Track and field's governing body has criticized the bankrupt Grand Slam Track league for considering funding future events before settling its debts. World Athletics emphasized the need to prioritize payments to athletes and vendors. The league's bankruptcy filings reveal over $40 million in liabilities.
World Athletics issued a strong statement on Monday, calling it “unconscionable” for the bankrupt Grand Slam Track league to explore financing for 2026 events while outstanding debts from the 2025 season remain unpaid. The federation backed a position from the Association of Athletics Managers, which represents most top-tier runners and opposes the league's proposal to allocate $400,000 for athlete recruitment next year until its 300 creditors are compensated.
Grand Slam Track's recent bankruptcy filing discloses liabilities exceeding $40 million. Among those owed money are prominent athletes, including Olympic champions Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who is due $268,750; Gabby Thomas, owed $185,625; and Marileidy Paulino, awaiting $173,125. The league's founder, Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson, is also a creditor, having loaned more than $2 million before the final event in Philadelphia last spring.
“It is unconscionable that efforts would be made for Grand Slam Track to restart in 2026 without the settlement of outstanding financial obligations to athletes, vendors and service providers,” World Athletics stated. “It is paramount that athletes who competed in good faith and vendors and service providers are treated fairly and paid.”
Although Grand Slam Track operated independently, World Athletics had supported its three meets by awarding world ranking points to participants. The federation now says it will only consider licensing or supporting future events once all debts are cleared. Efforts to reach GST president and CEO Steve Gera for comment were unsuccessful. The next bankruptcy hearing is set for Wednesday.
