The International Swimming League (ISL) will debut this year as the first professional sports league for elite swimming. This October, the brand new league will host a series of U.S. and European-based competitions that culminate in a global championship at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n
By putting one of the world\u2019s most popular sports on display, the ISL will shift the paradigm of swimming by offering professional athletes a chance to participate in regular seasons and earn competitive bonuses, prize money, appearance money, and build commercial value.<\/p>\n
Founded by Ukrainian financier Konstantin Grigorishin<\/strong>, the league will explore the full potential of competitive swimming and secure sustainable commercial growth in the sport.<\/p>\n Mixed gender teams will compete for points in fast-paced races – including sprint, relay and skin.<\/p>\n The is built on six pillars:<\/p>\n A team-based competition format \u2013 swimmers compete for team points.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Financial incentives \u2013 each athlete will sign two contracts: one with their team and another with the ISL \u2013 creating two sources of revenue, one that runs through the clubs, and one that comes directly from the league.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Gender equality \u2013 12 men and 12 women will represent each team<\/p>\n<\/li>\n World\u2019s best athletes \u2013 About 75% of swimming’s current Olympic champions and world record holders will compete in ISL tournaments<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Regular seasons \u2013 Meets will be held from October to December 2019. In 2020, the season will be extended.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Zero tolerance of doping \u2013 No athlete with a previous doping violation will be allowed to compete, and there will be a zero tolerance policy if doping is discovered.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n