)
Noah Lyles has criticized Grand Slam Track for lacking major broadcasting deals, highlighting concerns over athlete visibility and global marketing.
American sprint star Noah Lyles has never shied away from speaking his mind and his recent critique of the much-hyped Grand Slam Track (GST) is no exception.
As GST prepares to debut in April 2025, with promises of revolutionizing track and field, Lyles has raised concerns that could shake the league's foundations before it even starts.
)
14:32 - 28.11.2024
Good news for Kishane Thompson, Shericka Jackson & Co as Jamaica's federation announces groundbreaking deal
The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association has made a huge milestone that comes as great news to top athletes like Shericka Jackson and Kishane Thompson among others.
Despite a $30 million investment and backing from Olympic legend Michael Johnson, GST may be missing a key ingredient: a clear path to global visibility.
Lyles, the reigning Olympic 200m champion, has been an outspoken advocate for better funding and marketing in athletics.
)
18:06 - 28.11.2024
'He duck me' - iShowSpeed warns Noah Lyles over Tyreek Hill potentially chickening out of prospective showdown
Internet sensation iShowSpeed has warned Noah Lyles over Tyreek Hill potentially chickening out of the prospective showdown between both in 2025 after claiming the NFL star is 'scared' of him.
On paper, GST seems like the perfect solution, offering athletes an unprecedented prize pool and a chance to compete in a high-profile league.
But in a recent interview with LetsRun.com, Lyles expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, “[Grand Slam Track is] still in the same position [with me] as it has been all year.”
)
18:09 - 26.11.2024
‘Is this real life?’ - Tara Davis-Woodhall in disbelief over husband Hunter Woodhall after admitting to being ‘reckless’ with him
Olympics long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall was left gushing over her Paralympics star husband Hunter Woodhall, terming him ‘perfect specimen’ in her latest post.
The crux of Lyles’ criticism lies in GST’s failure to secure broadcasting rights with major networks.
While Citius Mag has announced plans to stream the events on its YouTube channel and produce creative content through podcasts, newsletters and social media, Lyles believes this effort falls short of elevating track and field to mainstream sports status.
He added, “And if a tree falls in the woods… did it make a sound?” highlighting his concern that without robust media partnerships, GST’s revolutionary ambitions could fail to resonate.
For Lyles, the issue is about more than just money.
“Being the Olympic champion, I’ve already come in with a lot of accolades and a lot of things where I don’t need monetary value, but I really need marketing value,” he explained.
)
11:30 - 28.11.2024
'I owe no one any explanations' - When Elaine Thompson Herah stood firm amid struggles since leaving Stephen Francis' MVP Track Club
Elain Thompson-Herah has struggled for fitness and consistent form since quitting Stephen Francis' MVP Track Club back in 2021.
Nonetheless, his point about marketing touches on a fundamental flaw in GST’s current approach.
Michael Johnson, the mastermind behind GST has positioned the league as a solution to track and field’s decades-long struggle for relevance.
By offering significant financial rewards and a platform for athletes to gain recognition akin to basketball and football stars, GST hopes to transform the sport.
However, Lyles’ concerns about visibility could be a major stumbling block. Without a major broadcasting partner, even the most innovative league risks being overlooked by the masses.
The absence of top-tier media deals could also make it harder for GST to attract big names like Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson, potentially impacting viewership and credibility.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)