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. The competition will showcase top swimmers from around the world vying for a substantial prize fund, with specific details to be revealed later. Notable athletes like American Caeleb Dressel, Britain’s Adam Peaty, and Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu have previously participated in ISL events.
The announcement solidifies plans previously discussed by ISL Commissioner Ben Allen, who indicated a desire to resume activities in the autumn of 2026 with a revised commercial strategy focused on diversifying revenue streams through sponsorships and media partnerships, moving away from heavy reliance on a single investor. The ISL, initiated in 2019 to offer a professional competition outside the Olympic cycle, held its last season in 2021 before being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of geopolitical events on its primary supporter, Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin.
In December, Allen revealed intentions for a comeback season consisting of seven matches across North America and Europe, potentially expanding to Asia and the Middle East. The league also contemplated transitioning to a one-day competition format following previous two-day events. In July, ISL committed to settling overdue prize money owed to approximately 300 athletes from the 2021 season.
The upcoming London event is seen as a test run for a condensed approach before a broader relaunch. Allen expressed excitement about the All-Star Match, describing it as a pivotal moment for the sport and highlighting London’s status as an ideal host city with a renowned sporting audience. The venue, originally constructed for the 2012 London Olympics, has a history of hosting significant international swimming competitions.
Further details regarding participating swimmers, match structure, ticketing information, and broadcast plans for the event will be disclosed by the ISL at a later date.