The track and field world is finally getting its moment. But at what cost? Fans are finally cheering for innovation, athletes are starting to earn what they deserve, and new leagues are sprouting like wildfire. The Grand Slam Track series and the soon-to-launch Athlos league are pushing the sport into uncharted territory. But as exciting as this surge may be, a storm could be brewing. Multiple leagues may bring short-term buzz, but long-term chaos. And a former Olympic silver medalist sees the writing on the wall, and he believes only one path leads to real success.

In a powerful statement that cuts through the current hype, Fitzroy Dunkley compared today’s track landscape to the fractured early days of major American sports. Back when the NFL had to fight the AFL, or when the NBA clashed with the ABA, it was a war for attention, money, and talent. But it wasn’t until those leagues merged that the magic truly began. According to Dunkley, track and field is standing at that very crossroads right now.

His warning is clear: track and field is dangerously fragmented. Each league comes with its own rules, its own calendar, and its own storyline. Fans are left confused, athletes are stretched thin, and the sport’s overall momentum is lost in translation. “We’ve got the stars,” he says. “We’ve got the moments. But what we don’t have is structure,” Dunkley further added. For Dunkley, the answer lies in one bold move. Unification.

A single, centralized league could flip the script for track and field. With shared marketing, a universal championship system, and clearer narratives, the sport could finally scale globally. Think year-long rivalries, playoffs, and big-money deals that actually reward the athletes fueling the spectacle. Just like the NFL and NBA once did, track needs to stop competing within itself and start building as one.

Dunkley isn’t asking for less competition. He’s demanding smarter collaboration. With a unified front, track can go from niche to mainstream, from overlooked to unmissable. The blueprint is already there. Now it’s just a question of whether the sport has the vision, and the guts to follow it. Meanwhile, with the Athlos coming in with their league, Olympians like Sha’Carri Richardson and more are holding stakes in the league.

Sha’Carri Richardson, Tara Davis-Woodhall and Gabby Thomas to own a piece of Athlos’ future

In a bold move that reshapes the business of women’s track and field, Athlos has announced that three of its biggest stars, Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas, and Tara Davis-Woodhall. They are not just competing in the league but are now co-owners. The league, founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, confirmed that the trio will serve as adviser-owners and shareholders as it evolves into a full-fledged team-based format in 2026 and expands to include field events.

The ownership opportunity wasn’t initially on the table when the athletes first joined Athlos. But their star power, influence, and commitment to growing the sport proved undeniable. “We were focused on bringing them into the League as founding owners to ensure we’re building a league that our athletes will love,” said Ohanian. The decision aligns with Athlos’ mission to shift the dynamics of athlete compensation and visibility. These women are no longer just faces of the brand. They’re now shaping its future from within.

With the team format set to debut after the 2025 World Athletics season, Athlos is building momentum. The league has already turned heads with a massive $500,000 purse at its first event and a visually rich presentation that blends track action with entertainment. Now, with its most electrifying names holding equity, Athlos signals a new chapter. One where elite athletes aren’t just running for medals, but building legacies on and off the track.