World Aquatics $4.6M Swimmers Antitrust Settlement

Swimmers who signed a contract to compete in the International Swimming League between Jan. 1, 2018, and Aug. 29, 2025, may be eligible to receive a cash payment from a class action settlement.

World Aquatics, formerly known as Fédération Internationale de Natation, or FINA, agreed to pay $4,627,084 to settle a class action lawsuit. The plaintiffs claimed World Aquatics violated federal antitrust laws by organizing a group boycott against the ISL and preventing top-tier swimmers from participating in professional competitions, thereby limiting their ability to earn appearance fees and prize money.

Who are is eligible for a class action payment?

The settlement identifies two separate damages class and an injunctive relief class:

• The 2018 damages settlement class includes swimmers who signed contracts to participate in the ISL’s December 2018 event in Turin, Italy, which was canceled.
• The 2019 damages settlement class includes swimmers who signed contracts to participate in the ISL’s 2019 season.
• The injunctive relief settlement class includes all swimmers who signed contracts to participate in the ISL at any time from Jan. 1, 2018, through Aug. 29, 2025.

The timing and nature of the contract signed with the ISL defines each class. The damages settlement classes are eligible for monetary compensation, while the injunctive relief settlement class benefits from changes in World Aquatics’ policies regarding participation in non-sanctioned events.

• Those who signed a contract for the canceled 2018 ISL event in Turin are part of the 2018 damages settlement class.
• Those who signed a contract for the 2019 ISL season are part of the 2019 damages settlement class.
• Those who signed any ISL contract between Jan. 1, 2018, and Aug. 29, 2025, are included in the injunctive relief settlement class.

How much is the World Aquatics settlement payout?

The damages class members will receive the following payments, each calculated by the plaintiff's expert:

• 2018 damages class: Each class member will receive a proportional share of the 2018 settlement fund of $1,127,084 after deductions for attorneys' fees and other costs.
• The settlement fund represents the total estimated amount that all class members would have earned in prize money and appearance fees for competing in the canceled ISL Energy for Swim competition in Turin, Italy.

• 2019 damages class: Each class member will receive a proportional share of the 2019 settlement fund of $3,500,000 after deductions for attorneys' fees and other costs.
• The settlement fund represents the total estimated amount that all class members would have earned in prize money and appearance fees for competing in additional ISL competitions.

Class members can submit a copy of their government-issued ID for verification on the settlement website and view their individual estimated payment amount beginning on Nov. 14, 2025.

No claim form required

Class members do not need to submit a claim form to receive a payment.

Payment selection

Class members can select a payment method and update contact and address information on the settlement website by taking these steps:

• Complete the verification form and upload a copy of their government-issued ID.
• Use the claim ID and PIN received after they complete identity verification to log in to the payment selection form to select a payment type.

Class members who do not submit a payment selection form will receive a check mailed to the address on file with the settlement administrator.

$4.63 million settlement fund breakdown

The settlement fund of $4,627,084 includes:

• Settlement administration costs: Up to $55,000
• Attorneys’ fees: Up to $1,156,771
• Attorneys’ expenses: $170,979.80
• Service awards to class representatives: $20,000 total
• Payments to eligible class members: Remaining settlement funds

The defendant also agreed to pay $3,000,000 for attorneys' fees, costs and expenses involving the injunctive relief claims. This is separate from the damages settlement fund.

Important dates

• Settlement final approval hearing: Feb. 26, 2026

When is the World Aquatics antitrust settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments to damages class members after the court grants final approval of the settlement.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class action lawsuit alleged World Aquatics violated federal antitrust laws by organizing a group boycott against the ISL and preventing swimmers from participating in professional competitions, which allegedly resulted in lost prize money and appearance fees.

World Aquatics denied all allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the risks and expense of continued litigation and a possible trial.

Sources

1. Official settlement notice
2. Settlement website FAQ page
3. Settlement agreement