The Diamond League has announced plans to increase prize money for top-level individual performances in specific athletics events starting in 2026. While keeping the total prize pool at $9.24 million US, the league will introduce a new structure featuring eight ‘Diamond+’ disciplines at each meeting. This change will double the number of events offering enhanced payouts, providing athletes with more opportunities to compete for higher rewards.
The eight Diamond+ disciplines at each meeting will include two sprint or hurdles events, two long- or middle-distance races, two field events, and two other disciplines, all evenly distributed between male and female athletes. Organizers emphasized that this revised structure aims to allow athletes from various disciplines to boost their earnings in 2026 while ensuring gender equality.
Athletes will now have the chance to earn up to $20,000 US at Diamond League meetings and up to $60,000 in the Final, marking the highest individual rewards in the league’s 17-year history. The baseline prize money levels will remain the same, with competitors having the opportunity to earn up to $10,000 at series meetings and up to $30,000 at the Final.
The 2026 Diamond League season is set to kick off on May 16 in Shanghai/Keqiao and will conclude with a two-day Final in Brussels on September 4-5.