The 2025 Diamond League season is set to electrify the world of athletics with a thrilling 15-meet schedule spanning four continents and 13 countries. Kicking off on April 26 in Xiamen, China, and culminating in the highly anticipated Diamond League Final in Zürich, Switzerland, on August 27-28, this year’s season promises intense competition, world-class performances, and a lucrative prize pool that athletes will fiercely contest.
A Season of Global Showdowns and Big Prizes
Next year’s Diamond League showcases top-tier athletes battling for supremacy, with a record prize pool of $18 million at stake. Each meet offers between $30,000 and $50,000 in prize money for individual events, with even bigger rewards at the Zürich final, where athletes can win between $60,000 and $100,000. These prizes, combined with the prestige of being crowned Diamond League Champion, guarantee high-stakes drama at every event.
Petr Stastny, CEO of the Diamond League, emphasized the league’s dual mission: “We are committed to rewarding the athletes while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the series, providing vital competition for years to come.” This approach has cemented the Diamond League as a global phenomenon, drawing competitors from over 100 countries and attracting TV audiences in 150 nations, further enhancing its status as the premier track and field series.
The Journey: From China to Switzerland
The season begins in Xiamen, China, on April 26, followed by a second Chinese meet in Shanghai/Suzhou on May 3. From there, the action moves to Doha, Qatar, and Rabat, Morocco, before athletes head to Europe, starting with Rome on June 6. Highlights of the European circuit include Oslo, Stockholm, and Paris, before the prestigious Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on July 5.
July’s competitions in Monaco and London will bring intense battles before the athletes take a brief break in early August. The final stretch includes meets in Silesia, Poland, Lausanne, Switzerland, and Brussels, all building toward the grand finale in Zürich on August 27-28. This year, Zürich returns as the host of the Diamond League Final after the 2024 final was held in Brussels.
Points System and Road to the Final
Athletes will accumulate points based on their performances at each of the 14 regular-season meets, with first-place finishers earning eight points, and second place receiving seven, down to one point for eighth place. The top six athletes in field events, top eight in sprints (100m to 800m), and top ten in distance events will earn their spot in the prestigious final, where they will compete for the coveted Diamond League Champion title.
With the 2025 World Championships taking place in Tokyo just weeks after the final, many athletes will view the Zürich showdown as their final tune-up for global competition. The stakes have never been higher as athletes strive not only for Diamond League glory but also to carry momentum into the World Championships.
Star Athletes and 2024 Highlights
The return of the final to Zürich follows a memorable 2024 season, which saw several iconic athletes solidify their legacies. Swedish pole vault sensation Armand Duplantis, St. Lucia’s sprint star Julien Alfred, and Kenya’s middle-distance queen Faith Kipyegon were among the 2024 champions. As these athletes return in 2025, the stage is set for new rivalries, personal bests, and record-breaking performances.
From the opening gun in Xiamen to the celebratory moments in Zürich, the 2025 Diamond League promises to be a season packed with thrilling performances, global stars, and unforgettable moments. With the world watching, track and field’s elite will compete at the highest level in a battle for pride, glory, and a place in history.
