The brand new league will host four annual Slams in 2025 and has a total of $12.6m prize money across the events
Michael Johnson is launching his new track league today (June 18), in an attempt to elevate the sport’s global footprint.
It will be known as “Grand Slam Track” and its main focus will be fan-focused storytelling, promotion of track’s biggest stars and undiscovered opportunities for fan engagement, sponsorship, and elite competition.
The league will host four annual Slams, in a similar format to golf or tennis, during the spring and summer season across four global cities.
The inaugural Slam will take place in April 2025, followed by the further three Slams over the summer months.
Los Angeles will serve as the global home for Grand Slam Track, and host one of the Slam events. There will be one further Slam that will take place in the United States and another two in international locations. They will all be over three days.
Michael Johnson (Laureus)
The other host cities will be announced and celebrated in their respective local markets later this summer.
“I am delighted to finally unveil Grand Slam Track to the millions of track fans around the world,” said Michael Johnson, the league’s founder who will serve as Commissioner.
“We are excited to launch this new platform for the planet’s greatest racers in this sport we all love. Our team has worked tirelessly to design and build a product that will be loved by fans and provide opportunities for our racers that they truly deserve.
“We’re revolutionising the track landscape, allowing our sport to remain at the forefront of the sporting world year round, and pushing our superstar racers to break new ground in their personal storytelling, competitive success, and marketability. Grand Slam Track is going to take our sport to new heights, and we want you to come along for the ride.”
The first athlete who will be competing is US Olympic Champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. She is a double Olympic champion and the world record-holder in the 400m hurdles.
“I’m honoured to be one of the first Racers in Grand Slam Track,” said McLaughlin-Levrone. “Michael’s vision is clear, and he’s exactly the leader this sport needs to break new ground. I am thrilled to be a part of this league and look forward to everything we have coming in the future.
“I firmly believe that this is the step forward that track needs to take it to another level, and I can’t wait to get to work…
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