RUMOR: Is the ISL Reviving Itself as a College-Based League?

After the International Swimming League awoke from its slumber on Tuesday morning, the rumor mill ramped up in a hurry.

One rumor that was repeated, and one that had been mentioned in passing prior to the recent flag-waving, is that the ISL is exploring a university-based collegiate league rather than the pro league that existed in its first iteration.

The league could fit into the slot occupied by the rising Players Era Festival in other American collegiate sports. The made-for TV events contribute at least $1 million to each participating team’s NIL pool in men’s and women’s college basketball.

One coach from a highly-visible American collegiate program told SwimSwam on Tuesday that “there’s already been a lot of calls. It seems like it’s happening.”

While no details have been formally settled, the coach told SwimSwam that, at least in its first incarnation, the university vs. university format would be strictly US based and would be during the traditional college season.

With American NCAA programs experimenting with new programs, including a mid-season dual meet tournament and a total revamp of the NCAA Championship at the Division I level, there is room. The league would likely have to operate under a similar framing as the Players Era Festival, because prize money is still not strictly allowed even under the new wild west of Name, Image, & Likeness, though legal cases are challenging that.

The model makes sense. It would provide some instant credibility via association with the standard-bearing brands of the American university system, and there would be less to be lost for college programs if the ISL comes up short on promised payments again.

This feels like a smart move for a league looking to regain its footing after years of growing distrust, and starting with a new model that provides a more clear base. The lingering question, though, is what the end game is, and if this is just a stepping stone back toward a professional league, because it seems odd to employ such a damaged “International Swimming League” brand in a system that is neither international nor very closely resembles the first attempt.