The International Swimming League (ISL) is gearing up for a major comeback, with plans to return to the global sporting stage as early as 2026. After a three-year hiatus, the professional team competition aims to relaunch with a stronger commercial footing, eyeing the momentum leading into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
A Strategic Return After Hiatus
First established in 2019, the ISL was created to keep swimming fans engaged beyond the traditional Olympic cycle. It quickly attracted top-tier talent, including stars like Caeleb Dressel, Adam Peaty, and Katinka Hosszu. However, the league suspended operations after its 2021 season. This pause was influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic and the financial impact of the war in Ukraine on its main backer, Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin.
Now, Commissioner Ben Allen has confirmed the league's imminent return. "ISL is coming back," he stated, expressing excitement about the prospect of a relaunch. The ideal target for the comeback is autumn 2026, with 2027 set as a firm backup plan.
New Format and Global Ambitions
The revamped ISL will operate on a new model designed to avoid over-reliance on a single investor. Instead, it will focus on building a broader base of sponsorship and media partnerships. The planned season will feature seven matches across multiple continents:
- Events in North America and Europe.
- At least one fixture in Asia.
- A potential stop in the Middle East.
The United States, identified as the league's largest market, is expected to host several events, recalling past spectacles like the 2019 final in Las Vegas.
During its break, the league has refined its format based on feedback. A key change under consideration is moving from a two-day event to a one-day format. This shift aims to improve accessibility for travelling fans and broadcasters, creating a more compact and thrilling television spectacle.
Building a Legacy Beyond the Olympics
The timing of the ISL's resurgence is strategic, aligning perfectly with the build-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Allen sees this as a crucial opportunity to broaden swimming's appeal and offer athletes a consistent professional platform. The goal is to ensure swimmers remain in the public eye throughout the entire Olympic cycle, rather than fading from view shortly after the Games.
Entertainment remains a core tenet. An ISL meet is described as a high-energy production, featuring poolside staging, dynamic graphics, laser displays, and a DJ to minimise downtime. Allen pointed to the 2019 and 2021 seasons, where the overall title was decided in the final race, as proof of its compelling, narrative-driven competition.
Addressing potential hurdles, Allen affirmed that ongoing legal disputes with swimming's governing body, World Aquatics, would not impede the relaunch. This follows a $4.6 million settlement by World Aquatics in September, which allowed professional swimmers to participate in the ISL without threatening their Olympic eligibility. A related lawsuit filed by the ISL against the governing body remains ongoing.
