League organizers of Grand Slam Track announced on Monday they have broadcast deals in place with NBC Sports, Peacock and The CW.
The new league, with track legend Michael Johnson serving as commissioner, kicks off on April 4 in Kingston, Jamaica but when the signings of athletes began last summer, there was no mention of broadcast deals.
However, in the United States, The CW will air Saturday and Sunday coverage of each meet live, while Peacock will be the official streaming partner and NBC will air a highlights package in May.
“We’re delighted to finally be able to announce this incredibly exciting broadcast and streaming partnership to all our fans in the United States,” Johnson said in a statement. “I’d like to personally thank both our great friends and partners at The CW and NBC Sports for putting together this agreement, which will help us continue to revolutionize the sport of track. We were determined to make sure that Grand Slam Track would be seen by millions of fans across the country, and we’re delighted to be delivering on that promise. We can’t wait to get started with our Slams in April; you won’t want to miss this.”
The first meet in Kingston will be held at National Stadium at Independence Park, with the first day of action broadcast at on April 4 at 6 p.m. Eastern, the second day (April 5) airing at 6 p.m. Eastern, while the final day of competition (April 6) begins at 3 p.m. Eastern.
Johnson announced with league last summer and immediately drew attention with the signing of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as the first athlete on the roster as a “Racer”. She is among the 48 runners who are guaranteed to appear at all four meets and other high profile names were revealed after McLaughlin-Levrone’s signing.
Josh Kerr, Cole Hocker, Gabby Thomas, Nikki Hiltz and Quincy Hall have all inked deals with the league but details about meet locations, dates and broadcast partners were scarce until December 2024.
According to Johnson, the league promises engaging matchups, significantly higher prize payouts for participants and an emphasis on high level competition. A group of 48 “Challengers” will be non-contracted athletes who can choose to run in any of the Grand Slam meets and still be eligible for prizes that top $100,000 for event winners.
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