The much-anticipated final leg of the inaugural Grand Slam Track (GST) season, originally scheduled for 27–29 June in Los Angeles, has been cancelled due to economic concerns, GST founder and commissioner Michael Johnson confirmed on Thursday.
The decision comes as a significant setback for the new athletics league, which launched this year with high expectations, bold ambitions, and the backing of a global sporting icon in four-time Olympic gold medalist Johnson. Despite the cancellation, GST organizers insist the pilot season has been a success overall and are now pivoting their focus toward a more sustainable and expansive 2026 season.
“Not Taken Lightly, But Necessary” – Johnson
In a candid statement, Michael Johnson addressed the financial challenges facing the league:
“The global economic landscape has shifted dramatically in the past year, and this business decision has been made to ensure our long-term stability as the world’s premier track league,” said Johnson.
“This is not a decision taken lightly, but one rooted in a belief that we have successfully achieved the objectives we set out to in this pilot season.”
He emphasized that GST’s mission—to reimagine and revitalize professional track and field—remains intact. However, the league must now pause and recalibrate to ensure its long-term impact and viability.
A Season of Highs and Hurdles
The inaugural Grand Slam Track season launched with great fanfare in Kingston, Jamaica, followed by stops in Miami and Philadelphia. While the series showcased elite athletic talent and injected new energy into the sport, it also faced several hurdles:
- Low attendance in Kingston, the season opener
- Shortened program in Philadelphia, reduced from three days to two
- Controversy in Philly, where three-time Olympic medalist Gabby Thomas was reportedly abused during the event
Despite these issues, the league drew praise for its format, marketing, and athlete-first approach. British runner Elliot Giles, who competed in Philadelphia, described the event as “phenomenal,” adding:
“The actual experience, the set-up, the hype, the marketing,it was brilliant. I’d love to see it again.”
Building the Future of Track
GST’s format broke traditional molds:
- Athletes were divided into six performance categories (e.g., Short Sprints)
- Events were fast-paced and fan-friendly, featuring head-to-head races every weekend
- Significant prize money—up to $100,000 per category winner
- Contracted athletes received salaries, a rare structure in track and field
Star athletes like Josh Kerr, Daryll Neita, Matthew Hudson-Smith, and American sprinters Kenny Bednarek and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden all featured in the competition, helping elevate its profile.
Bednarek and Jefferson-Wooden were crowned GST Racers of the Year, having won all three legs in their respective categories.
New Investors, New Vision
Though the cancellation of the Los Angeles finale at Drake Stadium will disappoint fans and athletes alike, insiders suggest GST is on the verge of securing new investors to fund the league’s second season. These investments could bring greater financial stability and allow GST to expand both globally and digitally.
Johnson reaffirmed his vision:
“We launched with a bold vision to reimagine professional track racing… Sometimes we have to make moves that aren’t comfortable, but what’s most important is the future and sustainability of the league.”
What’s Next?
While the lights won’t shine in Los Angeles this June, GST’s legacy has already begun. The pilot season, with its fresh presentation and focus on athlete equity, has made waves in a sport hungry for innovation.
As attention now shifts to 2026, fans and athletes alike will be watching to see how Johnson and his team evolve the league—and whether the Grand Slam Track series can become the definitive global stage for professional athletics.
For now, the sprint is paused but the race is far from over.
Written By Joe Brens
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