The International Swimming League (ISL) is set to make a comeback after a five-year break with an All-Star Match at the London Aquatics Centre on December 19, announced by the league on Wednesday. This event will showcase top swimmers from around the world competing for a substantial prize pool, with specific details to be revealed later. Notable swimmers like Caeleb Dressel from the United States, Adam Peaty from Britain, and Katinka Hosszu from Hungary have participated in previous ISL events.
The ISL’s revival aligns with plans previously discussed by ISL Commissioner Ben Allen, who articulated intentions to relaunch the league in the fall of 2026 with a restructured business model focusing more on sponsorships and media partnerships rather than relying heavily on a single investor. The ISL, introduced in 2019 to offer a professional swimming competition outside the Olympic cycle, last held a season in 2021 before disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and external factors affecting its primary supporter, Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin.
Earlier discussions by Allen hinted at a potential comeback season featuring seven matches across North America and Europe, including possible events in Asia and the Middle East, with considerations for a condensed one-day format compared to the previous two-day competitions. In a recent development, the league announced its commitment to paying off overdue prize money to approximately 300 athletes from the 2021 season.
The upcoming London event is positioned as a trial run for the league’s streamlined approach before a broader return. Ben Allen expressed enthusiasm for the All-Star Match, labeling it as a significant moment for the swimming community, with London chosen as the ideal host city due to its renowned sporting ambiance and the Aquatics Centre’s history of hosting prestigious swimming competitions.
The Aquatics Centre, constructed for the 2012 London Olympics, remains a prestigious venue for international swimming events. The ISL plans to disclose information on participating swimmers, match format, ticketing details, and broadcast arrangements in due course.
