The International Swimming League (ISL) has been embroiled in financial turmoil, leaving numerous athletes unpaid for their performances. Recently, American swimmer Cody Miller's revelation about receiving a long-overdue solidarity payment sparked discussions among other team members. Many swimmers from Team Iron have not received any payments since 2021, including prize money and solidarity payments. This issue has raised concerns about the league's financial management and its impact on athletes' livelihoods.

Unpaid Swimmers Seek Resolution

Athletes from Team Iron have voiced their frustrations over the delayed payments. Finnish swimmer Ida Hulkko highlighted that none of her teammates had received any compensation from the 2021 season. She emphasized the disparity in payment distribution, noting that while some teams received initial payments in 2022, Team Iron remained unpaid. The athletes are seeking transparency and a swift resolution to this ongoing issue.

Team Iron, which includes notable swimmers like Ranomi Kromowidjojo and Bernard Reitshamer, earned significant prize money during the 2021 season. However, the promised solidarity payments and prize money have yet to materialize. Reitshamer expressed uncertainty about participating in future ISL events due to these financial uncertainties. He pointed out that the promised payments represent substantial earnings for many athletes, equivalent to years of salary. The lack of communication from the league has further exacerbated the frustration among team members. Since 2021, there have been no updates or explanations regarding the delay in payments, leaving athletes in a state of uncertainty.

Financial Challenges and Future Uncertainty

The financial challenges faced by the ISL can be traced back to various factors, including the global economic impact of geopolitical events. The invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 significantly disrupted the league's finances. Konstantin Grigorishin, the league's primary financier, has business interests in Ukraine, which were affected by the conflict. This disruption halted payments to athletes and vendors, leading to mounting debts.

Prior to the conflict, the ISL had already struggled with timely payments. In 2020, the league acknowledged financial difficulties but promised to fulfill all obligations before the start of Season 3. Despite these assurances, multiple vendors and personnel, including press officials and webmasters, reported non-payment issues. Former executives Jean-François Salessy and Hubert Montcoudiol accused the league of mismanaging funds, further casting doubt on its financial stability. The planned fourth season was canceled due to the Ukraine crisis, and while there are whispers of a revival, the league office remains quiet, and key personnel have moved on to other ventures. The future of the ISL remains uncertain, leaving athletes and stakeholders questioning the viability of the organization.