Grand Slam Track’s inaugural season came to an unexpected halt before it could reach its final stop in Los Angeles.
But in a report by Chase Athletics, league CEO Michael Johnson assured fans and stakeholders it was a necessary decision for the long-term health of the competition.
“The global economic landscape has shifted dramatically over the past year, and we made this business decision to ensure our long-term stability as the world’s premier track league,” Johnson explained on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Johnson addressed those doubts head-on in a recent appearance at the Sports Business Journal studio. Dismissing the notion that the absence of Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson hindered the league’s impact.
“The reason why we were able to get the CW, Peacock, WBD, and all of these television partners in over 200 countries around the world was because they knew exactly who hadn’t signed, and they still came onboard,” Johnson stated.
Johnson further highlighted GST’s roster strength, pointing out that more than half of the participating athletes had medaled at the Paris Olympics, a testament to the league’s elite competitive standard even without a few marquee names.
“If the expectation demands every top athlete, missing one isn’t failure, that’s a ridiculous premise.”
Looking to the future, Johnson stressed that Grand Slam Track wasn’t just about the stars, it was about building a consistent, professional platform for athletes to compete and grow their brands beyond the four-year Olympic cycle. He credited both the athletes and initiatives like Netflix’s Sprint docuseries for reigniting public interest in the sport.
Meanwhile, World Athletics has announced plans for a historic event in 2026, featuring an unprecedented US$10 million prize pool. The event could build on the foundation that GST has laid, signaling a new era for professional track and field.
For now, Johnson remains confident in GST’s direction and its ability to thrive, with or without certain big-name athletes.
“It’s been a great partnership with our athletes,” he said.
“They need a platform to compete and a platform to build their brands. That’s what Grand Slam Track is about.”
The future of GST looks bright, with all the right pieces gradually coming together.