The College Swimming League (CSL) has finalized the 12 teams that will be a part of the league for its inaugural season. All 12 teams finished in the top 25 at both the men’s and women’s 2026 NCAA Championships.
The CSL was announced back in December 2025 and is founded by Robert Kent, Kyle Sockwell, and has additional support from the International Swimming League (ISL). Kent was the former general manager and owner of the Toronto Titans in the ISL.
All 12 Teams & 2026 Men’s and Women’s NCAA Finishes
| Men’s NCAA Finish |
Women’s NCAA Finish
|
|
| Virginia | 9 | 1 |
| Indiana | 3 | 7 |
| Tennessee | 5 | 5 |
| Cal | 7 | 4 |
| Stanford | 10 | 2 |
| Michigan | 8 | 6 |
| NC State | 6 | 9 |
| Louisville | 12 | 8 |
| Ohio State | 13 | 12 |
| Georgia | 15 | 15 |
| Alabama | 24 | 11 |
| Auburn | 17 | 25 |
As previously mentioned, all 12 programs and 24 teams finished in the top 25 at their respective 2026 NCAA Championships. The women’s field is slightly stronger than the men’s side as the average women’s team finishing in 8.75 place and the average men’s team in 10.75 place.
The Virginia Cavaliers were one of the first teams announced over the last 12 days and are home to the six-time defending NCAA Champions. The 2026 NCAA Women’s runner-up team Stanford will also be a member of the league this season.
The men’s side does not include #1 Texas or #2 Florida but includes the Indiana men who were 3rd at 2026 NCAAs. Only three conferences will be represented with the ACC, SEC, and Big Ten. Notably not in the league is anyone from the Big 12 which includes programs such as Arizona State and Arizona.
The league is supporting each NCAA school as it expects to provide free travel and lodging. It also has the goals of generating revenue and increasing visibility for the 12 participating schools. The Big 12 lags behind the ACC, SEC, and Big Ten in overall conference revenue, so the absence is notable. The Chief Operating Officer Sockwell spent his collegiate career swimming for Arizona State.
Earlier this month, more formatting was announced for the first season. There will be 8 matches during the season with each “match” having four teams. Michigan’s press release detailed that there will be six meets in the regular season and two meets in the postseason. Each team in the league will compete in two meets during the regular season.
Each team is allowed only 14 men and 14 women, numbers that are much smaller than an average dual meet roster. There will be 15 events during each match.
Event Order
- 500 free
- 200 breast
- 200 back
- 200 free relay
- 200 fly
- 100 IM
- 100 back
- 100 free
- Skins
- 200 IM
- 100 breast
- 50 free
- 100 fly
- 200 free
- Super Skins
In order to fully Alienate all mid-distance/distance swimmers, this format should go right-on-ahead and also cut the 500 free(and, add in a bunch of 25 splashing/flailing sprints)
The most exciting event at 2026 NCAA was the 1650 Free(by far). Need to get rid of these one day swim meets. Swimming is designed for multi-day events. We only need 4 power meets/events per year(swimming requires ALL top talent in the same pool – ready to really compete). College sports have changed(and, top college swimmers need to also be paid well).
Only one female head coach here – disappointing
There are actually two- UGA(women)and Alabama.
Asu?
Who will be the Purple Parrots of this league?
I’m still very curious about the exact relationship between the CSL and ISL. “Additional support” could mean almost anything.
Kyle’s on his honeymoon but said he’d check comments and reply when he can.
I’m not sure I’ve heard much beyond Rob Kent, who also owns an ISL team, being involved.
Very well could have been mentioned before, but is there no diving involved with this at all? Surprised schools like Indiana and Ohio State weren’t pushing for that to be included when it’s a major part of their program.
Collegiate “swimming” league. They are free to make their own diving league!
Why would they include diving when this is for swimming?
Here is my question. IF (and this is a big if) this CSL ends up working out, does this stay on the D1 circle, or will it trickle down to D2-3? I’m sure that it is easier for the big, well funded schools to back this, but I would be interesting to see how this pans out after a few years.
It won’t even trickle down to more D1 teams if they’re really covering expenses for all involved teams.