There’s an undeniable buzz in the air surrounding Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos League as it prepares for a groundbreaking pivot in women’s track and field.
Set to officially launch in a team-based format in 2026, this is a radical reimagining of what the sport can be.
A New Era of Athlete Empowerment
Athlos’ visionary ownership model makes this shift even more significant. Athletes won’t just compete; they’ll co-own and co-lead the league. Revolutionary design keeps athletes central to the sport’s growth, profits, and strategy.
In a sport historically dominated by federations and sponsors, Gabby Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson are taking the reins, stepping beyond their roles on the track and into the boardroom. Their presence signals a new dawn where elite athletes have a direct hand in shaping the systems that govern their careers.
Dreaming Big, Leading Boldly
Gabby Thomas, the Harvard graduate and Olympic medalist known for her explosive speed and sharp intellect, has been an outspoken supporter of the Athlos project.
Recently taking to X (formerly Twitter), she posted, “dreamed about Athlos.”
Alexis Ohanian, the visionary behind Athlos, was quick to respond.
“Not a dream! The Athlos League is gonna level up everything. I’m gonna buy the first Gabby Thomas jersey.”
Sha’Carri Richardson shines globally for her electrifying track performances and commits to the sport’s evolution through Athlos. Confirmed by an Athlos spokesperson to Citius Mag, Richardson’s role will emphasize ownership and shaping the future of women’s track beyond mere participation.
“She’s excited about Athlos’ impact, and she will be a part of this journey in many ways,” the spokesperson shared.
Merging Competition With Collaboration
Athlos aims to disrupt the traditional, individual-centric model of track and field by introducing multiple, city-based teams that will compete in a post-World Athletics season circuit. The league will launch following the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, scheduled for September 11th to 13th, with plans to host meets across different cities.
The league’s format draws inspiration from team-based competitions like the NCAA, which Ohanian publicly praised as a successful blueprint.
“The teams are gonna be wiiiiiild,” he teased online.
The Power Trio
Joining Thomas and Richardson is Tara Davis-Woodhall, another star in the making whose leadership as an advisor-owner will further amplify Athlos’ mission. Together, this trio represents not just athletic excellence, but also a powerful, collective voice advocating for athlete-led governance in sports.
Their combined experience, charisma, and influence position them perfectly to guide Athlos into uncharted territory, creating a league that reflects the values, ambitions, and personalities of its athletes.
Why This Matters
Athlos is about more than just races and medals. It’s about building a sustainable, athlete-centered sports ecosystem. With rising prize purses, greater media visibility, and athletes actively participating in decision-making, the league could serve as a model for other sports seeking to balance profitability with athlete welfare.
For fans, it promises unprecedented storytelling opportunities, team rivalries, and deeper connections with their favorite athletes. And with Gabby Thomas, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Tara Davis-Woodhall at the helm, the future of women’s track has never looked more exciting.
