The International Swimming League (ISL) is set to make a comeback after a five-year break with an All-Star Match scheduled for December 19 at the London Aquatics Centre, as announced by the league. This event will showcase top swimmers from around the world vying for a substantial prize pool, with specific details to be revealed later. Notable swimmers who have participated in past ISL events include Caeleb Dressel from the United States, Adam Peaty from Britain, and Katinka Hosszu from Hungary.
The decision marks a significant step towards the league’s planned full relaunch, following the vision outlined by ISL Commissioner Ben Allen in the previous year. The league aims to resume operations in the autumn of 2026 with a revamped commercial strategy focused on diversifying funding sources through sponsorships and media partnerships, reducing reliance on a single investor.
Originally introduced in 2019 to offer a professional swimming competition outside the Olympic calendar, the ISL held its last season in 2021 before being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and financial challenges stemming from the Ukraine-Russia conflict affecting its main supporter, Konstantin Grigorishin.
In efforts to revive the league, Allen disclosed plans for a comeback season featuring seven matches across North America, Europe, and possibly in Asia and the Middle East, with potential consideration for a condensed one-day format compared to the previous two-day competitions. The league also recently committed to settling overdue prize money owed to approximately 300 athletes from the 2021 season.
The upcoming London event is positioned as a trial for the ISL’s new approach, signaling a return to a more streamlined format. ISL Commissioner Allen expressed enthusiasm for the All-Star Match, emphasizing the significance of having top-tier athletes back on the league’s stage. London was chosen as the host city due to its impressive venue, the Aquatics Centre, renowned for hosting major international swimming events during the 2012 London Olympics.
Further details on participating swimmers, match format, ticketing, and broadcasting arrangements for the London event will be disclosed by the ISL in due course.