Enhanced Games sues World Aquatics, USA Swimming for US$800 million over ‘crushing’ claims
Drug-fuelled athletics group claims governing bodies are trying to ‘crush’ event in anti-trust lawsuit
Enhanced Games has launched an anti-trust lawsuit against World Aquatics, USA Swimming and the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) for up to US$800 million, alleging an illegal campaign to “crush” the event which allows athletes to use banned drugs.
The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, accuses the defendants of violating the Sherman Act by pressuring athletes, coaches and support staff to boycott the Enhanced Games.
Enhanced Games is seeking more than US$200 million in damages – an amount it said could rise to more than US$800 million after trebling and punitive awards – and is also pursuing injunctive relief.
Global swimming governing body World Aquatics, USA Swimming and Wada did not provide immediate comment when contacted by Reuters.
The doping agency labelled Enhanced Games a “dangerous and irresponsible concept” in May after Las Vegas was confirmed as host of the 2026 event, while World Aquatics said it was “a circus, built on short cuts”.
World Aquatics introduced a new by-law in June to prevent athletes and officials who endorse doping from competing or holding any positions after a Greek swimmer supported by Enhanced Games ‘broke’ a world record.