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, the league announced on Wednesday. This event marks the first step towards the league’s anticipated full relaunch.
Featuring some of the world’s top swimmers, the team-based competition will offer a substantial prize pool, with specific details to be revealed later, according to the league. Notable athletes who have participated in past ISL events include Caeleb Dressel from the United States, Adam Peaty from Britain, and Katinka Hosszu from Hungary.
The recent announcement solidifies the plans discussed by ISL Commissioner Ben Allen last year, where he expressed the league’s aim to resume operations in the fall of 2026 with a revised business model focusing more on sponsorship and media partnerships rather than relying heavily on a single investor.
Initially launched in 2019 to offer professional swimming competition outside the Olympic schedule, the ISL last held a season in 2021 before facing interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of geopolitical events on its main supporter, Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin.
In December, Allen outlined plans for a comeback season featuring seven matches across North America and Europe, including 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 in July, the ISL committed to paying outstanding prize money to approximately 300 athletes from the 2021 season. The upcoming London event is seen as a trial run for this more condensed approach before a wider relaunch.
“The All-Star Match represents a significant moment for the swimming community, bringing the world’s elite athletes back to the ISL platform,” stated Allen in a press release. “London, with its exceptional venue and enthusiastic sports fans, is an ideal host city for this prestigious event.”
The London Aquatics Centre, constructed for the 2012 Olympics, has been a notable venue for major international swimming competitions. Further details regarding participating swimmers, match format, ticket sales, and broadcast arrangements for the event will be announced by the ISL at a later date.