Get ready, swimming fans, because the 2026 Pro Swim Series is kicking off in Austin, Texas, and it’s shaping up to be an event you won’t want to miss! But here’s where it gets controversial: with a revamped format, new prize money structure, and a star-studded lineup, this year’s competition is stirring up debates about who will dominate the pool—and whether the changes will level the playing field or favor the elites. Let’s dive into all the details you need to know.
2026 PRO SWIM SERIES – AUSTIN
Mark your calendars for January 14-17, 2026, as the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin, Texas, transforms into the epicenter of competitive swimming. This long-course meters (LCM) event is the first stop of the series, setting the tone for what promises to be an electrifying season.
Why This Matters: The Pro Swim Series isn’t just another meet—it’s a platform for Olympians, rising stars, and seasoned pros to test their limits. And this is the part most people miss: the new semifinal structure and prize money distribution could shake up the rankings in ways we’ve never seen before. Will it reward consistency, or will it favor the risk-takers? That’s the million-dollar question.
SWIMSWAM’S MEET PREVIEWS
For a deep dive into the swimmers’ entries, check out this comprehensive analysis here. Curious about the new semifinal format? We’ve got you covered here. And if you’re wondering how the prize money works, don’t miss this breakdown here. Stay tuned for our top storylines to watch, coming later today!
PSYCH SHEETS & RESULTS
Want to see who’s competing? The psych sheets are available here. For live results as the action unfolds, head over here.
START TIMES
Whether you’re in Austin or halfway across the globe, we’ve got you covered with start times for key cities. Prelims kick off at 9:00 a.m. local time (CT), with finals at 6:00 p.m. local time. Here’s a quick glance:
| City | Prelims Start | Finals Start |
|------------------------|-------------------|------------------------|
| Austin, Texas (CT) | 9:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. |
| New York, USA (ET) | 10:00 a.m. | 7:00 p.m. |
| Los Angeles, USA (PT) | 7:00 a.m. | 4:00 p.m. |
| London, UK (GMT) | 3:00 p.m. | 12:00 a.m. (midnight) |
| Sydney, Australia (AEDT) | 2:00 a.m. (next day) | 11:00 a.m. (next day) |
| Tokyo, Japan (JST) | 12:00 a.m. (midnight) | 9:00 a.m. (next day) |
| Dubai, UAE (GST) | 6:00 p.m. | 3:00 a.m. (next day) |
HOW TO WATCH
Don’t have a ticket? No problem! All sessions, including prelims and finals, will stream live on the USA Swimming Network here. For those who prefer primetime viewing, finals on January 15 and 16 will also air on Peacock here.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Here’s a breakdown of the action-packed schedule. Note the new distance sessions and semifinal rounds—a game-changer for strategists and spectators alike!
Wednesday, January 14
- Prelims: 50 Free (W/M), 100 Breast (W/M), 200 IM (W/M), 100 Back (W/M)
- Distance: 1500 Free Early Heats (W/M)
- Finals: 1500 Free Fastest Heat (W/M), 50 Free Semis (W/M), 100 Breast Final (W/M), 200 IM Semis (W/M), 100 Back Final (W/M)
Thursday, January 15
- Prelims: 50 Breast (W/M), 100 Fly (W/M), 200 Back (W/M), 400 Free (W/M)
- Finals: 200 IM Final (W/M), 50 Free Final (W/M), 50 Breast Semis (W/M), 200 Back Final (W/M), 100 Fly Final (W/M), 400 Free Final (W/M)
Friday, January 16
- Prelims: 200 Free (W/M), 50 Fly (W/M), 400 IM (W/M), 50 Back (W/M), 800 Free (W/M)
- Distance: 800 Free Early Heats (M)
- Finals: 800 Free Fastest Heat (M), 50 Breast Final (W/M), 200 Free Final (W/M), 50 Fly Semis (W/M), 400 IM Final (W/M), 50 Back Semis (W/M)
Saturday, January 17
- Prelims: 100 Free (W/M), 200 Breast (W/M), 200 Fly (W/M)
- Finals: 800 Free Final (W), 200 Fly Final (W/M), 200 Breast Final (W/M), 50 Back Final (W/M), 100 Free Final (W/M)
Scheduling Notes:
- Only the fastest heat of the 1500m Free (W/M) and 800m Free (M) will swim in finals. The Women’s 800m Free will have prelims and finals, with the top 8 advancing.
- The 1500m Free alternates genders, ensuring the second-fastest men’s heat ends 75 minutes before finals.
- The 800m Free alternates women (prelims) and men (timed finals), with the second-fastest men’s heat ending 75 minutes before finals.
- ^ Athletes can enter the 50m stroke events if they meet the qualifying standards for either the 50 or 100 of that stroke.
Final Thoughts: With so many changes and high-stakes races, this year’s Pro Swim Series is bound to spark debates. Will the new format favor sprinters or distance swimmers? And which rising star will steal the spotlight? Let us know your predictions in the comments—we’re all ears!
