The future of the Michael Johnson-backed Grand Slam Track (GST) league is in serious doubt after World Athletics issued a stark warning that it may not be allowed to return in 2026, even if it settles its enormous debts.
Stars Left Owed Hundreds of Thousands
Court documents released this week reveal the stark reality of the league's financial collapse. Grand Slam Track, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week, owes creditors between $10 million and $50 million (£7.5m and £37.3m). Among those waiting for payment are some of track and field's biggest names.
The documents show that American 400m world champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is still owed a staggering $356,250 (£265,576). Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas is due $249,375 (£185,900), and Britain's 2023 1500m world champion Josh Kerr is awaiting $218,500 (£162,883).
These outstanding payments relate to the three events held in Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia before financial troubles forced the cancellation of the final Los Angeles meet. Athletes received only 50% of their fees for those competitions back in October.
World Athletics Demands 'Fireproof' Model
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasising that innovation must be built on solid foundations. "We welcome fresh investment, but it has to be underpinned by a sustainable, solid financial model executed and delivered on behalf of the athletes," Coe stated.
When questioned on whether World Athletics could block Johnson's plans to revive GST in 2026, Coe was pointed. "We create the calendar. We have to police the calendar," he said, adding that new events must come with credible credentials. "It has to be suffused in a realistic proposition that is fireproof. It’s got to be sustainable."
Broadcasters Also Caught in Financial Collapse
The financial fallout extends beyond the athletes. Girraphic, a Wimbledon-based broadcasting and advertising agency, is also a significant creditor, with $690,624 (£514,810) still outstanding from GST.
Coe contrasted the troubled GST model with World Athletics' own new venture, the Ultimate Championships launching in Budapest in September 2026. He described it as a "very, very big moment" with the biggest prize pot ever, assuring that teams have been working for years to ensure it does not let athletes down.
The warning from the sport's global governing body casts a long shadow over any potential resurrection of Grand Slam Track, leaving its creditors—from world champion athletes to service providers—in a precarious position as the bankruptcy process unfolds.
