SailGP, the premier global sailing competition, has strengthened its long-term future by extending hosting agreements across several key international markets, while simultaneously advancing its push toward private team ownership.
Extended Global Hosting Agreements
The competition confirmed that Sassnitz, located on the German island of Rügen, will remain the home of the Germany Sail Grand Prix until 2027. After debuting as host this past weekend (August 16–17), the town is set to stage future editions on August 22–23, 2026 and August 21–22, 2027.
Other major hosting agreements include:
- Perth, Australia – set to debut in 2026 and confirmed through 2028.
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – extending beyond its 2026 debut into 2027.
- Bermuda – renewed through 2028.
- New York City – confirmed for 2026 (May 30–31) and 2027 (June 5–6).
- Portsmouth, UK, and Dubai, UAE – each extended through 2027.
From 2026, the entire SailGP season will be contained within a single calendar year for the first time, running across an 11-month schedule starting in January in Perth.
Growing Impact Beyond Racing
SailGP Chief Executive Sir Russell Coutts emphasized the significance of securing repeat venues:
“As we grow SailGP into a truly global sports property, these long-term commitments with key venues are a critical step in delivering a world-class experience year after year. SailGP delivers far more than epic racing — it brings enduring economic and social impact to its host cities.”
With broadcast reach extending into 212 global territories, SailGP’s appeal extends beyond sports fans, providing host cities with opportunities for tourism promotion, community engagement, and international visibility.
Private Ownership Momentum
Since its launch in 2019, SailGP’s stated ambition has been to transition to full private team ownership. Recent months have seen accelerated progress:
- Next 3 Ventures, backed by the Tisch family (owners of the NFL’s New York Giants), invested in the US SailGP Team.
- Ares Management acquired the final 25% stake in the French team, alongside Sportsology Capital Partners.
- The Australian team was purchased by actors Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
- The newly formed Italy SailGP Team attracted a consortium of investors and industry figures.
SailGP has also launched a tender process for two new teams set to join in 2026, with Deloitte’s Sports Business Group advising on the expansion process. All 12 current teams have extended their agreements with the league through the 2026–2030 cycle.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 season, which began in November with the Dubai Sail Grand Prix, continues next month with Saint-Tropez (September 12–13). The consolidation of host venues, expansion of teams, and deepening investor interest highlight SailGP’s evolution into one of the most strategically ambitious properties in global sport.
365247 Consulting Insight
For stakeholders in the sports industry, SailGP’s trajectory offers a case study in how a niche sport can leverage global broadcasting reach, celebrity-backed investment, and repeat hosting models to build cultural relevance and commercial stability. The league’s ability to deliver long-term value to host cities while expanding into private ownership demonstrates a scalable framework for other emerging sports properties.
To explore how insights like these can shape your sports, media, or investment strategy, connect with us at 365247 Consultancy.
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