World Athletics withdraws from licensing or supporting Grand Slam Track until unpaid debts are settled from 2025 season

World Athletics has condemned plans by the bankrupt Grand Slam Track (GST) league to fund future events before settling its outstanding debts from the 2025 season, calling the move "unconscionable."

In a statement released Monday, the federation voiced its support for the Association of Athletics Managers (AAM), an agents' group representing many elite runners.

The AAM “warned” Grand Slam Track that it “must fully reimburse all athletes and vendors if it wishes to return for another season,” according to Adam Crafton of THE ATHLETIC. The organization, which reps over 80% of athletes who won medals at the most recent Olympics and World Championships, said that it was “told in a recent meeting that GST were planning for 2026 events.”

But the AAM said to do so without settling the 2025 debts “undermines trust across the entire ecosystem and sets a dangerous precedent for athletes, vendors, and future partners alike.”

The association had previously objected to the league's proposal to allocate $400,000 for athlete recruitment for 2026 while still owing money to approximately 300 individuals and companies.

According to its latest bankruptcy filing, Grand Slam Track has liabilities exceeding $40 million.

"It is unconscionable that efforts would be made for Grand Slam Track to restart in 2026 without the settlement of outstanding financial obligations to athletes, vendors and service providers," World Athletics stated. "It is paramount that athletes who competed in good faith and vendors and service providers are treated fairly and paid."

Although Grand Slam Track operated independently, World Athletics had supported its three meets by awarding world ranking points to participating athletes. The federation has now made it clear that it will only consider "licensing or supporting" GST after all its debts have been paid in full.

The bankruptcy filings reveal significant sums owed to several high-profile athletes, including 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 listed as a creditor, owed over $2 million for a loan he provided before the league's final event in Philadelphia last spring.