Athletes who competed in the embattled Grand Slam Track series will receive half of what they are owed today, following last-minute emergency financing that prevented the startup from collapsing entirely.

According to a report by American multi-platform media and news organization Front Office Sports, the track and field league — founded by former Olympic champion Michael Johnson — secured fresh backing from existing investors that will be used to cover partial payments.

Launched last year with promises of more than $30 million in funding, Grand Slam Track declared it would revolutionize the sport by offering record prize money, including $100,000 for first place, along with base salaries or appearance fees. The league emphasized prioritizing athlete experience and managed to host three of its four planned events in Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia, before cancelling its final meet in Los Angeles.

That cancellation came amid mounting reports of financial strain, including nearly $19 million owed to athletes and vendors. According to Front Office Sports, the recent financing — described as an eight-figure sum — is still not enough to cover all outstanding debts. Current estimates point to $11 million owed to athletes and roughly $8 million to vendors.

The publication adds that Grand Slam Track will wire athletes half of what they are owed today (Friday), with plans to begin addressing vendor payments next.

The series attracted some of the sport’s biggest stars. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Danielle Williams, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Gabby Thomas, and Alison dos Santos.

A strong Jamaican contingent also featured across the meets, including Oblique Seville, Nickisha Pryce, Kemba Nelson, Megan Tapper, Ackeem Blake, Alana Reid, Stacey-Ann Williams, Ackera Nugent, Jodean Williams, and Zandrion Barnes. They were joined by Deandre Watkin, Omar McLeod, Orlando Bennett, Andrenette Knight, Rushell Clayton, Shiann Salmon, Malik James-King, Roshawn Clarke, Assinie Wilson, and Natoya Goule-Toppin.