Track and Field League
| Sport | Athletics |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2024 |
Michael Johnson's unnamed track and field league was announced in 2024 by American former Olympic champion sprinter Michael Johnson. The first season is due to run from April - September 2025. The name and other details are set to be announced in June 2024.[1]
Development[edit]
Former sprinter Michael Johnson announced in February 2024 his intention to launch a track and field league for 2025, which would include a series of events during the track season between April to September.[2] Johnson is reported to be investing money in the League.[3]
In April 2024, Johnson announced initial plans for the Track and Field League, including a total of $30 million in funding from investors and strategic partners. Winners Alliance is reportedly the lead investor and operating partner.[4] Speaking at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, the President of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, said "I welcome innovation. I also welcome external resource. If you’ve got a rising tide, everyone benefits".[5]
The League was working in 2024 with the companies Doubleday & Cartwright, Two Circles, and SRK Strategies, to respectively concentrate on the graphics, marketing and public relations for the Track and Field League.[1][6]
In May 2024, former middle distance runner Kyle Merber confirmed he was employed as Director of Athletes and Racing.[7]
Aims[edit]
The announcement of the League in February 2024 came with the stated aims to increase and boost the sport of track and field in public consciousness and to promote the sport outside the tent-poles of popularity provided by the four-yearly cycle of Olympic Games.[8] One of the aims is for the Track and Field League to resemble other sports leagues, with global athletes.[9] The League is also designed to help athletes gain exposure and sponsorship opportunities.[10]
Editions[edit]
The league will officially launch in June 2024, prior to a planned debut season in 2025.[11]
Broadcast[edit]
In February 2024, Michael Johnson said that the Track and Field League has the goal to provide a TV-friendly product "to promote the sport’s biggest stars and draw new audiences through unique storytelling".[12]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Jan, Paras (25 April 2024). "Michael Johnson Secures $30 Million For A New Track And Field League". Forbes. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ Axon, Rachel (April 23, 2024). "Michael Johnson secures funds for new track league". Sport Business Journal. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ Rashid Dar, Zahid (February 27, 2024). "Track Legend Michael Johnson Splurges $14 Million of Net Worth on Exclusive Project to Benefit Sport". Essentially Sports. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ Dragon, Tyler (25 April 2024). "Legendary US Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson set to launch track and field league". USA Today. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ Wilson, Jeremy (4 March 2024). "Josh Kerr blasts 'crazy' athletics prize money – and backs Michael Johnson's breakaway league". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ Medow, Shawn (April 24, 2024). "Two Circles continues US push with role in Johnson's new track league". Sport Business. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ Meyers, Christaline (May 1, 2024). "Olympic Legend Michael Johnson's $30 Million-Backed 'Unnamed' Track League Secures Support From Decorated American Athlete". Essentially Sports. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ Jackson, Eric (February 27, 2024). "MICHAEL JOHNSON, WINNERS ALLIANCE TO CREATE FAN-FOCUSED TRACK LEAGUE". Sportico.com. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ Hardy, Matt (27 February 2024). "Michael Johnson to co-found professional track and field league". City AM. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ "Olympic champion Michael Johnson starting new track league". ESPN. 28 February 2024. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ Sim, Josh (24 April 2024). "Michael Johnson raises more than US$30m for new track league". Sportsmedia.com. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ Carney, Abby (29 February 2024). "Olympic Legend Michael Johnson Is Launching a New Fan-Focused Track League". Runners World.