on the Night Cap, Lyles mentioned that he’s been chatting with Johnson ever since the league started getting all the details he requires before making his choice.

“We’ve been in talks since the day I heard about it. Trying to get as much information, trying to get as much of a feel for what’s going on,” Lyles shared. The Olympic champion, in the 100-meter dash, emphasized the importance of having a television agreement before making a commitment. “What good is it if we’re producing great times, great shows, great rivalries, and nobody’s seeing it?” Lyles pointed out.

However, the league has already publicized the signing of six known athletes, Sydney McLaughlin Levrone, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse, Josh Kerr from Great Britain, Fred Kerley, and Kenny Bednarek, with intentions to recruit a total of 48 athletes in the future. There is uncertainty surrounding whether Lyles will eventually join this group or not. Currently, he’s holding off.