The International Swimming League (ISL) is making a comeback after a five-year break with a special All-Star Match scheduled to take place at the London Aquatics Centre on December 19. This event marks the initial step towards the league’s anticipated full return.
Featuring a team-based competition, the All-Star Match will showcase some of the world’s top swimmers vying for a remarkable prize fund, with specific details to be revealed at a later time. Renowned athletes like American Caeleb Dressel, Britain’s Adam Peaty, and Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu have participated in previous ISL events.
This announcement solidifies the plans previously outlined by ISL Commissioner Ben Allen, who expressed intentions last year for the league to resume operations in the fall of 2026 under a revamped commercial strategy aimed at reducing dependence on a sole investor and fostering more sponsorships and media partnerships.
Originally launched in 2019 to offer a professional swimming competition outside the Olympic cycle, the ISL last held a season in 2021 before pausing its activities due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges faced by its main supporter, Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin, amid the conflict in Ukraine.
In December, Allen revealed plans for a potential seven-match comeback season spanning North America and Europe, with potential events in Asia and the Middle East. The league was also contemplating a shift to a one-day competition format after previously conducting events over two days.
In a positive development, the league announced in July its commitment to settle outstanding prize money owed to approximately 300 athletes from the 2021 season.
The upcoming London event is expected to serve as a trial run for this streamlined approach before a broader comeback. ISL Commissioner Ben Allen expressed enthusiasm, stating, “The All-Star Match is the moment swimming enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated: the world’s elite athletes back in action on the ISL platform. London, with its iconic venue and passionate sports fans, is the ideal host city for this event.”
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 structure, ticketing information, and broadcast arrangements will be disclosed by the ISL in due course.