Reviving Fencing: New League Aims to Modernize Ancient Olympic Sport
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In an effort to bring fencing into the 21st century, three-time Olympian Miles Chamley-Watson is launching the World Fencing League (WFL) in 2026. The British-American fencer believes the sport needs a reboot to increase its visibility and appeal to a wider audience. Chamley-Watson, a 35-year-old Rio 2016 bronze medalist, aims to make fencing a mainstream sport by introducing cutting-edge technology, including a blade-tracking system that provides real-time visuals of the action on screen. This system, originally developed for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will be used to create cinematic broadcasts that showcase the sport's speed and skill. The WFL will feature a one-day showcase in Los Angeles, with 12 elite athletes competing in mixed-gender teams. The league plans to expand globally, with a full season scheduled for the end of 2026. Chamley-Watson's vision is to create a 'full ecosystem' for the sport, including clearer rules, athlete-driven format adjustments, and a developmental pathway for emerging talent. By complementing the existing International Fencing Federation calendar, the WFL aims to increase participation and visibility for athletes, particularly in regions with limited resources. The league also plans to address global inequality in the sport by supporting federations and subsidizing athletes using sponsorship and broadcast revenue. For Chamley-Watson, the WFL represents a chance to leave a lasting legacy and inspire millions of young people to take up the sport. 'Winning medals is amazing,' he said, 'but building something that inspires millions of kids? That might be an even better legacy.'
