International Swimming League Announces Return with All-Star Match
The International Swimming League (ISL) has today announced its long-awaited return with the hosting of the ISL All-Star Match, a one-night team competition featuring some of the world’s best swimmers, to be held at the London Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday December 19, 2026.
The All-Star Match marks the start of the ISL’s next chapter as it plans for its full return. Built on a revolutionary dynamic new format of fast-paced, team-based racing that made the League’s first three seasons a phenomenon in competitive swimming, the match will bring the sport’s biggest names back to the pool for a single unmissable evening, staged in front of a live London crowd and a global broadcast audience.
The total prize pool for the All-Star Match will be the largest ever offered for a single night of competitive swimming.
London was chosen as the host city for its world-class venue and its standing as one of the great international swimming cities. The London Aquatics Centre, built for the London 2012 Games, has hosted major international competition ever since, and sits at the heart of a city with a passionate and dedicated swimming community.
Ben Allen, Commissioner of the International Swimming League, said: “The All-Star Match is the moment swimming has been waiting for: the world’s best athletes, back on the ISL stage. London is the perfect host city, with a venue built for nights like this and in front of one of the world’s great sporting audiences. We cannot wait to give fans a night to remember.”
Chris Wells, contract manager for Everyone Active, which manages the London Aquatics Centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome the International Swimming League back to London and to London Aquatics Centre for what promises to be a spectacular night of racing. The venue has a proud legacy of hosting major swimming events and some of the world’s best swimmers, while remaining a facility enjoyed by the local community every day. Seeing the ISL bring its unique format to our competition pool will be a fantastic experience for athletes, spectators and fans around the world. We look forward to working with the ISL to make the 2026 All-Star Match a memorable night for swimming.”
The star names competing and the match format will be announced in due course, along with ticketing information and details of recommended accommodation for travelling fans and the swimming community. Information regarding how to watch the event on broadcast platforms will be confirmed in the near future.
The above press release was provided to Swimming World by the International Swimming League.