In a game-changing move for the athletics world, Kenyan athletes are set to experience a significant increase in earnings as the Wanda Diamond League announces its largest-ever boost in prize money. This landmark decision was revealed this Wednesday, marking a major shift in the league’s history.
For the 2025 season, the Diamond League will raise the total prize fund to an unprecedented US$9,240,000, approximately Ksh1.2 billion. This represents a historic increase, the largest since the league’s establishment in 2010. The substantial rise in prize money underscores the Diamond League’s commitment to enhancing rewards for athletes and elevating the competition’s prestige.
The new prize structure will see athletes collectively earning Ksh2,322,720,000 (USD 18 million) throughout the season. This figure includes not only the prize money but also promotional fees. Additionally, the league will invest further in crucial support services for athletes, including transport, accommodation, and medical care, to ensure their well-being and performance.
Under the revised structure, each discipline will offer a prize of Ksh3,871,200 (USD 30,000) for series meetings. At the finals, athletes will have the opportunity to win between Ksh7,742,400 (USD 60,000) and Ksh12,904,000 (USD 100,000), depending on their performance. This adjustment reflects a 33% increase from recent seasons, which had been impacted by disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Petr Stastny, CEO of the Diamond League, highlighted the league’s dedication to rewarding athletes more generously while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the series. This commitment is intended to both support the athletes’ efforts and maintain the competition’s status as one of the premier events in global athletics.
Faith Kipyegon, a prominent Kenyan runner who recently triumphed in the 1500m at the Brussels Diamond League, earned Ksh3,870,000 (USD 30,000) for her victory. With the new prize structure, her earnings could potentially rise to Ksh12,904,000 if she continues her outstanding performances in the upcoming season.
