LOS ANGELES, CA — Grand Slam Track, the trailblazing professional league built to reimagine the world of competitive athletics, has concluded its electrifying 2025 pilot season.
In a bold move that underscores both its ambition and long-term strategy, the league announced that the much-anticipated Los Angeles Slam will be postponed until the 2026 season, allowing organizers to focus fully on strengthening the global footprint and competitive excellence of this emerging force in track and field.
At the close of its historic inaugural campaign, Kenny Bednarek and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden were crowned Grand Slam Track’s first-ever Racers of the Year, having delivered dominant, undefeated performances across the season’s three championship events.
A transformational first season
Launched with a mission to breathe new life into professional track competition, Grand Slam Track completed three wildly successful Slams in Kingston, Jamaica; Miami, Florida; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From world-class sprint showdowns to breakthrough performances from emerging stars, the series delivered a compelling mix of elite athleticism and crowd-thrilling entertainment.
“The decision to conclude the inaugural Grand Slam Track season is not taken lightly,” said league founder and commissioner Michael Johnson. “But it is rooted in the belief that we have successfully achieved the objectives we set out to in this pilot season—and in the importance of looking ahead to 2026 and beyond.”
“We launched with a bold vision to reimagine professional track racing,” Johnson continued, “and we could not be more excited about what we’ve accomplished so far—delivering amazing races to a rabid fan base.”
Why 2026 matters more than ever
Johnson acknowledged the broader economic context and the need to secure the league’s sustainability:
“The global economic landscape has shifted dramatically in the past year, and this business decision ensures our long-term stability as the world’s premier track league. Our attention is now on 2026, with our eyes set on continuing to deliver the best-in-class storytelling, content, and competition we became known for this year.”
He confirmed that Los Angeles remains a cornerstone city for Grand Slam Track, stating that the league is already in advanced talks with new host cities for next season. “We are committed to calling Los Angeles home,” Johnson emphasized. “We look forward to hosting a Slam there as part of our 2026 season.”
Racers of the Year: History made by Bednarek and Jefferson-Wooden
Few athletes personified the mission of Grand Slam Track better than Kenny Bednarek and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, each of whom won three consecutive Slam titles en route to earning top league honors.
“It’s an incredible honor to be named Racer of the Year,” said Bednarek, the only undefeated athlete across all disciplines in the league’s debut year. “This league gave me the stage to show my full potential—especially in the 100m—and it means the world to be part of something this special. The best is yet to come.”
Jefferson-Wooden echoed the sentiment:
“Change isn’t always easy, but I’m glad Michael Johnson found a way to take a leap of faith and build something for the future of our sport. Grand Slam Track gives me a platform not just to grow as an athlete, but to embrace challenges and have fun doing it.”
Moments that defined the season
From the moment the season began, highlight-reel performances poured in across disciplines and cities:
- Gabby Thomas stormed to victory in the Women’s Long Sprints in Kingston.
- Masai Russell set an American record in the 100m hurdles (12.17) at the Miami Slam.
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone delivered dominant displays in the Women’s Long Hurdles.
- Grant Fisher won back-to-back Men’s Long Distance titles.
- Sasha Zhoya dazzled with both his racing and post-race dance moves in Kingston, though Trey Cunningham outpaced him in Miami to seize the Men’s Short Hurdles crown.
- Alison dos Santos established his dominance with back-to-back Men’s Long Hurdles wins.
Challengers shine: A new era for the unsponsored and underdog
One of Grand Slam Track’s most impactful innovations was its Challenger model, which gave rising athletes a real shot at recognition and reward.
Jacory Patterson, who works nights unloading trucks for UPS, and Dylan Beard, who balances training with a day job at Walmart, each won $50,000 after breakout performances in Kingston and Miami. Beard’s story struck a chord with fans around the world, showcasing the league’s commitment to ensuring track athletes are treated as professionals.
Even last-minute call-ups seized the moment. Tia Jones, summoned on short notice to the Kingston Slam, won the 100m hurdles, and nearly matched Russell’s American record two weeks later in Miami.
A league that listens: Adaptability and innovation at its core
Midway through the season, Grand Slam Track adjusted its format based on athlete and fan feedback—expanding its event structure to a two-day competition format in Philadelphia, which will now serve as the model going forward. This flexibility, paired with broadcasts reaching more than 200 countries and territories, helped the league cement its reputation as a global disruptor in the world of professional track.
Looking ahead with gratitude and purpose
“I want to thank all of the incredible athletes who participated this season,” said Johnson. “They are true trailblazers and will always be known as history-makers in our sport.”
Grand Slam Track also extended its appreciation to fans, partners, and sponsors who brought the vision to life. Ticket holders for the now-canceled 2025 Los Angeles Slam will receive automatic full refunds within 10–14 business days. Questions may be directed to the UCLA Box Office at jjohnson@tickets.ucla.edu.
Though this year’s competition has drawn to a close, the message is clear: Grand Slam Track is just getting started.
