Michael Johnson: "2026 Grand Slam Track Season Will Not Happen Until Athlete Payments Are Settled"

Following recent major cash flow issues, Grand Slam Track CEO and Olympic legend Michael Johnson addressed an open letter, stating that the 2026 season will not happen until all outstanding payments to athletes and partners are settled. He called it “one of the most difficult challenges I’ve ever experienced.”

Michael Johnson addresses financial issues

Following recent major cash flow issues, Grand Slam Track CEO and Olympic legend Michael Johnson stated that the 2026 season will not happen until all outstanding payments to athletes and partners are settled.

Johnson posted an open letter to Grand Slam Track athletes on Friday, addressing months of speculation about the league’s inability to meet its financial commitments. “The current situation of not being able to pay our athletes and partners has been one of the most difficult challenges I’ve ever experienced,” he wrote, adding that efforts are still ongoing to repay those owed and resolve the debt. Despite the setbacks, he remains hopeful: “Despite the challenges of the past few months, I remain confident about the future of Grand Slam Track.”

According to Johnson, major issues with investor funding ultimately led to the cancellation of the final meet in June in Los Angeles and caused delays in athlete payments.

The league launched with high expectations, offering elite athletes the opportunity to earn up to $400,000 across four marquee meets in Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. But after a key investor pulled out following the first event, the league was left scrambling, canceling its Los Angeles finale and failing to pay out millions in appearance fees and prize money.

While the Kingston event was fully paid, athletes who competed in Miami and Philadelphia are reportedly still owed around $13 million. The financial turmoil has drawn concern from World Athletics, with President Sebastian Coe publicly addressing the situation.