Super Series set to be extended
Talks are under way to continue the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series beyond this year.
The initial three-year deal for the event expires this year, but the parties have been engaged in "positive" discussions for a new contract.
Swimming Australia chief executive Mark Anderson said the event had grown since being staged for the first time in two years ago.
The debut of the powerful American team has been a major boost for the 2015 edition, which began at HBF Stadium last night.
"With this being the third year of our event, it's certainly the biggest we've had," Anderson said. "Clearly with the US coming for the first time it's taking it up to a new level.
"For us the third year is the best year and we believe the event is growing really well."
Anderson said discussions with BHP and Tourism WA had been progressing well.
"Everyone believes that the event has been successful and there's good intent to continue that and grow it," he said.
"We're hopeful that we'll reach an outcome in those discussions fairly quickly."
Anderson said another three-year deal would be a good outcome, but he didn't expect discussions to be finalised while he was in Perth for the event.
"We are hopeful we arrive at an agreeable position in the not-too-distant future," he said.
"We think three years is a good period of time.
"For the first contract it has allowed us to really establish the event.
"From a Swimming Australia perspective, we highly value that Tourism WA and BHP have shown faith in the event and invested in it from day one.
"That's why the discussions are going so well."
Tourism WA executive director Gwyn Dolphin also said talks had been positive.
"It has proved to be a great event for WA and one that we are particularly proud of given the concept was developed right here in WA," he said.
Anderson said he was not disappointed some of the US team's biggest stars hadn't come to Perth.
"We didn't expect all of the big names to be here, that's the reality of every team that gets sent," he said.
The Super Series also marks a year since head coach Jacco Verhaeren had his first meeting in charge of the Australian team.
Anderson said Verhaeren had been a great appointment.
"We're delighted with the way Jacco has grow into the role," he said. "He's got a massive amount of respect from our Australian coaching group."
"Clearly with the US coming for the first time it's taking it up to a new level.""Swimming Australia chief executive *Mark Anderson *
