Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track Cancels Final Meet Citing Financial Issues

Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track series, an ambitious new athletics league featuring elite runners like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, has prematurely ended its inaugural season by canceling the final event in Los Angeles, originally scheduled for late June. Despite raising over $30 million and offering significant prize money to attract top talent, the league faced poor ticket sales, weak sponsorship, a problematic lease deal with UCLA, and local unrest, leading to financial and organizational difficulties. The LA meet cancellation, confirmed during a late-night Zoom call, has sparked concerns among athletes and fans about the league's financial stability and future, although organizers insist that the series will return in 2026 with new partners. McLaughlin-Levrone had been a standout competitor, currently ranking third overall, with Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Kenny Bednarek leading the women's and men's standings respectively. While the league has showcased top-tier talent in events held in Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia, challenges such as low attendance and shortened meets have cast doubt on its long-term viability. Organizers are reportedly seeking strategic investors to restructure the league, but uncertainty remains about athlete payments and the continuation of the series.