SailGP, one of the most progressive properties in global sport, just added a heavyweight new contender to its portfolio — the Italy SailGP team, now led by Jimmy Spithill as CEO and co-owner, and backed by a compelling consortium that includes Hollywood icon Anne Hathaway, art-world entrepreneur Alexander Gilkes, and physician Dr. Jennifer Ashton.
At an estimated valuation of US$45 million, this isn’t just a sailing team — it’s a statement.
The Headlines:
- Jimmy Spithill, former World Sailor of the Year and SailGP veteran, will serve as CEO and co-owner
- Title partnership already secured with Red Bull, aligning with their high-performance, high-octane brand DNA
- Team operated by Muse Sport, led by Assia Grazioli-Venier, making it the first female-led ownership group in the league
- High-profile investors from across sport, media, healthcare, and entertainment
- Financial advisory handled by Tifosy Capital & Advisory
- SailGP valuations growing by 20–25% year-over-year, as the league transitions into a franchise model
Why It Matters: The New Blueprint of Modern Team Ownership
This isn’t a vanity project. This is sports venture capital at its most strategic.
Assia Grazioli-Venier isn’t new to this playbook — with stakes in the Washington Spirit, Miami Pickleball Club, and as chair of the new Women’s Pro Baseball League, she’s building a portfolio rooted in emerging sports properties with long-term upside.
SailGP offers something few others do:
- Truly global competition in glamorous markets
- Sustainability and tech-driven storytelling
- An elite performance product that can scale commercially, digitally, and culturally
The presence of investors like Anne Hathaway and Alexander Gilkes ensures cultural relevance and media attention — vital ingredients for fan growth in a sport still crossing the chasm of mainstream acceptance.
Here’s how to approach this forward:
1. Activate Red Bull Across Borders
Leverage Red Bull’s local ecosystems — from Salzburg to Milan to Monaco — to build fan-facing experiences, pop-up content zones, and product tie-ins that drive youth engagement.
2. Design a Dual Audience Strategy
- Yachting enthusiasts: Build heritage storytelling, legacy media partnerships, and elite performance narratives.
- New fans: Use Hathaway, Gilkes, and Dr. Ashton to create vertical content across wellness, art, and pop culture.
3. Treat the Team Like a Lifestyle Brand
Push beyond racing. Curate fashion collaborations, coastal events, and Italian luxury tie-ins (think Ferrari, Moncler, Panerai) to elevate positioning.
4. Capitalize on Italian National Identity
This isn’t just a team — it’s Italy’s entry into a new global arena. Package the team around Italian pride, design, and coastal culture. Drive local fan zones in Rome, Naples, and Milan around race windows.
5. Use SailGP as a Sponsorship Testbed
Position Italy SailGP as the testing ground for brands seeking a dynamic, sustainable alternative to F1 — especially premium and tech-driven brands who want exclusivity and storytelling.
Are you an investor, brand, or athlete looking to break into sports ownership or sponsorship with long-term ROI?
At our consultancy, we specialize in building global expansion strategies, brand partnerships, and ownership roadmaps for next-gen sports properties.
