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Enhanced Games Files $800 Million Antitrust Suit Against Major Sports Bodies

By  |  August 27, 2025

A controversial new sports festival that promotes competition without drug testing has launched an $800 million antitrust lawsuit, claiming it is the target of an organized boycott campaign. According to Star Herald, the Enhanced Games filed the case Wednesday in federal court in New York against World Aquatics, USA Swimming, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

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    The lawsuit focuses on a policy introduced earlier this year by Switzerland-based World Aquatics. The rule allows the organization to ban athletes who participate in events that openly permit performance-enhancing substances or other prohibited methods. Per Star Herald, the Enhanced Games argues this measure is part of an illegal effort to intimidate athletes and prevent them from joining its competition.

    Aron D’Souza, president of the Enhanced Games, told The Associated Press that the legal action is not intended as a publicity stunt but a necessary response to “the real damage that’s being done.” He emphasized that athletes have been discouraged from signing on due to the potential repercussions, calling the situation harmful to the event’s ability to recruit competitors.

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    WADA, which has previously condemned the Enhanced Games concept as unsafe and irresponsible, did not immediately provide comment. Star Herald reported that the festival has so far signed five athletes to compete in Las Vegas in May, where track, swimming, and weightlifting contests will offer $500,000 first-place prizes.

    D’Souza, who played a role in the high-profile lawsuit that brought down Gawker Media, has said the event is open to both “natural” and “enhanced” athletes, with the goal of testing whether unassisted competitors can outperform those using banned methods. The Enhanced Games position themselves as pioneers in expanding human potential by embracing scientific approaches, rather than punishing athletes for drug use, according to Star Herald.

    Source: Star Herald