'There's too much at stake' – Michael Johnson focused on long-term success for Grand Slam Track league

American sprint legend Michael Johnson is gearing up for one of the most ambitious projects of his career: the launch of the Grand Slam Track League.

Set to debut in April 2025, the former Olympic champion and world record holder has been working tirelessly to ensure this new track and field league makes a lasting impact.

With a vision to elevate the sport beyond the traditional Olympic spotlight, Johnson has shared his thoughts on the journey ahead in a recent conversation with

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Johnson, widely regarded as one of the greatest sprinters in history, opened up about the pressures and challenges that come with launching a league of this magnitude.

In a post on his X account [formerly Twitter], he emphasized the importance of taking the time necessary to build a sustainable future for the league.

«We won’t be rushed! We can’t be rushed. There’s too much at stake and we are focused on long-term success,» Johnson wrote.

One of the key aspects Johnson is focused on is selecting the right broadcaster for the league.

In his interview with , he explained that while there is significant interest from television networks and streaming platforms, he is committed to finding a partner that aligns with the league’s long-term goals.

«The good thing for us, saw it from the very beginning, is that all of the television, potential partners out there globally, streamers, linear television, broadcast partners as well, are interested. They get it, they understand what we’re trying to build. For us, we make sure that we partner with the right organization that will help us build the audience in the next few years,» he said.

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Johnson is not new to transforming the landscape of track and field. As a decorated sprinter who once held world records in the 200m, 300m, and 400m events, he has long been passionate about enhancing the sport’s global reach.

His goal for the Grand Slam Track League is to expand the popularity of track and field, making it as beloved and prominent as sports like basketball and soccer.

By working with Winners Alliance, a top athlete licensing and sponsorship company, Johnson announced the league in February 2024, aiming to create a fan-focused experience with prize money that rivals other major competitions.

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The inaugural Grand Slam Track League will feature four major events, with prizes totaling $12.6 million, surpassing the $9.24 million offered by the Wanda Diamond League for the 2025 season.

Johnson’s league will focus on track events initially but he has plans to expand over time with the ultimate goal of creating a league that resonates with fans year-round rather than only during Olympic years.

A few months before the Paris Olympics, Johnson shared his excitement for the future stars of the sport on his X account, listing athletes such as Noah Lyles, Sydney McLaughlin, Sha’Carri Richardson, and others as the next generation of track legends.

«Track is in pretty good hands the next few years! NOW: Noah, Sydney, Sha’Carri, Karston, Shericka, Grant, Athing, Faith, Jakob. NEXT: Letsile, Rhasidat, Julian, Erryon, Yared. Who am I missing?» he wrote.

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Though Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League may face challenges, he is confident that his vision will ultimately bring about the transformation the sport needs.

By focusing on building partnerships that will ensure long-term success and engaging fans on a global scale he hopes to create a lasting legacy for track and field that extends well beyond the Olympic Games.