Get ready for a splash of change in the swimming world! USA Swimming is shaking things up with a bold new format for the 2026 Pro Swim Series, and it’s all about prepping athletes for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. But here’s where it gets controversial: not everyone agrees that these changes will level up the competition as intended. Let’s dive in.
In a move that’s both strategic and ambitious, USA Swimming has unveiled a revamped structure for the Pro Swim Series, starting in 2026. The goal? To better simulate the demands of Olympic-level racing and give swimmers more opportunities to compete in long-course events. And this is the part most people miss: the new format introduces semi-finals for select events, a departure from the traditional prelims/finals setup for shorter races and timed finals for distance events. This shift means each meet will now span four full days of racing, adding an extra layer of intensity and endurance testing.
Here’s the breakdown: instead of the usual three-day format with a timed final evening session on Day 1, swimmers will now face prelims and finals sessions across four days. Plus, each meet will feature a unique event order, keeping athletes on their toes. Greg Meehan, Managing Director of the National Team, explains, ‘In preparation for LA28, it’s clear we need more long-course racing opportunities for our National Team. This new format is a great first step, especially in 2026 without a traditional nine-day meet to cap the long-course season.’
But it’s not just about the races. USA Swimming is sweetening the deal with increased prize money for specific events, doubling the payout to $3,000 from the standard $1,500. The move aims to ramp up competitiveness and reward athletes who excel under the new format. For instance, at the Austin meet in January, winners of the 50s, 200 IM, and women’s 800 freestyle will pocket the higher prize. Similarly, in Westmont, Sacramento, and Indianapolis, key events like the 100s, men’s 800 freestyle, and 200s will see the same boost.
Here’s the full schedule and format changes for each stop:
Pro Swim Series Austin (January 14–17)
- Women’s 800 freestyle: Prelims/Final
- 50 butterfly, 50 backstroke, 50 breaststroke, 50 freestyle, 200 IM: Prelims/Semifinals/Final
- Prize money increase to $3,000 for winners of all 50s, 200 IM, and women’s 800 freestyle
Pro Swim Series Westmont (March 4–7)
- Men’s 800 freestyle: Prelims/Final
- All 100s: Prelims/Semifinals/Final
- Prize money increase to $3,000 for winners of the 100s and men’s 800 freestyle
Pro Swim Series Sacramento (May 20–23)
- Women’s 1500 freestyle: Prelims/Final
- 200 butterfly, 200 backstroke, 200 breaststroke, 200 freestyle: Prelims/Semifinals/Final
- Prize money increase to $3,000 for winners of the 200s and women’s 1500 freestyle
Pro Swim Series Indianapolis (June 17–20)
- Men’s 1500 freestyle: Prelims/Final
- Prize money increase to $3,000 for winners of the 400 IM, 400 freestyle, and men’s 1500 freestyle
USA Swimming emphasizes that these changes align with their broader focus on performance development leading into the next Olympic cycle. By mimicking the physical and mental rigors of championship racing, the Pro Swim Series aims to serve as a critical stepping stone for National Team and Junior Team athletes on their journey to LA28.
Looking ahead, the 2026 circuit will feature four stops: Austin in January, Westmont in March, Sacramento in May, and Indianapolis in June. Following the final PSS stop, USA Swimming will host the 2026 National Championships in Irvine from July 28 to August 1, setting the stage for the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships two weeks later.
Now, here’s the controversial question: Will this new format truly elevate U.S. swimmers’ performance on the global stage, or could it overwhelm athletes with its increased demands? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the debate afloat!
