Professional Swimmers May Be Eligible for Money Damages From a Class Action Lawsuit Going to Trial in January 2026

Winston & Strawn LLP represents classes of professional swimmers that have filed a class action lawsuit against World Aquatics (formerly Fédération Internationale de Natation). Shields et al v. Federation Internationale De Natation, Case No. 3:18-cv-07393-JSC. The plaintiffs allege that World Aquatics violated federal antitrust law by organizing a group boycott against a competing swimming league, the International Swimming League (“ISL”), which prevented ISL from holding professional swimming competitions in 2018 and 2019. The plaintiffs allege that affected swimmers collectively would have earned millions of dollars in appearances fees and prize money at those events had they taken place. The plaintiffs are also seeking injunctive relief to prevent the Defendant World Aquatics from interfering in the future with swimmers’ ability to earn compensation by participating in professional swimming competitions, including those held by swimming leagues that are not sanctioned by World Aquatics. World Aquatics denies that it violated any law, denies that it organized an unlawful group boycott and denies that it prevented swimmers from participating in swimming competitions hosted by ISL in 2018 and 2019.

Who is included? You may be included in the lawsuit if you signed a contract with the ISL to compete in the ISL’s swimming events in 2018 or 2019. The damages class is comprised of all swimmers who signed contracts to participate in the ISL’s December 2018 event set to take place in Turin, Italy AND swimmers who signed contracts to participate in the ISL’s 2019 season. Complete descriptions of the damages class are available at www.SwimmersClassAction.com. The Injunctive Class includes all swimmers who signed contracts to participate in the International Swimming League from January 1, 2018 through the date of trial.

What are my options? If you are a member of the damages class, you have two options: (1) do nothing, remain in the lawsuit, and await the outcome, or (2) exclude yourself (i.e. opt out) from the damages class. Instructions on how to exclude yourself from the damages class are available at www.SwimmersClassAction.com. You do not have the ability to opt out of the Injunctive Class.

How and when will the Court decide who is right? The Court will hold a trial in this case, currently scheduled for January 12, 2026, at the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94102. If class counsel obtains money or benefits for the damages class as a result of the jury’s verdict or any settlement, a new notice will be issued.

Want more information? Visit www.SwimmersClassAction.com, email info@SwimmersClassAction.com, or write to Shields et al. v. Federation Internationale De Natation Notice Administrator, PO Box 301132, Los Angeles CA, 90030-1132.