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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Start-Up Faces Financial Setback

Grand Slam Track, a professional athletics league founded by four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson, is struggling to pay athletes after its inaugural season fell short of financial expectations.

Promises of Big Payouts

The circuit debuted in 2025 with high ambitions, offering track and field athletes unprecedented prize money and global exposure. However, the organization cancelled its final meet in Los Angeles and shortened an earlier Philadelphia event, citing financial strain.

Millions Still Owed

Reports from Front Office Sports revealed the league owes around $13 million USD to athletes who competed this season. Johnson admitted payment timelines were missed after funding commitments failed to materialize. “We promised that athletes would be fairly and quickly compensated. Yet, here we are struggling with our ability to compensate them,” he said.

Why the Funding Fell Short

According to Johnson, pledged financial support was withdrawn as circumstances changed beyond the league’s control. The sudden loss of backing left the start-up unable to meet obligations despite its strong roster of international talent.

Plans for Recovery

Despite the setback, Johnson emphasized that Grand Slam Track will not fold. Instead, he committed to settling outstanding payments before pressing forward with a 2026 season. “It is incredibly difficult to live with the reality that you’ve built something bigger than yourself while simultaneously feeling like you’ve let down the very people you set out to help,” he said.

What Comes Next

Athletes remain cautious but hopeful as they await compensation. With questions about investor confidence and operational stability, the league’s future hinges on its ability to deliver on promises. If payments are made and sponsorship is secured, Grand Slam Track could still evolve into a major player in professional athletics.

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