“What we have created with Grand Slam Track is an opportunity for track athletes, the best athletes, multiple times a year to compete against their rivals for big prize money, be compensated fairly, and have it televised globally in over 100 countries.” These were Michael Johnson’s thoughts on the stature of the GST.  And surely, with $100,000 awarded to each event winner, this league is rewriting the rules of financial rewards in track and field. For athletes long underpaid, GST offers not just competition but respect, recognition, and a global stage. However, it seems that the vet has varying opinions when it comes to

In his recent talk with Front Office Sports, track and field veteran Michael Johnson addressed the payout issues within the sport. He also talked about his pay plans within the GST. Answering the question of whether they are aiming to fix a number to pay to the racers, Grand Slam Track director said, “No, not a specific number. I think that what we’re doing right now is exponentially larger than what athletes have been used to being paid in this sport. For us to be at $100,000 for first place, versus $10,000 was the previous ceiling, is significant on its own.” While for change, at the 2024 Paris Olympics, track and field athletes were awarded prize money for the first time in Olympic history, but only gold medalists received a payout.

The amount paid was only $50,000. GST is paying double that to each winner. Further speaking in the interview, he said, “This sport is really weird in that, most sports pay people to be the athlete, and then sponsorship is sort of secondary. In our sport, it’s inverted. You have to go get a sponsorship, and you aren’t paid very much at all to actually be a racer and to compete in the sport.” Let’s take the example of the fastest and one of the greatest in the sport, the man, the myth– lightning Bolt.  In 2017, Bolt earned approximately $34 million, but only $2.2 million came from race winnings and appearance fees.

The remaining $32 million was generated through endorsements with brands like Puma, Gatorade, and Sprint. In contrast, Patrick Mahomes, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, earns a significant portion of his income directly from his sport. His 2020 contract extension is potentially worth up to $503 million, making it one of the most lucrative deals in NFL history. Further speaking on this issue, the former American sprinter said, “That’s a weird and structurally flawed issue with the sport. So the fact that we can actually pay athletes based on the fact that you’re one of the best in the world … that’s significant.”

His work with the Grand Slam Track is trying to make a change, winning your races, topping your groups, and you have a big amount right in your bank account, and even if you fail to, there is still something for you in the league, and no, it’s not just experience and exposure.

Rising prize money in track and field

In 2025, the landscape of track and field has transformed with the introduction of the Grand Slam Track (GST) league, founded by Olympic legend Michael Johnson. GST offers a total prize pool of $12.6 million across four global meets. Winners in each event receive $100,000, while even the eighth-place finishers earn $10,000 per event. Additionally, contracted athletes receive base compensation and appearance fees, ensuring financial support beyond race outcomes.

The 2025 Wanda Diamond League is currently underway, featuring a record-setting total prize pool of $9.24 million, with overall athlete compensation, including promotional fees, reaching approximately $18 million. Each of the 14 regular-season meetings awards $500,000 in prize money, while the final in Zurich on August 27–28 offers $2.24 million. Athletes in standard Diamond Disciplines can earn up to $10,000 at series meetings and $30,000 at the final, whereas those in the newly introduced Diamond+ Disciplines can secure up to $20,000 and $50,000, respectively. Notably, prize money now extends to athletes finishing between 9th and 12th place, who receive fixed amounts ranging from $500 to $1,000, ensuring broader financial recognition across the competitive field.

Another notable 2025 development is the emergence of Athlos, a women-only track league backed by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The Athlos NYC meet, a women-only event backed by Alexis Ohanian, offers a total prize purse of $663,000. Winners take home $60,000, with payouts extending to sixth place, who earn $2,500. Moreover, 10% of all event revenue is redistributed among all competitors, emphasizing a commitment to athlete support regardless of placement. Do you think a monetary revolution in track and field is underway?