Major Sponsor of Inaugural College Swimming League Season
Nike Swim has signed on as a season-long sponsor of the College Swimming League, backing all eight matches of the new property’s inaugural 2026 season from the Sept. 24 opener in Westmont, Illinois, through Wildcard Playoffs and League Championship set for November 6 in Indianapolis.
The partnership covers the full first season of the College Swimming League, giving Nike Swim a presence across the league’s regular-season stops and postseason events.
CSL described the agreement as a significant early commitment from one of the sport’s most recognizable brands as the league prepares to launch its inaugural season.
“Nike Swim is one of the most respected names in sport, and their sponsorship of our inaugural season is a significant commitment to college swimming. Partners of this quality raise the standard for everything we do, and we are proud to welcome Phil and the Nike Swim team to the CSL.”
Rob Kent, Chief Executive Officer, College Swimming League
Nike Swim’s sponsorship will span the opening back-to-back meets at FMC Natatorium in Westmont, followed by regular-season stops at Stanford, Knoxville, LA (Walnut) and Athens, before the Wild Card and Championship set over two days in Indianapolis at IU Natatorium.
According to the league, every match will air live across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, SEC Network and ESPNU, while fans outside the United States will be able to watch live and free through DAZN.
Courtesy: CSL
“For as long as I’ve been in swimming, three out of four years have been overlooked, on both the broadcast and sponsorship side for the sport. We built this league specifically for those years, and Nike Swim getting on board in season one tells us the appetite was there the whole time. It just needed something worth backing.”
Kyle Sockwell, Chief Operating Officer, College Swimming League
The sponsorship also connects with Nike Swim’s broader investment in college athletes. The brand recently launched an affiliate program with college swimmers, adding another point of engagement with athletes competing in the new league.
“The team at Nike Swim is extremely proud to support the College Swimming League. This exciting new venture will bring some of the best talent in swimming together to compete at the highest level, and it is fitting that Nike Swim shares the pool deck with such amazing athletes.”
Phil Hodgson, President, Nike Swim
The College Swimming League begins its inaugural season Sept. 24 in Westmont, with the series running through the Championship on Nov. 6.
Featuring 12 NCAA programs competing in a four-team match format, meets are designed to give college swimming a larger fall-season platform for fans in venue and at home.
CSL kicks off with two nights at FMC Natatorium in Westmont before the series moves to Stanford and additional regular-season stops across the country.
Tickets for all eight CSL matches are available through the College Swimming League.
About the College Swimming League
The College Swimming League is a new fan-focused fall event series featuring 12 NCAA programs competing in a four-team match format. The league is structured around six regular-season matches, followed by a Wild Card and Championship.
Photo Courtesy: College Swimming League / Nike Swim
Full Schedule:
Courtesy: CSL
