Prize Money down 40% at Diamond League final

wejo wrote:

One thing that hasn't received much attention is that prize money is down 40% at the Diamond League final this year. Used to be $100k per event. This year's it's $60k. Used to be $50k for 1st, this year it's $30k.

They are awarding $20,000 for the most consistent sprinter, jumper, thrower, hurdler and distance runner across the DL for each sex so that is $200k in new expenditures.

So they're saving $1,280,000 in prize money but paying $200k to the most consistent performers for a total savings of $1,080,000.

Not sure if this is a one off because of COVID or permanent but a 40% reduction in prize money is pretty huge.

One more caveat, prize money is only a part of a track meet's budget. Also have to look at appearance fees and I assume Zurich pays appearance fees even though it is the final.

So it could make more sense to not pay the javelin winner $20k more and use that to make sure you get a star in another event.

You can't spend money you don't have.

People and organizations lost a lot of income during covid times.

The exception is everybody who is heavy invested in the stock market which went up like crazy.

This is what happens when you force the issue on equal pay. You all become equally broke.

Every sport lost money during the pandemic. They are all making cuts. I won't be losing any sleep over professional athletes losing money and having to work a day job like the rest of us.

they wasted a lot of money building this 560m track.