Exclusive-ISL targets 2026 relaunch after COVID, war disruptions

Dec 22 : The International Swimming ‌League (ISL) plans to relaunch as soon as 2026 after a three-year hiatus, betting that a reshaped commercial model, stable backing and momentum from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics can sustain a global, team-based competition in one of the Games' marquee sports.

ISL was first launched in 2019 with the goal of keeping swimming fans engaged beyond the Olympics by creating a season-long league with regular meets. It previously featured some of the sport's biggest stars including Caeleb Dressel, Adam Peaty and Katinka Hosszu. 

The ISL last staged a season in 2021 and shut down after being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ripple effects of the war in Ukraine on its ‌principal backer, Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin. 

"ISL is coming back," Commissioner Ben Allen told Reuters.

"And we're really ‌excited about the prospect of a relaunch."

Allen said the "ideal scenario" would see ISL return in the autumn of 2026, with 2027 a firm target if that slips. The new model is designed to reduce reliance on a single investor and lean more heavily on sponsorship and media partnerships.

SPLASHY RETURN

The planned comeback season will feature seven matches split across North America and Europe with at least one stop in Asia and possibly in the Middle East, Allen said. 

The United States, which he described as ISL's biggest market, is expected to host events after previous stops, including the 2019 final at Las ‍Vegas' Mandalay Bay, where a temporary pool was built inside an arena.

He said the league has used the break to tweak the format after feedback from athletes, coaches, broadcasters and fans to make it even better for TV.

As part of its relaunch planning, ISL is considering changes to its