The Diamond League has finally concluded for this season. But before the meet made it to the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, track and field legend Carl Lewis shocked the track and field world with a fiery hot take on September 3. “The Diamond League has always been about collusion and lowering athletes’ control and pay. It needs to go,” he posted on X. This statement came on the heels of the DL ranking the lowest in the cash prize race. 

But it looks like the uproar worked because their surprise announcement has caused quite a stir among fans. “Prize money in the Wanda Diamond League will increase to its highest ever level from the 2025 season onwards 💎 New total over a third higher than recent seasons, with an estimated 270 million USD invested in athletes since 2010 📈” However, while this is worthy of a celebration, few fans seem to have a bone to pick with the meet.

Let’s rewind a little. Carl Lewis’ biggest gripe was the cash prize Diamond League offered. According to the rules, each athlete contesting walks away with a certain amount in hand. These are each divided into two categories: series meetings and finals. But it seems like they paid heed to the callout and have promptly worked on shaking things up. After a General Assembly meeting, the total prize fund has now shot up to $9.24 million.

But wait, there’s more! If the significant rise doesn’t excite you, they have also factored in promotional fees for elite athletes. This brings the total up to a staggering $18 million. At each series meeting, all eight participants would receive somewhere between $500 and $10,000. However, the total for this has now shot up to $30,000 to $50,000. At the finals in Brussels, each DL champion walked away with a shiny Diamond Trophy and $30,000 in tow.

However, that has changed too! The finals in Zurich will offer a significant total of $2.24 million. Considering there are 15 regular meetings, the prize pool adds up to an astonishing $500,000. This season, the Diamond League found itself in the eye of the storm, with athletes and fans criticizing some of their decisions. It looks like they’re hoping that the increase in the cash prize offered will lead them in the right direction. But that’s not how the fans look at it.

Track and field community continues to condemn the Diamond League

Even though it seems like the Diamond League was hoping to fix their errors, some fans find the action insincere. One fan called out the league, stating, “So you always had the money you just cheated out your athletes and now that the peacock contract is up and competitive leagues are forming you move? LMAOOOO.” FloTrack and the Wanda Diamond League have recently signed a multi-year contract that will stream 14 of the 15 meets on the platform. This means fans would have to pay $29.99 monthly to be able to watch it.

A fan pointed out, “I think the Diamond League realized @MJGold and @GrandSlamTrack means business.” Legendary sprinter Michael Johnson announced that Grand Slam Track will take place in 2025. The prize pool is a significant $12.6 million. Another fan agreed, “Because Grand Slam is on their NECK!” The league will take place four times a year, with 48 athletes contesting for a prize based on their finishes. If they secure gold at every meet, athletes could possibly walk away with $400,000.

One fan addressed, “Now that the Diamond League is going to have some competition…” The Grand Slam Track isn’t the only meet fans look forward to. Later this year, Athlos NYC will be gracing our screens in September. The meet also boasts a total cash prize of $500,000, with all 6 participants eligible for a prize somewhere between $60,000 and $2,500.

Another fan stated, “This is like the PGA changing prize earning after LIV. Why you had to wait for competition? lining your pockets instead of the athletes.” After the LIV offered a prize purse of $25 million at 7 out of 8 of their events and $50 million at the series finale, the PGA Tour prize purse rose by a significant 47% in 2022. They offered a whopping $20 million, with winners walking away with $4 million at their 14 events. While the increased prize purse significantly boosts and eradicates the disparity in the Diamond Leagues, fans still seem unconvinced. Do you agree with them?