They had big plans — about $30 million lined up from investors and partners. Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track promised to change the game, handing out prize money that track and field athletes had only dreamed of. Win a Slam and you’d pocket $100,000, and even if you didn’t win, you’d still walk away with something. They even set aside a $12.6 million prize fund. On paper, that meant someone like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone could rake in millions just in prize money. But here’s the twist — the latest word is that a lot of athletes still haven’t even seen their appearance fees, and the prize money? No one has a clue where it is. So… how did it all go so wrong?

Michael Johnson, the face of Grand Slam Track, admitted that a key investor backed out, walking away from an eight-figure term sheet. “We had an investor who wasn’t able to honor their complete commitment to the league. We started with the capital that we needed to get through the season, as we planned it with four slams. And to make sure we can take care of everyone,” he explained. While Johnson remains optimistic about resolving the deadlock, the big question is — when? Athletes are still waiting for clear answers. Meanwhile, an American track and field coach has shed light on the darker realities of the sport’s current state.

In his latest podcast, Coach Rob made it clear that the TV deal money alone won’t be enough to keep Grand Slam Track afloat. Why? Well, a competition with such huge expenses simply can’t rely on TV revenue to survive. On top of that, in today’s climate, athletes aren’t delivering the kind of marketable value that can be fully capitalized on in the entertainment industry. “When you talk about being in the entertainment business, you don’t get paid what you’re worth. You get paid what you negotiate,”  he said. So, what does that mean for the prize money currently on offer? Are those figures even justified?

Coach Rob dismissed the idea that the current prize money is sufficient for athletes who dedicate their lives to track and field. “I know that sounds offensive, but I’m being real. People are not being paid what they’re worth. They’re being paid whatever they can negotiate. That’s it. And we kind of have a world where most of the track and field athletes get almost nothing,” he said. He pointed out that many athletes not only go unpaid but have to cover their entry fees, especially those without sponsorships. With no backing, how can they negotiate with major players? Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, however, hasn’t faced that struggle, thanks to her New Balance sponsorship. Still, the Grand Slam Track collapse has made her coach start thinking differently.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach found something hard to believe.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone had every reason to stay hopeful about Grand Slam Track. On June 19, the league’s official X account posted her upbeat message, and you could feel the optimism pouring out of her words. The four-time Olympic champion wasn’t just showing up — she was all in. “I think it’s just bringing so much excitement to the sport,” she said with a smile, confident that GST could become a long-term game-changer. “I can see this being something that, in the years to come, people are going to join.” For Sydney, GST was never just an event — it was the beginning of a movement. “It’s just a great opportunity for the sports, for track and the athletes,” she added, painting a picture of a brighter future.

But that bright picture faded fast. Her coach, Bobby Kersee, felt the blow when GST crumbled. On June 14, after the LA edition was canceled, he poured his disappointment into a heartfelt social media post. On June 14, after the cancellation of the LA edition of the Grand Slam Track, Kersee wrote a detailed post on social media. The deeply disappointed coach wrote, “Over four decades in this sport, I’ve watched too many promising initiatives fall short due to organizational challenges, particularly from lack of corporate sponsorship,” he wrote. His words mirrored Coach Rob’s — that the athletes are world-class, they work harder than most could imagine, and yet, they deserve far more than they get.

Still, Kersee didn’t let the frustration kill his faith. Even after the Grand Slam finale was scrapped, he stood by the brand: “Our athletes are world-class. They train hard and deserve better. The Grand Slam brand is still very promising, but today, seasons and careers are impacted.” The reality is here, and it’s harsh. Dreams have been delayed, money’s still missing, and athletes are left hanging. So, is Grand Slam Track a one-hit wonder, or a comeback story waiting to happen?