The Diamond League on Wednesday announced it will increase top-level individual prize money in select events in 2026, expanding the number of disciplines offering enhanced payouts while maintaining the overall prize pool at USD 9.24 million.
Under the new structure, each meeting will feature eight ‘Diamond+’ disciplines - selected events that offer enhanced prize money - increasing the number of events in which athletes can compete for the highest payouts.
The number of Diamond+ disciplines will double from four to eight at all meetings.
The eight 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 equally distributed between male and female athletes.
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“This new structure allows athletes from a wider range of disciplines to increase their earnings in 2026, while also guaranteeing gender equality,” organisers said in a statement.
Athletes will be able to earn up to USD 20,000 at Diamond League meetings and up to USD 60,000 in the Final, the highest individual rewards in the series’ 17-year history.
The basic level of individual prize money will remain unchanged, with competitors able to earn up to USD 10,000 at series meetings and up to USD 30,000 at the Final.
The 2026 Diamond League season will begin on May 16 in Shanghai/Keqiao and culminate with a two-day Final in Brussels on September 4-5.
Published on Apr 15, 2026