PARIS, Sept 18, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - The Diamond League athletics circuit said on Wednesday it will increase its prize money to record levels from next season.

The new overall figure is $9.24 million, almost a third higher than during the Covid-19 period of 2021-2024.

Between $30,000-$100,000 will be on offer for each discipline at each meeting for the 2025 campaign.

"The Wanda Diamond League remains committed to rewarding the athletes more, whilst at the same time ensuring the long term sustainability of the series," Diamond League chief executive Petr Stastny said in a statement.

"We provide the world's best athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest possible level.
 
"Having competitors from around 100 countries every year allows for TV audiences in 150 countries and territories, making our series a truly universal and global league," Stastny added.

The announcement comes three months after four-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson said he was behind a new Grand Slam Track league.

It will begin next April, with two three-day meetings in the United States and two international stops, with prize money of around $3 million at each meeting.

Next year's Diamond League runs with 15 meetings in 13 countries between April and September.