The International Swimming League (ISL) is set to make a comeback after a five-year break with a special All-Star Match at the London Aquatics Centre on December 19, as announced by the league. This event marks the first step towards the full relaunch of the league. The competition will showcase top swimmers from around the world vying for a significant prize pool, with specific details to be revealed later. Notable athletes who have previously participated in ISL events include Caeleb Dressel from the USA, Adam Peaty from Britain, and Katinka Hosszu from Hungary.
Last year, ISL Commissioner Ben Allen outlined plans for the league’s revival, aiming for a restart in the autumn of 2026 with a revamped commercial strategy focused more on sponsorships and media partnerships rather than relying heavily on a single investor. The ISL was introduced in 2019 to offer a professional swimming contest throughout the year, outside of the Olympic calendar, with the last season taking place in 2021.
The league’s operations were paused due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the involvement of its primary supporter, Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin, in Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. Allen mentioned in December that the league had initially considered a comeback season comprising seven matches across North America and Europe, with potential events in Asia and the Middle East. The ISL was contemplating a condensed one-day competition format after previously conducting events over two days.
Earlier in July, the league made public its commitment to settle outstanding prize money owed to approximately 300 athletes from the 2021 season. The recent announcement regarding the London event indicates that it will serve as a trial for this streamlined approach before a broader relaunch.
ISL Commissioner Allen expressed his excitement for the All-Star Match, labeling it as a significant moment for the swimming community, bringing back the top athletes to the ISL platform. He praised London as the ideal host city due to its excellent venue and enthusiastic sporting fans. The Aquatics Centre, originally constructed for the 2012 London Olympics, has since been the site of numerous major international swimming competitions.
Further details regarding the participating swimmers, match format, ticketing information, and broadcast arrangements for the London event will be disclosed by the ISL at a later date.