Athlos, the women’s track league founded by Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian, has decided to go ahead with a $75,000 payment for the stadium where its third annual New York City event was set to take place, despite the event's cancellation. The decision comes after the league announced last week that the meet, originally scheduled for October 2, would not occur due to timing conflicts within the track calendar.
The contract between Athlos and Icahn Stadium, which is located on Randall’s Island, stipulates that a total of $175,000 in deposits and fees is required, and the league is obligated to pay the $75,000 deposit even in the event of a cancellation. This information was revealed through documents obtained by Front Office Sports. The stadium, which has a capacity of 5,000, has hosted the first two Athlos events successfully, making this decision particularly significant for the league's relationship with the venue.
A spokesperson for Ohanian's investment firm, Seven Seven Six, stated, “We’re honoring all our contractual obligations tied to New York.” This commitment indicates Athlos's dedication to maintaining a professional reputation, even in the face of logistical challenges.
Athlos has made a name for itself by providing substantial financial incentives for athletes. In previous events, winners received impressive prizes, including $65,000 and a Tiffany & Co. sterling silver crown. The league has also attracted high-profile athletes, including owner-investors like Gabby Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson, which has contributed to its growing popularity.
Ohanian announced the cancellation via social media, explaining that the timing of the event was not conducive to athletes performing at their best. He acknowledged that the end of the competitive season is a challenging time for athletes, who have already exerted considerable effort throughout the year. “Based on feedback from y’all [the athletes], we now understand that’s the hardest possible place to be asking you all to show up at your best,” he said, emphasizing the importance of athlete input in planning future events.
Despite the setback in New York, Athlos is set to host its first event outside of the city on September 18 in London. Ohanian has expressed optimism about the future, indicating plans for a return to New York in 2027 and hinting at new developments for the league. Athlos had initially aimed to transition to a team-based league format this year, demonstrating its ambition to innovate within the sport.
Ohanian's involvement in multiple sports ventures, including ownership stakes in Chelsea’s women’s team and Angel City FC, underscores his commitment to elevating women's sports. Athlos has positioned itself as a leader in providing athletes with not only financial rewards but also a platform to showcase their talents.
As the league navigates these challenges, its focus remains on creating opportunities for athletes and enhancing the overall experience of track and field competitions. With plans for future events and a commitment to honoring contracts, Athlos is poised to continue making an impact in the world of athletics.
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