Grand Slam Track Sets Timeline to Clear $13 Million in Unpaid Athlete Dues…

Grand Slam Track Sets Timeline to Clear $13 Million in Unpaid Athlete Dues

 

In a long-awaited update, Grand Slam Track (GST) has officially revealed when it plans to pay the $13 million it owes athletes in appearance fees and prize money—a financial controversy that has cast a shadow over the ambitious new track-and-field league’s debut season.

According to a communication sent to agents and athlete representatives earlier this week, GST said all outstanding payments would be cleared in two phases: by July 31, the league will pay prize money owed from its Kingston meet; and by September 30, it expects to settle all remaining dues, including appearance fees for events in Miami and Philadelphia, as well as any compensation related to the canceled Los Angeles meet.

A Promising Start, Followed by Financial Trouble

Launched in April 2025 with the backing of Olympic legend Michael Johnson, Grand Slam Track entered the athletics scene with a bold mission: to revolutionize the sport by providing elite athletes with consistent, lucrative opportunities. The league promised up to $100,000 in prize money per event, along with appearance fees reportedly reaching $200,000 for top-tier racers.

GST’s debut meet in Kingston, Jamaica, was followed by events in Miami and Philadelphia. However, behind the scenes, payments to athletes and agents lagged significantly. As of early July, only athletes who competed in Kingston had received their appearance fees—leaving millions still unpaid across three events.

Adding to concerns was the sudden cancellation of the Los Angeles meet, originally scheduled for late June. Sources close to the league cited poor ticket sales and lack of sponsorship as primary reasons, raising questions about the financial sustainability of the high-budget league.

League Responds to Mounting Pressure

Facing public scrutiny and mounting pressure from athlete agents, some of whom reportedly contacted World Athletics and the Association of Athletics Managers for assistance, GST has now committed to a specific payment timeline.

“We are aware of our obligations and are working diligently to ensure all contracted payments are fulfilled,” the league stated in a message reviewed by multiple media outlets. GST emphasized that it is actively securing additional investor support and restructuring its financial model to better support long-term operations.

While some athletes and agents have expressed cautious optimism about the update, others remain skeptical. “If the money is there, why not pay now?” one agent asked anonymously. “Athletes shouldn’t have to wait months for money they earned.”

Looking to 2026 and Beyond

Despite its financial struggles, GST’s influence on the sport has been undeniable. The league’s appearance fees and prize structure reportedly forced other competitions, including the Diamond League, to increase payouts. Some athletes have spoken positively about the platform, praising its professionalism, format, and visibility.

GST has said it plans to return in 2026 with a restructured season and stronger partnerships. But the success of that plan hinges heavily on its ability to deliver on its promises now.

If Grand Slam Track follows through on its commitments by the September deadline, it may yet salvage its reputation. But failure to do so could permanently damage trust in what was once seen as a revolutionary leap forward for professional track and field.