Michael Johnson, the American track legend and founder of the inaugural Grand Slam Track league, has responded to criticism regarding the absence of Noah Lyles from the league’s roster, particularly following the announcement of a major new broadcast deal.
Lyles, the Olympic champion and one of the most prominent names in sprinting today, had been vocal about his reservations towards the Grand Slam Track league. His hesitancy centered around the league’s initial lack of a broadcasting partner, a crucial factor for him in considering any involvement. However, despite this initial setback, the Grand Slam Track league has made significant strides in recent months. The league has successfully secured a major broadcast deal with The CW network, ensuring that the events will be televised, while also partnering with Peacock for streaming coverage. This move marks a key milestone for the league, addressing one of the major concerns raised by Lyles and other critics.
Johnson, undeterred by the absence of Lyles, has continued to build a strong lineup for the league, securing the participation of several of the world’s most accomplished athletes. Among those who have signed on are Olympic champions Gabby Thomas and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, as well as Olympic medalists Kenny Bednarek and Fred Kerley, and Jamaican sprint sensation Oblique Seville. These athletes represent some of the fastest and most accomplished competitors in the world, which Johnson believes is enough to establish the Grand Slam Track league as a premier event in the world of athletics.
Despite the impressive roster, the absence of Lyles arguably the most recognizable sprinter of the current generation remains a notable gap for the league. Lyles’ reputation, both on and off the track, makes him a key figure in the sport. However, Johnson has made it clear that while Lyles would undoubtedly be a valuable addition to the league, it is not reliant on his involvement. “We have 48 challengers that we now will assign for each individual slam, they can come in if they want. So yeah, we’ll continue talking to Noah,” Johnson said, leaving the door open for Lyles to join at any time. But he also emphasized that the league was built with or without him. “The 48 Olympic champions, world champions—the fastest people in the world that we’ve signed to this league—they’re all accomplished in their own right. That’s enough. We don’t need anyone else.”
This comment underlines Johnson’s confidence in the league’s ability to succeed, regardless of Lyles’ participation. He continued, explaining that this is the first time in history that so many of the world’s fastest athletes are coming together for a series of events, making the Grand Slam Track league a unique proposition in the sport. Johnson also pointed out that the exposure for track and field has traditionally been limited, especially outside of the Olympics. This has been a major concern for athletes like Lyles, who have been vocal about the lack of visibility for track and field events in the media. However, Johnson noted that the Grand Slam Track league is addressing this issue by being broadcast on The CW network and streaming on Peacock. “Not only are we on free-to-air network TV on CW, but we are simultaneously streaming on Peacock. There may not be any sport in existence right now that is more accessible than Grand Slam Track,” Johnson stated, emphasizing the league’s commitment to making the sport more accessible to fans.
If Lyles were to join the league, fans would be treated to exciting matchups with top sprinters like Bednarek, Kerley, and Seville. This potential rivalry would undoubtedly boost the profile of the Grand Slam Track league even further. Lyles, for his part, has already started his 2025 season strong, securing a victory in the 60m indoor event at the New Balance Grand Prix on February 2. The league’s first event is set for Kingston, Jamaica, in April, which aligns perfectly with Lyles’ outdoor season preparations. With Jamaican star Seville also competing in the league, the Kingston event could offer a thrilling showdown between the two sprinters.
Following the Kingston event, the Grand Slam Track league will move to Miami in May, Philadelphia in late May to early June, and conclude with a final event in Los Angeles in late June. These events promise to showcase some of the world’s best track and field athletes in action, and with a historic broadcast deal now in place, the league is poised to make a significant impact on the sport’s landscape. Whether Lyles chooses to be a part of it or not, the Grand Slam Track league is positioned to reshape the future of track and field in exciting new ways.
