Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson has been dropped from the BBC’s World Championships punditry team as controversy continues to surround his new athletics league, Grand Slam Track. The former sprint star, widely respected for his commentary since 2001, is facing growing pressure after his league failed to meet financial obligations to athletes.
Johnson recently admitted that Grand Slam Track is unable to pay out millions in promised prize money and appearance fees. The series, launched with high ambitions earlier this year, pledged to offer athletes unprecedented rewards including $100,000 for event winners at each of the four scheduled meets. However, after the inaugural event in Kingston, Jamaica, funding issues surfaced, leaving athletes unpaid for months.
The collapse began when the competition failed to draw significant crowds, sponsorships, and broadcast revenue. Matters worsened after a major investor pulled out, reportedly leaving the project more than $13 million in debt. Johnson acknowledged the crisis, stating that despite promises of quick and fair compensation, the league is struggling to honor its commitments.
Some of the sport’s biggest names, including Olympic and World champions, are still owed large sums. Reports indicate that athletes such as Josh Kerr, who won in Kingston, are waiting for hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid fees. Discontent has grown, with some athletes openly demanding stricter accountability for event organizers.
The fallout has had direct consequences for Johnson’s professional reputation. While the BBC did not officially cite the payment controversy as the reason for dropping him, the timing has raised speculation. A spokesperson merely noted that Johnson had “other commitments,” but his future role with the broadcaster could depend on whether he manages to stabilize the league and settle outstanding debts.
Johnson has since cancelled the final scheduled Grand Slam Track event in Los Angeles and conceded there will be no series in 2026 until all payments are resolved. He has described the crisis as one of the toughest challenges of his career. Unless new financial backers are secured, the ambitious project that aimed to revolutionize athlete earnings may collapse entirely, leaving both athletes and Johnson’s legacy at stake.
