History of Grand Slam Track in Timeline

Grand Slam Track is a professional track and field league founded by former Olympic champion Michael Johnson. Announced in 2024, the inaugural season is scheduled for April-June 2025. Details, including the league's name, were revealed at a press conference in Los Angeles in June 2024.

February 2024: Michael Johnson Announces Track and Field League

In February 2024, Michael Johnson, who had the idea since the 1990s, announced his intention to launch a track and field league in 2025. Johnson and Bill Ackman invested millions in the league.

February 2024: Grand Slam Track League Initial Announcement

In February 2024, the Grand Slam Track professional track and field league was first announced by Michael Johnson, an American former Olympic champion sprinter.

February 2024: League Announcement with Aims to Boost Track and Field

In February 2024, the League's announcement stated aims to increase public consciousness of track and field and promote the sport outside the Olympic Games cycle, resembling other sports leagues with global athletes and occurring four times every year.

May 2024: Kyle Merber Employed as Senior Director of Racing

In May 2024, Kyle Merber, a former middle-distance runner, was confirmed to be employed as the Senior Director of Racing for Grand Slam Track.

June 2024: Grand Slam Track League Details Announced

In June 2024, at a press conference in Los Angeles hosted by John Anderson, the name and other details of the Grand Slam Track league were announced after the initial announcement in February 2024.

June 2024: Athletes Sign Up for Grand Slam Track Events

In June 2024, double Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and 2023 world champion Josh Kerr were among the first athletes to sign up for the Grand Slam Track events.

June 2024: Grand Slam Track Officially Launched

In June 2024, the Grand Slam Track league was officially launched, prior to its debut season in 2025.

September 2024: More Athletes Sign Onto the League

In September 2024, Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse, the 2024 Olympic gold and bronze medalists respectively, signed onto the league, along with sprinters Kenny Bednarek and Fred Kerley.

September 2024: Morolake Akinosun Announced as Head of Athlete Relations

In September 2024, Olympic champion and former sprinter Morolake Akinosun was announced as the Head of Athlete Relations for Grand Slam Track.

September 2024: Grand Slam Track Meet Locations Reported

On September 13, 2024, LetsRun.com reported that the Grand Slam Track meet locations would be in Los Angeles, New York City, Kingston, Jamaica, and Birmingham, with events in April and May, though unconfirmed.

November 2024: Grand Slam Track Officially Announces Locations

In November 2024, Grand Slam Track officially announced the four locations for the meets as Kingston, Los Angeles, Miramar, and Philadelphia.

December 2024: Full Roster of Racers Announced

By December 19, 2024, the entire set of racers for the 2025 season was announced, including 13 individual global gold medalists, although notable omissions included Noah Lyles and Sha'Carri Richardson.

February 2025: Agreements with The CW and Peacock Announced

In February 2025, Grand Slam Track announced agreements with The CW, an over-the-air network, and the streaming service Peacock in the United States. All events stream on Peacock, while The CW airs weekend coverage, and NBC airs a highlight special.