$150,000 isn't enough, I need more - Noah Lyles makes his demands before committing to World Athletics Ultimate Championships

For Noah Lyles to compete at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest this September, the American sprint star has made some demands, which are far more than just a financial incentive.

As the reigning Olympic 100m and world 200m champion, Lyles has already qualified in both events, but he has yet to decide whether he will race in the Hungarian capital.

This skepticism comes from the same reason he chose not to compete at Michael Johnson's controversial Grand Slam Track last year.

Billed as a "made-for-TV event" with a record $150,000 prize for first place, the World Athletics Ultimate Championships is designed to attract top talents, especially global champions in their respective events.

Despite the lucrative prize money, Lyles remains noncommittal, citing a need not just for monetary reasons.

"If they want it to be successful, they’ve gotta get the highest caliber athletes," he stated in his pre-meet press for the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston.

"In my opinion, the highest caliber athletes, you have to give them something that they’re valuing... Sometimes it is monetary, sometimes it is more engagement, a bigger audience," he added.

"Personally, they haven’t offered me anything that I see as valuable yet. We have been in constant talks, but we are going to have to come to a decision pretty soon," Lyles concluded.

The six-time world champion has raced in just two meets this year, first opening up with a 32.60s victory in the 300m in Gainesville, and then being beaten at the line by training partner Jereem Richards at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix.

In a stunning performance, the Trinidadian edged out Lyles in a photo finish to win the 300m final in 32.14s to the American's 32.15s. Veteran American 400m runner Vernon Norwood finished third in 32.38s.

With the season still in its fresh stages, it remains to be seen if Lyles will change his mind before September, as his participation will be a huge test of his supremacy heading into a packed 2027 and 2028 season.