Neither Seven nor Swimming Australia can reveal details of any commercial arrangements but the Herald understands the sum to be around $500,000, which would entail broadcasting the eight-day swimming program from July 21.

With travel and commentary and broadcasting costs included, the final figure could be as much as $800,000, putting it out of reach of any of the Australian networks, especially as it would likely feature on a secondary channel, although the friendly timezone would make the night finals exceptionally viewer friendly.

The only other option for Australian fans is the FINA streaming service, which is a paid product but has an extremely niche audience and doesn't remotely compare to a free-to-air deal with expert commentary and insights. It is believed that current Australian subscriber numbers can be counted in the hundreds, not thousands.

FINA has a charter to promote the sport globally and Australia remains one of its key markets. Aside from the all-powerful Americans, Australia has one of the richest histories in the pool and has provided some of its most-bankable stars over the decades.

Loading

The body has already taken a battering this year over its threats to ban any swimmers that signed up to compete in the new International Swimming League (ISL), which shook up the very fabric of the sport and prompted it not only back down but start its own lucrative swimming series.

It promised to do more to aid promotion of the sport but now can't reach a deal with any Australian commercial broadcaster ahead of its showpiece event of 2019. If Ariarne Titmus makes history in beating Katie Ledecky, or Kyle Chalmers adds world championship glory to his Olympic crown, it will be read but not seen by Australian fans.

Swimming Australia had nothing to add on Thursday but earlier in the week, its chief executive Leigh Russell said: "We are currently in discussions with FINA regarding alternative options for viewing the broadcast in Australia and hope to be in a position to provide an update soon."

The Dolphins are already training in Japan ahead of their flight to Korea. Once there, any heroics in the pool will go under the radar unless FINA can provide some flexibility on its broadcasting package.