Track and field was a moment during the Olympics, right? But as soon as the Games wrapped up, it’s like the sport disappeared from the spotlight, and so did the money. Here’s the harsh truth: most track and field athletes don’t have the luxury of fat salaries like NBA or NFL players. Instead, they rely on prize money. Even World and Olympic champions don’t get a fixed paycheck! Noah Lyles even called track a “dying sport,” while Holloway took a stand this year by pulling out of Diamond League races because the payouts just weren’t worth it. And Kerley?

Fred Kerley said, “you don’t got no roof over your head, really, ’cause that apartment is not yours.” Honestly, ouch, but also, he’s not wrong. But change might finally be happening. It all started with World Athletics stepping up this year and announcing prize money for the Paris Olympics: $50,000 for every gold medalist. It’s not life-changing money, but it’s a solid start. So, yeah, the track still has a long way to go, but maybe, just maybe, we’re starting to see the tide turn. Fingers crossed! And now, after this, a new change has come up!

The Diamond League just changed the game for athletes forever

Big news for track and field fans: the Wanda Diamond League is stepping it up in 2025 with a new prize money structure, and it’s way better than before. They’re not just raising the stakes, they’re making sure more athletes get paid. For the regular Diamond disciplines, the payouts are sticking to $10,000 for first place at series meetings and $30,000 in the finals. But here’s where it gets exciting: they’re introducing “Diamond+” disciplines, where the money is next-level. First place in these premium events will grab $20,000 at series meetings and $50,000 in the finals. That’s a huge upgrade! So, how’s it going to work?

Every event will have four Diamond+ disciplines (two for men and two for women), and the final will feature eight in total. Oh, and here’s the kicker: payouts across the board are increasing especially for athletes finishing in third place and below. In fact, for some, the money will double! Even those finishing between 9th and 12th will get fixed payments now, which is a big deal because it means more consistent income for more athletes. And in a win for equality, male and female athletes will earn the same prize money.

But wait, there’s more. The total prize pool for 2025 is set to hit $9.24 million – the highest in Diamond League history. And that’s just for prize money! They’re also dropping $18 million for promotional fees for top athletes and another $6 million to cover travel, accommodations, and medical services. Basically, the league is investing in its athletes like never before, and honestly? It’s about time. And now former Olympic legend is also taking charge of revolutionizing the track!

Michael Johnson takes action with his new track and field event

Michael Johnson is done answering the same tired questions about track and field: What’s wrong with the sport? Is it dying? Instead of just talking, he’s taking action with Grand Slam Track. GST is all about consistency, excitement, and putting athletes first. Think four annual meets where the best sprinters and distance runners go head-to-head, all with guaranteed pay and serious prize money: $100,000 for winners and $10,000 even for eighth place.

And here’s a win for the athletes: no more mandatory kits from sponsors they don’t represent. Instead, they can wear their own branded gear, keeping more money in their pockets. For Johnson, this is about giving track stars a sustainable career and showing the next generation that this sport can be a dream worth chasing. And guess what? GST is already shaking things up. Its $12.6 million prize pool is the talk of the track world, and big names like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Fred Kerley have signed on.

Johnson isn’t here to replace these organizations, though. He wants to lift the whole sport by giving fans those high-stakes matchups they crave: Josh Kerr vs. Jakob Ingebrigtsen or McLaughlin-Levrone vs. Femke Bol and creating a platform where the best always show up. For him, GST is about more than just events; it’s about giving track and field the clear pinnacle it’s been missing and making sure young athletes don’t lose their love for the sport because, let’s face it, dreaming of the Olympics every four years just isn’t enough anymore.