Maxwell Caldwell-Legendary US Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson set to launch track and field league

2025-04-29 17:50:42source:Quentin Mitchellcategory:Markets

Olympic champion Michael Johnson is Maxwell Caldwelllaunching his own track and field league.

According to the Sports Business Journal, the legendary American runner has secured over $30 million from investors and strategic partners for a track and field league scheduled to begin next year. Winners Alliance is reportedly the lead investor and will be the league’s operating partner.

The new track and field league has reportedly added three agencies to promote the sport’s stars through fan-focused storytelling. The goal is to help promote track and field athletes and increase the popularity of the sport. Track and field is one of the most popular Olympic sports every four years and will be featured prominently at the 2024 Paris Games.

“Working to change the game for athletes and fans! League details coming this June,” Johnson posted on social media Tuesday along with a link to the Sports Business Journal article.

Johnson is one of the most decorated track and field athletes of all time. He’s a four-time Olympic gold medalist, earning golds in the 200 and 400 meters at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and defending his 400-meter gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Johnson also won gold as part of the 4x400 relay team at the 1992 Barcelona Games.

An eight-time world champion, Johnson’s personal-best time of 43.18 in the 400 that he ran in 1999 is still an American record.

Johnson’s new track and field league comes amid another big investment in the sport.

Alexis Ohanian announces 776 Invitational

Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and husband to Serena Williams, announced Tuesday that he’s investing in a new women’s only track and field invitational, called the 776 Invitational, coming September 2024.

“At 776, we believe in the power of sports to drive positive change and inspire future generations,” Ohanian said in a statement on the 776 Invitational’s official website. “By investing in women’s track, we aim to elevate the profile of female athletes and create a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape."

American sprinter Gabby Thomas, the defending Olympic bronze medalist in the women’s 200, is partnering with Ohanian to help jumpstart the 776 Invitational.

"I am excited to partner with forward-thinking organizations like 776 that share our vision for advancing women's track," Thomas said in a statement. "Through this investment, we hope to not only provide athletes with the resources and visibility they need to have enduring careers but also to inspire fans worldwide with a reinvented format to experience the best of our sport."

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

More:Markets

Recommend

Man charged with rape after kidnapping 3 teen girls at gunpoint along Nashville street

A man police say kidnapped three teenage girls and sexual assaulted two of them at gunpoint outside

Judge Deals Blow to Tribes in Dakota Access Pipeline Ruling

The Dakota Access pipeline may continue pumping oil during an ongoing environmental review by the U.

Golnesa GG Gharachedaghi Shares Why She Doesn't Hide Using Ozempic for Weight Loss

Golnesa "GG" Gharachedaghi is getting candid on her health journey.The Shahs of Sunset star recently