This year’s Athlos wrapped up in a whirlwind of celebration, smiles, and unforgettable performances. Drawing close to 3.75 million views across ION, X, YouTube, and ESPN, the 2025 Athlos NYC concluded on a high note. Certainly, with stars like Tara Davis-Woodhall, Gabby Thomas, and Sha’Carri Richardson on the advisory board, the league garnered success on multiple fronts. Now, as the spectacular 2025 season concluded, Richardson’s excitement for Athlos 2026 was palpable, promising a season that, according to the admins, will be nothing short of phenomenal.

Taking to her Instagram handle, the athlete shared stories from the night of the Athlos finale. She shared a carousel of pictures with the likes of American actress Issa Rae, veteran American hurdler Gail Devers, and American rapper Queen Latifah. Following this, she posted a series of photos and videos, where she can be seen interacting with her fans. She penned, “@athlos I can’t get this experience out of my head! Truly thrilled for the 2026 season ✨ @alexisohanian!  

Last year, Athlos drew a massive 3 million viewers across its broadcasting partners. This year, viewership has increased by 25%, highlighting a strong fan response and underscoring that Ohanian is doing something right—something the Diamonds League and others failed to achieve. When Alexis Ohanian approached Richardson for the advisory position, he knew exactly what he was doing, “Gabby, Sha’Carri, and Tara represent a new generation of athletes who have put this sport on their shoulders and deserve to be compensated for being the standard-bearers.”

Unlike Gabby Thomas and Tara Davis-Woodhall, Richardson may not compete in Athlos events for now, as she serves exclusively on the advisory board. Reflecting on her role in the all-women’s track league, she said, “Being in the forefront of a monumental step in changing the sport I feel like, it’s a responsibility that I take very seriously. I am honored to continue to be a part of something that the next generation will continue to know, and carry the torch and know that nothing could stop them.”

As an advisor, Richardson will play a key role in shaping the league into a truly athlete-driven sport, offering strategic guidance on operations, event formats, and policies, while advocating for competitor welfare. She may also serve as a mentor for the younger athletes competing in the league and will represent Athlos publicly to attract fans and sponsors, ensuring the league empowers athletes both on and off the track. The inclusion of these top stars on the advisory board is quite significant—but why? Let’s find out.

Tara Davis-Woodhall, Gabby Thomas, and Sha’Carri Richardson’s inclusion was needed for Athlos

During a press conference, Ohanian was asked about how equity was divided among Richardson, Thomas, and Davis-Woodhall. He didn’t reveal the details immediately, opting for a measured response instead. He said, “I’ll tell you this — we take a lot of inspiration from our friends over at Unrivaled. So, as we roll out the proper league with teams and everything else, you can expect a similar model where we want to make sure these athletes are fully incentivized and onboard.And frankly, one of the best highlights of my professional career was seeing millionaires get made out of admins who worked at Reddit.”

Confessing that Athlos boasts strong liquidity and is on track to generate millions in revenue this year, a feat few can rival, Alexis Ohanian revealed his ambition to turn the league into a showstopper in the world of track and field. In this quest, Thomas, Richardson, and Woodhall are set to play pivotal roles. Despite already having ample capital, the team operates with clear objectives, running the venture with the precision and strategy of a top-tier business.

Well, in 2026, Athlos is set to expand further with a full-fledged, team-based women’s track and field league, moving beyond its single-meet format. It will feature multiple meets across major cities, culminating in a championship event. With all three top athletes serving on the advisory board, Ohanian’s dream of reviving track and field in the U.S. appears to be taking major steps forward. Regardless, what are your thoughts on the hubbub?