World Aquatics to pay $4.6M settlement to swimmers who joined rival ISL after facing bans. Canadian Olympians Penny Oleksiak and Kylie Masse competed.
Settlement Reached in Athlete Lawsuit
World Aquatics announced Monday it will establish a $4.6 million USD settlement fund to compensate swimmers who competed in the International Swimming League (ISL) during 2018 and 2019. The agreement ends a years-long legal dispute following an antitrust lawsuit filed in California.
How the Dispute Began
The conflict began in 2018 when World Aquatics, then known as FINA, attempted to block the ISL from operating independently. The Ukraine-backed league promised higher prize money and greater visibility for athletes. In response, swimmers Katinka Hosszu of Hungary, along with Americans Tom Shields and Michael Andrew, launched legal action, claiming the governing body’s restrictions violated competition law.
Canadian Swimmers Among Participants
Several Canadian Olympians, including Penny Oleksiak, Kylie Masse, and Sydney Pickrem, joined the ISL alongside hundreds of international athletes. Their participation highlighted growing frustration with limited earnings opportunities in professional swimming. The ISL’s creation forced World Aquatics to later increase prize money at its own World Championships and World Cup events.
Why the Settlement Matters
The governing body had initially threatened lifetime bans for ISL athletes, a move that drew widespread criticism. By establishing the settlement fund, World Aquatics acknowledged that swimmers “were badly let down,” according to president Husain al Musallam. The organization says the payments will ensure athletes are “more than fully compensated” for their contracts during the 2018–2019 seasons.
Impact on Global Swimming
The ISL was widely regarded as a disruptive but transformative experiment, offering higher pay and team-based competition. Although the league was paused in 2022 due to the war in Ukraine, its influence reshaped the sport’s economic model. For Canadian swimmers, the settlement represents both financial compensation and recognition of their role in pushing for reform.
What Comes Next
The settlement still requires court approval before funds can be distributed. Meanwhile, a separate lawsuit filed by the ISL itself against World Aquatics remains active. With the case nearing closure for athletes, attention now turns to whether professional swimming can balance fair pay with long-term sustainability.
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