Whether you’re for it or against it, the Enhanced Games look set to take place next year. The Enhanced Games’ lucrative structure has already turned heads in athletics, offering athletes like Fred Kerley the financial stability absent from traditional track and field. In fact, Kerley has reportedly secured a substantial signing bonus, also signalling the seriousness of the organizers in attracting elite talent. French sprinter Mouhamadou Fall recently revealed just how significant these payouts can be, after following Kerley’s footsteps and signing up for the Enhanced Games.

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, Fall was asked if he received compensation separate from the million-dollar bonus for breaking world records. And just like Kerley, Fall was also brought on with a big signing-on fee. “Yes, a substantial signing bonus and a very good monthly amount that gives me financial security, but I won’t give any numbers,” revealed Fall. “Money is a big motivating factor because all my contracts ended in 2023, but that’s not the only reason.”

Fall already served a doping ban last year for testing positive for the banned substance heptaminol. He was issued another 18 months last September for whereabouts failures, which will only expire in July 2026. He revealed that prior to the offer from the Enhanced Games, he was “planning to come back,” but the deal he was offered by the Enhanced Games was a “huge opportunity.” It’s a big decision to make considering Enhanced Games participants are effectively banned from traditional sports competitions.

So what motivated his choice? The financial bonuses were a huge draw, but his tarnished reputation in the traditional system also played a big part in his decision. “Once that happens, you’re done – most people turn their backs on you without even trying to find out what really happened. So I don’t see why I’d go back to an organization that wrongly accused me when, in another, I’m offered respect,” explained Fall.

Falls’ rationale for joining echoes Kerley’s—another athlete banned for an anti-doping whereabouts violation. As Kerley wrote in a recent X post, “We’re not just breaking limits; we’re building relationships. The Enhanced Games = legacy in motion.” As for putting the financial motivations into context, British Olympic swimmer Ben Proud, another Enhanced Games entrant, revealed that the prize money from one race would equal that from 13 swimming titles at Worlds.

With signing bonuses, monthly pay, and respect promised to participants, it’s clear the event is positioning itself as a bold alternative to traditional athletics. And while Fall’s move may stem from redemption, others like Fred Kerley see it as a gateway to greater rewards. Yes, these rewards have come even before the controversial games have begun. 

Fred Kerley has started earning with months to go till the Enhanced Games

Kerley’s decision to join the Enhanced Games has already sparked conversations about money and motivation. The Olympic silver medalist recently shared a video where he appeared to pocket $100,000 after a race against a civilian challenger on asphalt. In the caption, he wrote, “I really do this for a living. $100K gone like lunch money. Stay in your lane.” But he has the chance to win a lot more at the Enhanced Games in 2026. 

Enhanced Games’ $1 million prize for breaking world records has been drawing quite some attention. And Kerley is all set to claim the reward. He previously stated that the world record was always his ultimate career goal. Now that this goal is backed by a million dollars, he can dedicate all of his energy to pushing past his limits to become “the fastest human to ever live.” 

Kerley later strengthened the buzz by posting a photo with Enhanced Games officials on his social media, captioned, “Day One – @enhanced_games @hawkebr @fkerley99 Time To Break The World Record.” This reflected the sprinter’s alignment with the event’s ambitious prize model. And as the Enhanced Games redefine incentives, athletes like Fall and Kerley symbolize a shift, where financial freedom and respect now rival medals as the sport’s ultimate rewards.