Grand Slam Track: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas divided over league's financial struggles

As Grand Slam Track navigates its bankruptcy, several high-profile Olympic medalists, including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas, are divided over the league's struggles.

The duo, among the top creditors awaiting significant payments, signed with the league as two of their top athletes, and are yet to be paid months after the league was abruptly concluded.

Court documents reveal that McLaughlin-Levrone is owed $356,250, while Thomas is waiting on $249,375. Other prominent athletes with substantial unpaid earnings include Josh Kerr, Kenny Bednarek, Marileidy Paulino, Alison Dos Santos, and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who are each owed between $190,625 and $250,000.

The athletes' reactions to the situation have been mixed. McLaughlin-Levrone recently offered a measured perspective, acknowledging the league's ambitious vision despite its financial shortcomings.

"This year, I know Grand Slam Track tried to pursue something a bit more professional, which I think the model of it really gave fans something exciting to look forward to," she said. "Obviously, there were issues on the back end there with the money side of things."

In contrast, Thomas has been more vocal about her frustration. She has criticized the league for maintaining a "business as usual" facade on social media while wages remain unpaid.

In a pointed comment on a promotional TikTok post featuring her, Thomas wrote, "So dope!!! pls pay me 😭".

It remains to be seen how many more athletes will speak out about the league's failures and incompetence.