The International Swimming League (ISL) is making a comeback after a five-year break with an All-Star Match scheduled 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 substantial prize fund, 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 return of the ISL aligns with the plans discussed by ISL Commissioner Ben Allen, who expressed intentions last year to relaunch the league in 2026 with a new commercial model focusing more on sponsorships and media partnerships rather than relying heavily on a single investor. Originally established in 2019 to offer a professional swimming competition separate from the Olympic cycle, the ISL last conducted a season in 2021 before facing disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and financial challenges linked to its primary supporter, Ukrainian entrepreneur Konstantin Grigorishin.
In a statement made in December, Allen outlined the preliminary plans for a comeback season featuring seven matches across North America and Europe, with potential events in Asia and the Middle East. The league also considered transitioning to a one-day competition format following previous two-day events. Earlier this year, the ISL committed to paying outstanding prize money owed to approximately 300 athletes from the 2021 season.
The upcoming All-Star Match in London is poised to test a condensed approach before a broader relaunch. Allen emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “The All-Star Match is a highly anticipated moment in swimming, bringing back the world’s elite athletes to the ISL platform.” London, with its renowned sporting audience and the Aquatics Centre constructed for the 2012 Olympics, is deemed an ideal host city for this occasion.
Further details regarding the participating swimmers, match format, ticketing information, and broadcast arrangements will be disclosed by the ISL in the near future.