Overview
- World Athletics called it “unconscionable” for the league to plan a 2026 return before clearing outstanding obligations to athletes, vendors, and service providers.
- Grand Slam Track’s latest bankruptcy filing lists liabilities exceeding $40 million and more than 300 creditors, with the next Delaware court hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
- The league has sought about $2.9 million in debtor-in-possession financing that includes $400,000 for 2026 athlete recruitment, a move opposed by the Association of Athletics Managers.
- Bankruptcy papers list major sums owed to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone ($268,750), Gabby Thomas ($185,625), Marileidy Paulino ($173,125), and founder Michael Johnson (over $2 million from a loan).
- Athlete hardships continue, with hurdler Eric Edwards Jr reporting he received only about half of what he was due and has taken a part-time Amazon delivery job to cover expenses.