USA Swimming Sets the Stage for a New Era with Enhanced Pro Swim Series Format Starting in 2026
In an exciting announcement that promises to transform competitive swimming, USA Swimming has introduced a redesigned format for its Pro Swim Series, which will kick off in 2026. This initiative aims to better equip swimmers for the upcoming 2028 Olympics set to take place in Los Angeles, California.
So, what’s changing? To elevate the competitive environment and enhance racing experience, the new structure introduces semi-finals for certain events at various locations while ensuring one long-distance event is held in a prelims/finals format throughout the series. Previously, all events 400 meters and shorter were organized into prelims/finals, but distance races like the 800 and 1500 meters were handled as timed finals.
With this overhaul, the format of each Pro Swim Series event is shifting to incorporate four full days of racing. This elongation adds an additional session compared to the former structure, which featured a single timed final on the first evening followed by three days of events. Each competition will also showcase a unique order of events, adding variety to the mix.
Greg Meehan, the Managing Director of the National Team, expressed the importance of these changes, stating, "As we gear up for LA28, it’s clear that we need to create more opportunities for long-course racing for our National Team swimmers. This innovative format at the TYR Pro Swim Series in 2026 acts as a crucial first step, incorporating prelims/semifinals/finals for select events, and prelims/finals for distance events. With no traditional nine-day meet to cap off the long-course season in 2026, this adjustment is particularly vital."
Beyond structural modifications, USA Swimming is also increasing the stakes with a notable rise in prize money. Winners of specific events will now receive $3,000, doubling the previous standard of $1,500. This adjustment aims not just to attract talented competitors but also to reward outstanding performances amid the exciting changes to the event format.
Detailed Breakdown of Format Changes
Provided by USA Swimming
- Pro Swim Series Austin: January 14–17
- Women’s 800 freestyle will be held as prelims/final
- Events including the 50 butterfly, 50 backstroke, 50 breaststroke, 50 freestyle, and 200 IM will transition to a prelims/semifinals/finals format
- Increased prize money to $3,000 for winners of all 50m races, the 200 IM, and the women’s 800 freestyle
Pro Swim Series Westmont: March 4–7
- Men’s 800 freestyle swum as prelims/final
- All 100-meter events to be swum in prelims/semifinals/finals format
- Prize money raised to $3,000 for winners of the 100s and the men’s 800 freestyle
- Men’s 800 freestyle swum as prelims/final
Pro Swim Series Sacramento: May 20–23
- Women’s 1500 freestyle will be contested as prelims/final
- Events such as the 200 butterfly, 200 backstroke, 200 breaststroke, and 200 freestyle will be contested in prelims/semifinals/final format
- Prize money boosted to $3,000 for winners in 200 butterfly, 200 backstroke, 200 breaststroke, 200 freestyle, and the women’s 1500 freestyle
- Women’s 1500 freestyle will be contested as prelims/final
Pro Swim Series Indianapolis: June 17–20
- Men’s 1500 freestyle will follow a prelims/final format
- Enhanced prize money to $3,000 for victors of the 400 IM, 400 freestyle, and men’s 1500 freestyle
- Men’s 1500 freestyle will follow a prelims/final format
USA Swimming has emphasized that these format adjustments are part of a broader aim to enhance performance development as the next Olympic cycle approaches. The organization added, "By mimicking the physical and mental challenges encountered in Championship races, the TYR Pro Swim Series remains an essential platform for the National and National Junior Team athletes as they set their sights on LA28."
In 2025, the Pro Swim Series had its cornerstone events in Westmont, Illinois; Sacramento, California; and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, preceding the U.S. Summer Championships in August in Irvine, California. The upcoming year will feature four stops on the series, commencing in January in Austin, followed by Westmont in March and Sacramento in May, culminating in mid-June in Indianapolis.
After the Indianapolis Pro Swim Series event concludes in June, USA Swimming will hold the 2026 National Championships from July 28 – August 1 in Irvine. This will act as a precursor to the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships scheduled for August 12-15, also in Irvine. The U.S. team competing in these championships will be chosen based on performances at championship meets held in 2025.
About James Sutherland
James Sutherland is not just a sports journalist but also a passionate swimmer. He devoted five years to competing at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, where his focus was on the 200-meter freestyle, backstroke, and individual medley events. After concluding his collegiate career in 2018, James earned his bachelor's degree in economics and subsequently completed his graduate degree in sports journalism in 2019. His background provides him with a unique perspective to analyze and report on swimming and sporting events.
What do you think about the changes in the Pro Swim Series? Are these updates beneficial for swimmers aiming for Olympic glory, or do you believe traditional formats should still hold their ground? Share your opinions in the comments below!
