World Aquatics Nears $4.6M Settlement With ISL Swimmers

World Aquatics has agreed to a $4.6 million settlement to compensate swimmers who competed in the International Swimming League (ISL) during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The settlement resolves a class action antitrust lawsuit filed by Olympic swimmers Katinka Hosszu, Tom Shields, and Michael Andrew, who alleged that World Aquatics, then known as FINA, unlawfully restricted competition by threatening to ban athletes participating in the ISL from other major events. The ISL, a Ukraine-backed independent league, aimed to offer higher prize money, prompting World Aquatics to initially block its operation and cancel events such as the 2018 Turin meet. The legal fight pressured World Aquatics to increase prize money for athletes, reaching a record $7.1 million in 2024. World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam acknowledged the swimmers were let down under previous management but expressed relief that the settlement will provide significant compensation and enable athletes to compete without fear of penalty. The settlement awaits court approval and reflects a shift in governance toward supporting swimmer rights and competition freedom.