World Athletics Condemn Bankrupt Grand Slam Track Over Unpaid Debts

World Athletics, the international governing body for track and field, has condemned the bankrupt Grand Slam Track (GST) league, labelling its plans to fund future events before settling its existing debts as "unconscionable."

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

The group had previously objected to GST's proposal to allocate $400,000 for athlete recruitment for a potential 2026 season while still owing money to approximately 300 individuals and companies from its failed 2025 season. According to recent bankruptcy filings, 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."

Steve Gera, the president and CEO of GST, has not responded to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

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" any future GST events after all outstanding debts have been fully paid.

Bankruptcy documents reveal significant sums owed to several prominent 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 to the league before its final event in Philadelphia last spring. The next hearing in the bankruptcy case is scheduled for Wednesday.