World Athletics, the international governing body for track and field, has issued a strong condemnation of the bankrupt Grand Slam Track league, labelling its actions as "unconscionable" for considering future events before settling substantial debts from the 2025 season. The federation's statement, released on Monday, 2nd February 2026, aligns with concerns raised by athlete representatives regarding unpaid bills totalling millions of dollars.
Unpaid Debts and Athlete Concerns
According to recent bankruptcy filings, Grand Slam Track owes more than $40 million in liabilities to approximately 300 individuals and companies. This includes significant sums owed to high-profile athletes such as Olympic champions Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone ($268,750), Gabby Thomas ($185,625), and Marileidy Paulino ($173,125). The league's founder, Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson, is also owed over $2 million from a loan he provided before the league's final event in Philadelphia last spring.
World Athletics' Firm Stance
World Athletics has taken a clear position, stating it will only consider "licensing or supporting" future Grand Slam Track events once all outstanding financial obligations are settled. The federation emphasised that it is "paramount that athletes who competed in good faith and vendors and service providers are treated fairly and paid." This stance supports the Association of Athletics Managers, a group representing the majority of top-tier runners, which opposed the league's idea of using $400,000 for athlete recruitment in 2026 before clearing existing debts.
Operational Context and Lack of Response
Although Grand Slam Track operated independently of World Athletics, the federation had previously supported its events by granting world ranking points to athletes based on their performances in the league's three meets. Steve Gera, the President and CEO of Grand Slam Track, has not responded to emails from The Associated Press seeking comment on the situation, leaving questions unanswered about the league's financial management and future plans.
Implications for the Sport
The controversy highlights broader issues in sports finance and athlete welfare, with World Athletics' intervention underscoring the importance of ethical financial practices in professional athletics. The next hearing in the bankruptcy case is scheduled for Wednesday, which may provide further clarity on the resolution of these debts and the league's viability moving forward.
