The International Swimming League (ISL) is making a comeback after a five-year break with an All-Star Match scheduled for December 19 at the London Aquatics Centre. This event marks the first step towards the league’s full relaunch. Top swimmers from around the world will participate in the team-based competition, vying for a significant prize fund, the details of which will be revealed later.
Notable swimmers like Caeleb Dressel from the USA, Adam Peaty from Britain, and Katinka Hosszu from Hungary have previously taken part in ISL events. Last year, ISL Commissioner Ben Allen outlined plans to revive the league in 2026 with a revised commercial model that reduces reliance on a single investor and focuses more on sponsorships and media partnerships.
Established in 2019 to offer a professional competition outside the Olympic cycle, the ISL held its last season in 2021 before pausing operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and financial challenges faced by its main supporter, Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin. The league had intended to launch a comeback season with seven matches across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, possibly adopting a one-day competition format.
In July, the ISL committed to settling overdue prize money owed to approximately 300 athletes from the 2021 season. The upcoming London event will serve as a trial for a more condensed approach before a broader return of the league. ISL Commissioner Ben Allen expressed excitement about bringing the world’s top swimmers back to the ISL stage, emphasizing London’s suitability as the host city due to its impressive sports facilities and enthusiastic audience.
The London Aquatics Centre, constructed for the 2012 Olympics, has a history of hosting major international swimming competitions. Further details about the participating swimmers, match format, ticketing, and broadcast arrangements for the All-Star Match will be disclosed by the ISL in due course.
