The International Swimming League (ISL) is planning a comeback as early as 2026, following a three-year break, hoping that a revised commercial model, stable financial backing, and momentum from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will support a global, team-based competition in one of the Olympics’ flagship sports.
Launched in 2019, ISL was created to keep swimming fans engaged between Olympic cycles, offering a season-long league with regular meets. The league has featured top swimming stars including Caeleb Dressel, Adam Peaty, and Katinka Hosszu.
ISL last held a season in 2021 but shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic and financial repercussions linked to the war in Ukraine affecting its main backer, Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin.
“ISL is coming back,” Commissioner Ben Allen told Reuters, expressing excitement about the relaunch. The “ideal scenario” is for a return in autumn 2026, with 2027 as a firm backup plan.
The revamped model aims to reduce dependence on a single investor, leaning more on sponsorship and media partnerships.
Planned Return and Format Changes
The comeback season will feature seven matches across North America and Europe, with at least one stop in Asia and potentially the Middle East. The United States, ISL’s biggest market, is expected to host events, including venues like Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay, where a temporary pool was previously built inside an arena.
The league has used the hiatus to refine its format based on feedback from athletes, coaches, broadcasters, and fans, making events more TV-friendly. ISL is also considering a shift from two-day sessions to a one-day format, which could be easier for fans and broadcasters to follow. “We’ll be conducting experiments and trials over the next few months to determine the best approach,” Allen said.
Olympic momentum and entertainment focus
ISL’s return is timed to leverage growing interest ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Allen emphasized that the league provides swimmers with a consistent professional platform, keeping them visible throughout the Olympic cycle.
ISL events are designed as high-energy productions, featuring poolside staging, graphics, lasers, DJs, and minimal downtime between races. The league’s focus on entertainment has been a hallmark, with the 2019 and 2021 seasons seeing titles decided in dramatic final races.
Legal context
Regarding legal disputes with World Aquatics, Allen confirmed that ongoing lawsuits would not delay the league’s return. A $4.6 million settlement in September allowed professional swimmers to compete in ISL without jeopardizing Olympic eligibility, though related legal actions remain ongoing.
With these preparations, ISL aims to establish a permanent, globally visible platform for professional swimming beyond the Olympics.
