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, as announced by the league. This event will showcase top swimmers from around the world competing for a significant prize pool, with specific details to be revealed later. Previous ISL competitions have seen prominent athletes like Caeleb Dressel, Adam Peaty, and Katinka Hosszu in action.
The upcoming event aligns with the plans shared by ISL Commissioner Ben Allen in the past, aiming for a full relaunch in 2026 with a new commercial strategy focused on diversifying revenue streams through sponsorships and media partnerships. The ISL was established in 2019 to offer professional swimming competitions outside the Olympic calendar and last held a season in 2021 before facing disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges related to its primary supporter, Konstantin Grigorishin, amid the Ukraine conflict.
Looking ahead, the league intends to kick off a comeback season with seven matches across various continents, possibly including Asia and the Middle East, exploring a condensed one-day competition format. In a positive move, the ISL has committed to settling outstanding prize money owed to approximately 300 athletes from the 2021 season.
The upcoming London event is seen as a trial run for a more streamlined approach, marking a significant moment for the sport according to Allen. The Aquatics Centre, known for hosting major swimming competitions post the 2012 London Olympics, is deemed a fitting venue for this high-profile event. Further details regarding participating swimmers, match structure, ticketing, and broadcasting arrangements will be disclosed by the ISL in due course.