The International Swimming League looks to make a comeback as early as 2026 after a three-year break, with a revamped business model, solid financial support, and the momentum from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics expected to sustain a global team-based competition in swimming, a premier Olympic sport.
Founded in 2019, the ISL aimed to engage swimming enthusiasts beyond the Olympic Games by establishing a season-long league with regular competitions, featuring top athletes like Caeleb Dressel, Adam Peaty, and Katinka Hosszu. The league last held a season in 2021 but had to suspend operations due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges faced by its main backer, Ukrainian entrepreneur Konstantin Grigorishin.
Commissioner Ben Allen confirmed the imminent return of the ISL, expressing enthusiasm for the relaunch. The league is targeting a comeback in autumn 2026, with 2027 as an alternative if needed. The new model aims to reduce reliance on a single investor and increase sponsorship and media partnerships.
The upcoming season is set to feature seven matches across North America and Europe, potentially including stops in Asia and the Middle East. The United States, described as a key market for the ISL, is expected to host events, building on past successful stops such as the 2019 final in Las Vegas. The league has used the hiatus to enhance the format based on feedback from athletes, coaches, broadcasters, and fans to improve the viewing experience.
In preparation for the relaunch, the ISL is considering adjustments to its event schedule, exploring a potential shift to a one-day format to enhance accessibility for fans and broadcasters. The league plans to conduct trials in the coming months to determine the best approach.
The ISL’s return aligns with the lead-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, presenting an opportunity to expand the sport’s appeal beyond the Games and provide athletes with a consistent professional platform to enhance their public profiles. The league aims to maintain the visibility of swimmers throughout the Olympic cycle, emphasizing entertainment value as a core principle.
Notably, ISL events are known for their dynamic production, featuring poolside setups, graphics, lasers, and music by a DJ, with minimal breaks between races. The league’s focus on creating intense, story-driven competitions was evident in the closely contested final races of the 2019 and 2021 seasons.
Despite legal disputes involving World Aquatics, the governing body for swimming, Commissioner Allen affirmed the ISL’s readiness to resume operations regardless of the legal outcomes. World Aquatics reached a $4.6 million US settlement with professional swimmers in September, enabling their participation in the ISL without affecting their Olympic eligibility. While World Aquatics denied any wrongdoing in the settlement, a separate lawsuit filed by the ISL against World Aquatics in 2018 remains unresolved.