With $30 Million Investment, Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track Promises to Solve Track & Field Issue Beyond Prize Money: ‘Not Enough’

Track and field is all set to get a makeover. The age-old sporting discipline has enthralled fans, providing unforgettable memories. Who can forget Usain Bolt’s iconic pose after his 9.58-second run at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin? Or Noah Lyles’ photo-finish victory at the recently concluded Paris Olympics? Unfortunately, despite showcasing a whirlwind of sporting excellence, the sport heavily depends on one crucial factor—money.

In recent times, athletes have voiced significant concerns about not being paid enough. While stars like Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson earn substantial sums, much of their income comes from endorsements and sponsorships. For many others, however, life is far from rosy. Athletes often struggle financially while trying to fund their careers. Fortunately for track and field athletes, this situation is set to improve. With the launch of Grand Slam Track, Michael Johnson aims to revolutionize the sport with a range of upcoming initiatives.

Michael Johnson plays the guardian angel of track and field

Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson is launching a new competition called Grand Slam Track. According to updates from Johnson, the tournament will feature a total of four Slams over the course of a year. Fortunately for American fans, two of the Slams are scheduled to take place in the United States. However, unlike many other hyped leagues, Johnson emphasizes keeping the focus on the sport itself, rather than on external variables.

Now, what’s so special about the Grand Slam Track? According to Johnson and President Steve Gera, the athletes will now have a steady source of income throughout the year to see off their financial crunch. With able assistance from Winners Alliance, Gera and Johnson secured a funding of $30 million to see off the initial years of the campaign. Debuting on April 2025, Gera noted, “Based on our research, track does not have a demand problem… It has a supply problem.”

With the onset of the Grand Slam Track revolution, personalities like Noah Lyles and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone are expected to join forces. Meanwhile, as Johnson provides a ray of hope for athletes, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe is also making plans of his own.

Sebastian Coe preparing blueprint for track and field ascension

The burning issue of underpayment for athletes has persisted for quite some time. Prior to the Olympics, Sebastian Coe announced that every American track and field athlete who won a gold medal in Paris would receive a prize of $50,000. While this was a significant step considering the current scenario, the announcement was merely a temporary fix. Those who didn’t excel would not receive any payment for participating in the Olympics.

Addressing the issue, Lord Coe introduced the concept of the Ultimate Championship, a three-day, biennial event set to kick off in 2026 in Budapest. Coe has already announced a prize pool of $10 million, with the winner securing $150,000. As conditions improve for the track and field realm, it remains to be seen how well things will turn out in the future.