American Olympic legend Johnson launched Grand Slam Track earlier this year with the bold goal of transforming athletics, promising a concentrated format with more frequent head-to-head races between the world’s best athletes.
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However, the circuit stalled amid financial problems, and Johnson was forced to cancel the circuit’s fourth and final leg in Los Angeles following meetings in Kingston, Miami and Philadelphia.
Johnson said in August that the circuit would not take place in 2026 as planned until athletes who expected to receive prize money for competing in 2025 had been paid.
In a statement on Thursday, Grand Slam Track said the circuit had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US state of Delaware in order to “position the league for long-term sustainable growth.”
“GST intends to use the Chapter 11 process to stabilize its finances, implement a more efficient operating and cost model, and position GST for long-term success,” the statement said.
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Johnson insisted in the statement that he had not abandoned his dream of a viable version of the circuit.
“Grand Slam Track was founded to create a professional platform that reflects the talent and dedication of the sport’s athletes,” Johnson said.
“While GST has faced significant challenges that have caused frustrations for many (including myself), I refuse to give up on the mission of the Grand Slam Track and the future we are building together.”
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