Report: Grand Slam Track paying off debts via new investment

Grand Slam Track has begun paying off millions of dollars in debt through emergency financing from its existing investors, Front Office Sports reported Friday.

The embattled startup league launched in April and staged three events before canceling its final meet in June.

In August, founder and former Olympic champion Michael Johnson, said he was still working with investors to secure the money owed to athletes ($11 million) and vendors ($8 million).

According to Friday's report, the league successfully raised "up to eight figures" of emergency financing and was able to wire athletes half of what they are owed on Friday.

Grand Slam sent an email to the athletes to explain the "installment payment."

"Today is the beginning of Grand Slam Track's reboot," read the email, obtained by Front Office Sports. "We apologize for frustrations and hardships caused by the payment delays to date. Over the next 60 days, we will be working hard to make things right with everyone who helped make 2025 a success, to best position GST for 2026 and beyond. This is a critical step in that delicate and difficult process, but know there is a path. Our appreciation of your grace and support as we walk that path cannot be overstated."

The influx of money also enabled Grand Slam to cover the salaries of its remaining employees -- "fewer than 10" are left, per Front Office Sports.

--Field Level Media