USA Swimming Unveils Revolutionary Pro Swim Series Format for 2026: A Game-Changer for Olympic Preparation
Get ready for a major transformation in the world of swimming! USA Swimming has just revealed a groundbreaking new structure for the Pro Swim Series, set to begin in 2026, with a mission to elevate the preparation of its swimmers for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. This innovative approach promises to revolutionize the way swimmers compete and train, offering a unique challenge that mirrors championship-style racing.
The new format introduces semi-finals to select events, varying at each stop, while one distance event per leg will be contested as prelims/finals. This marks a significant shift from the previous structure, where all Pro Swim Series events (400 meters and shorter) were raced as prelims/finals, and distance events (800/1500 meters) were timed finals. The result? Each Pro Swim Series meet will now span four full days of racing, including prelims and finals sessions, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition.
But that's not all! Each meet will also feature a unique event order, ensuring every competition is a fresh and exciting challenge. Greg Meehan, Managing Director of the National Team, emphasizes the importance of this change, stating, "In preparation for what’s ahead in LA28, it has become clear we need to create more long-course racing opportunities for our National Team."
The new format will be a game-changer, offering swimmers a chance to experience the demands of championship-style racing. Meehan further explains, "This new format at TYR Pro Swim Series meets in 2026 is a great first step by contesting some events in a prelims/semifinals/final format or a prelims/final distance format. It’s especially important in 2026 without a traditional nine-day meet to finish the long-course season."
To sweeten the deal, the prize money for specific events at each meet will be doubled to $3,000 from the standard $1,500, "to encourage competitiveness and reward winners of the events with new format changes."
Here's a breakdown of the exciting changes:
- Pro Swim Series Austin (January 14–17): Women's 800 freestyle as prelims/final, 50 butterfly, 50 backstroke, 50 breaststroke, 50 freestyle, and 200 IM as prelims/semifinals/final. Prize money increases to $3,000 for winners of all 50-meter events, the 200 IM, and the women's 800 freestyle.
- Pro Swim Series Westmont (March 4–7): Men's 800 freestyle as prelims/final, all 100s as prelims/semifinals/final. Prize money increases to $3,000 for winners of the 100s and men's 800 freestyle.
- Pro Swim Series Sacramento (May 20–23): Women's 1500 freestyle as prelims/final, 200 butterfly, 200 backstroke, 200 breaststroke, and 200 freestyle as prelims/semifinals/final. Prize money increases to $3,000 for winners of the 200-meter events and women's 1500 freestyle.
- Pro Swim Series Indianapolis (June 17–20): Men's 1500 freestyle as prelims/final. Prize money increases to $3,000 for winners of the 400 IM, 400 freestyle, and men's 1500 freestyle.
These changes are a strategic move by USA Swimming, aligning with their broader focus on performance development leading into the next Olympic cycle. By replicating the physical and mental demands of championship-style racing, the TYR Pro Swim Series continues to serve as a critical developmental platform for National Team and National Junior Team athletes on their path to LA28.
The 2026 Pro Swim Series schedule is packed with excitement, with four stops on the circuit, kicking off in January in Austin, followed by Westmont in March, Sacramento in May, and wrapping up in mid-June in Indianapolis. After the final PSS stop, USA Swimming will host the 2026 National Championships in Irvine, leading up to the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships, where the U.S. team will be selected based on results from championship meets in 2025.
