As the inaugural season of Grand Slam Track rolls into Philadelphia on May 31, all eyes are on Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who’s set to challenge herself in the league’s third meet of the year. With over $6 million in prize money already awarded to professional track athletes in just two events, the momentum is strong—yet the league isn’t afraid to make bold changes.
In a significant shift announced on May 15, Grand Slam Track revealed a condensed schedule for the Philadelphia meet, reducing the event from three days to just two. The most notable change? The complete removal of the men’s and women’s 5,000-meter races. This decision, while controversial among long-distance athletes, is part of a broader strategy to streamline the event and keep fans engaged from start to finish.
Despite the shorter schedule and race lineup, the broadcast will still be capped at under two hours, with 11 events packed into that time. To achieve this, Grand Slam Track will trim the downtime typically reserved for in-depth commentary, opting instead for a tighter race-to-race format that puts the athletes’ performances at the forefront.
The restructuring does come at a cost—particularly for distance runners. With the 5,000-meter events cut, prize money for long-distance athletes will be slashed by 50%. In total, Grand Slam Track will save approximately $262,500 in prize payouts, a move that has sparked some discussion within the athletics community.
However, for fans and sprinters alike, the fast-paced format promises high-stakes action and drama on the track. The updated schedule means less waiting and more competition, with each event receiving focused attention within the compressed broadcast window.
As one of the sport’s most electrifying stars, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s participation adds extra excitement to the Philadelphia meet. Known for her record-breaking performances and versatility, she’s expected to draw both crowds and viewership—something the league is banking on as it experiments with this innovative format.
With this fresh approach, Grand Slam Track continues to shake up traditional expectations in professional track and field. The Philadelphia event not only tests the athletes but also the league’s vision for a more dynamic and commercially viable future for the sport.