Michael Johnson's big-money Grand Slam Track series ends early as final leg in Los Angeles is scrapped
The inaugural season of Michael Johnson's new Grand Slam Track series has been brought to a premature end after the final leg in Los Angeles was scrapped.
Johnson's new big-money athletics league launched in Kingston, Jamaica in April, before moving to Miami and Philadelphia last month.
The fourth and final event was due to be held in LA – the competition's headquarters and the host city of the 2028 Olympics – on June 28-29.
However, Mail Sport understands that organisers have now pulled the plug on the meet, citing issues over the 'economics of the deal' with the 11,700-capacity Drake Stadium.
The humiliating move has raised concerns over the long-term future and financial sustainability of Grand Slam Track, where athletes compete to win $100,000 at each meeting.
Yet sources close to the series insist it will return in 2026 and that new investors and partners will be announced next week.
Grand Slam Track claimed to have raised more than $30million from private investors upon its launch, enabling it to pay stars record prize money and lucrative contracts and appearance fees.
Josh Kerr, Matthew Hudson-Smith, Zharnel Hughes and Daryll Neita were the four Brits who signed up as 'racers' to run in all the meets of the series, which was broadcast in the UK on TNT Sports with commentary from Steve Cram.
US legend Johnson's aim was to get more eyeballs on athletics outside of the Olympics and World Championships and elevate the profile of the sport.
However, Grand Slam Track immediately hit issues on the opening night in Kingston, when only around 6,000 spectators attended the first session at the 35,000-capacity National Stadium.
The poor turnout resulted in organisers trying to fill the stands for the remaining two days of the meet by offering free tickets to schoolchildren.
While crowds were better at the two events in America, albeit at smaller venues, the Philadelphia leg was cut from three days to two.
Johnson planned to address Grand Slam Track athletes in a video call on Thursday, informing them of the decision to cancel the LA event, while offering assurances over the future of the league.
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