In a ground-breaking announcement that could transform the track and field scene, World Athletics has revealed a brand new project that will premiere in 2026. It may even eclipse Michael Johnson’s much-anticipated track league starting in 2025.
Athletes will be able to represent their nations and vie for a sizable $10 million prize pool at the upcoming World Athletics mega event, which offers a wide range of competitors and a large number of participants.
However, even the $10 million prize money is eclipsed by the earnings of a legendary sprinter: Usain Bolt.
The Jamaican legend earned over $32.5 million from appearances, prize money and sponsors, it was reported in 2016.
Athletes of his stature receive about $400,000 in appearance fees.
Generating excitement even today, his name keeps coming up amid all the talk about the new events.
A substantial quantity of money is certain to rouse Usain Bolt from his “retirement.”
World Athletics gave exciting news about the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, which will take place from September 11 to 13, 2026. The top eight to sixteen athletes in each discipline from around the world will compete in this premier event, which is expected to attract 400 elite participants from over 70 countries.
The tournament looks to be an exciting display of the greatest in international athletics with such a talented field.
“We will put athletes under quick pressure to perform if they want to be crowned the ultimate champion, as we will only showcase the best of the best and go right to the semi-finals and finals,” World Athletics president Seb Coe was quoted as saying by essentially sports.com.
Track athletes make less money than their peers in other sports. Even Usain Bolt with his legendary fame and unbroken Olympic records cannot match other superstars. NBA stars make almost ten times more money than Bolt.
This inequality affects even multi-medallist athletes like Mo Farah. Popularity and viewership frequently determine greater wages in sports, demonstrating a complex dynamic in player salary even when merit and skill are important.