USA Swimming, the National Governing Body of swimming in the United States, today announced two changes to its National Team operations for 2026.

The first change, effective immediately, is an increase in funding for U.S. National Team professional athletes who have qualified for USA Swimming’s Athlete Performance Funding (APF) program and agreed to the terms of the Athlete Partnership Agreement (APA) program. More information about the changes in National Team athlete funding can be found here.

“This increase in funding is an important and necessary step in better supporting our professional athletes,” said Greg Meehan, National Team Managing Director. “We are committed to continuing to grow that support over time through increased investment across the entire athlete pathway.”

The other change to National Team operations in 2026 comes in the form of a new selection meet for December’s World Aquatics World Championships (25m). The Short Course World Championships Trials selection meet will take place October 28-31 in Westmont, Illinois, at the FMC Natatorium and will determine the U.S. roster that will compete in Beijing from December 1-6.

“Hosting the Short Course Worlds Championships Trials selection meet for the first time provides an exciting opportunity to evolve how we select our teams,” said Meehan. “It allows athletes to earn selection based on short course performance, and we are confident this approach will help us send the strongest possible team to Beijing this December.”

Full selection procedures for the World Aquatics Championships (25m) roster will be published at a later date.

For more National Team resources and information, visit https://www.usaswimming.org/meet-the-team/national-team.