Michael Johnson is preparing to launch a lucrative new athletics league – but getting the Olympic 100m champion depends on one condition.

Grand Slam Track (GST) is Johnson’s project, aiming to bring together the world’s elite runners, offering $100,000 as a top prize for every race.

Johnson is hoping to revolutionise athletics with Grand Slam TrackEPA

Starting in April 2025, the breakaway league will host four annual events, similar to golf and tennis.

Two Slams will be hosted in the US, the first being a meet in Los Angeles in six months time.

Each athlete will compete in two events and Johnson is hoping 48 will be contracted to the league.

One of the stars he is trying to convince to join is Noah Lyles.

The Olympic champion – already targeting a showdown with NFL speed sensation Tyreek Hill – has not ruled out that idea, but stressed the importance of GST securing a television deal before he makes any decision.

“He’s definitely going with what he feels is the best way to represent track on the global stage, and especially in America,” Lyles said of Johnson.

“Personally, I just need to see a TV provider. The problem with our sport right now is that we have great performances but nobody is able to see it.

“Until I’m able to hear that TV sponsor, I don’t know that I could make a decision on that yet.

“We could have the greatest performances at the Grand Slam Track… but if a tree falls in the middle of the woods and nobody is there to see it, did it really fall?”

Lyles and Hill have been going back and forth for some time, with Hill’s NFL speed making for easy headlines – but Olympic champion Lyles maintains he has everything in his favor.

Lyles is open to joining Johnson’s new athletics ventureAFP

The pair have exchanged words in recent months, after the Miami Dolphins wide receiver criticised the sprinter for his third-place finish in the 200m at the Paris Olympics.

Lyles attributed his performance that night to a positive Covid test, but Hill further fanned the flames by suggesting he would win a race between the pair.

“I would beat Noah Lyles. When I beat him, I’ll put on a Covid mask and let him know I mean business,” he said during an appearance on the Up & Adams show earlier this year.

As he discussed joining GST, the 100m champion was asked for his response to that claim, and hinted that a 60-yard race could be on the cards.

“You’ve got to be serious, everybody wants to jump up to the top, everybody wants to race the fastest man. I didn’t grab this title because it was easy,” Lyles said.

“You can’t take a shot at the title, but I’ll let you take a shot at me… We can’t run the 100m, we can do 60-yards. We’re in talks.”