Diamond League Expands Prize Money Structure for 2026 Season

The Wanda Diamond League has announced that it will raise individual prize money for athletes in the 2026 season, expanding opportunities for competitors across more disciplines.

Under the revised structure, athletes in Diamond+ Disciplines will be able to earn up to 20,000 US dollars at series meetings and as much as 60,000 USD at the Diamond League Final, the highest individual payouts in the competition’s 17-year history.

The number of Diamond+ Disciplines will double from four to eight at each meeting, ensuring that more athletes across track and field benefit from the top-level prize structure.

Each meeting will be required to include two sprint or hurdles events, two middle- or long-distance races, two field events, and two additional disciplines, with equal representation for men and women.

‘The adjustment reflects the Diamond League’s commitment to delivering a competitive, financially sustainable and gender-equal prize money structure that benefits athletes across the full diversity of track and field,’ said Petr Stastny, CEO of the Wanda Diamond League.

Diamond+ Disciplines were first introduced in 2025 as part of a record-breaking overhaul of the prize money system.

While the total prize pool will remain at 9.24 million USD in 2026, the redistribution ensures wider access to higher earnings.

Basic prize levels will stay unchanged, with athletes able to earn up to 10,000 USD at meetings and 30,000 USD at the Final.

Including promotional fees for top athletes, the Diamond League expects to pay out around 18 million USD in 2026, alongside significant investment in athlete services such as travel, accommodation, and medical support.