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, featuring top swimmers from around the world, will offer a significant prize purse, with specific details to be revealed later. Notable athletes like Caeleb Dressel, Adam Peaty, and Katinka Hosszu have graced previous ISL events.
The upcoming match marks a significant step towards the league’s anticipated full relaunch, following plans outlined by ISL Commissioner Ben Allen, who expressed ambitions last year to resume activities in 2026 with a revamped commercial strategy emphasizing diversified financial backing through sponsorships and media partnerships.
Established in 2019 to provide elite professional swimming competitions outside the Olympic calendar, the ISL last conducted a season in 2021 before pausing operations due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions caused by the conflict in Ukraine affecting its primary supporter, Konstantin Grigorishin.
Allen had previously mentioned intentions for a comeback season featuring seven matches across North America and Europe, with potential events in Asia and the Middle East, contemplating a condensed one-day format compared to the previous two-day competitions.
In a bid to address outstanding financial commitments, the league recently announced plans to reimburse approximately 300 athletes for overdue prize money from the 2021 season. The London All-Star Match will serve as a test run for the league’s revised approach before a broader re-launch initiative.
Expressing enthusiasm for the event, Allen stated, “The All-Star Match represents a highly anticipated moment for the swimming community, showcasing the world’s top athletes returning to the prestigious ISL platform. London, with its world-class venue and fervent sporting audience, is the ideal host city for this occasion.”
The London Aquatics Centre, a legacy of the 2012 Olympics, has a history of hosting major international swimming competitions. Further details, including participating swimmers, match format, ticketing information, and broadcast arrangements, will be disclosed by the ISL at a later date.