The future of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track (GST) appears increasingly bleak as newly uncovered bankruptcy documents reveal substantially worse financial troubles than initially reported. The league, which launched with considerable fanfare, now faces over $40 million in debt—$10 million more than previously disclosed—while generating a meager $1.8 million revenue across its three inaugural events in Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia.
The financial collapse has left numerous elite athletes in significant financial distress. Olympic sprint hurdles finalist Ackera Nugent, a headline performer who competed in all three events, remains owed an astonishing $21.5 million. World 100m champion Oblique Seville is due nearly $10 million, while two-time world 100m hurdles champion Danielle Williams awaits $9.1 million in unpaid fees. Additional Jamaican stars including Andrenette Knight ($8.6 million), Nickisha Price ($7.6 million), and Roshawn Clarke ($6 million) collectively represent millions in unmet financial obligations. American track stars Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Kenny Bednarek, and Gabby Thomas each face outstanding payments exceeding $28 million.
Noted economist Keenan Falconer expressed profound skepticism about GST’s viability, emphasizing that credibility—once lost—proves nearly impossible to regain. ‘Investor confidence will naturally be more skittish in the aftermath of its financial troubles,’ Falconer told the Jamaica Observer. ‘Perception often matters more than reality in the financial world, so even if these developments were not as negative in actuality, just the mere appearance of damage to the brand is enough to steer investors in another direction.’
Falconer identified multiple strategic missteps that contributed to GST’s downfall, including broadcasting miscalculations, problematic scheduling, logistical challenges, and the absence of field events. The economist also noted that track and field’s inherently limited commercial appeal compared to sports like tennis or golf created additional headwinds, compounded by an overreliance on a small number of investors.
Despite GST’s failure, Falconer maintains that the concept of alternative track leagues remains viable, particularly if future ventures incorporate competition elements and long-term planning. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe echoed this sentiment during a recent Jamaica visit, characterizing GST as ‘a footnote in the history of our sport’ while encouraging continued innovation—provided it’s ‘suffused in reality and credibility.’ Coe emphasized that athlete welfare and sustainable business models must form the foundation of any new athletic venture.