Black Foils buyout completes SailGP’s privatisation

SailGP has announced that US-based private equity firm MSP Sports Capital has acquired a majority stake in the New Zealand SailGP Team, known as the Black Foils.

With this acquisition, all 13 national teams grid-wide are now owned by strategic third-party partners – completing SailGP’s transition to a fully privatised, franchise-based league model as it enters its next phase of global commercial expansion.

The Black Foils, led on the water by Olympic champions Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, represent MSP Sports Capital’s first foray into professional sailing. The firm adds the New Zealand franchise to its sports portfolio that features or has featured investments in McLaren Racing, the X Games League, and Everton FC.

High-profile acquisitions cement SailGP trajectory

The news follows recent high-profile acquisitions in the 2026 Season, including Quantum Pacific’s purchase of the Spain SailGP Team, the sale of the Danish-flagged Rockwool Racing to New York Yacht Club’s American Magic backer and Orlando Magic owner Doug DeVos, and the Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds-backed ownership group behind the Bonds Flying Roos (Australia) last year. 

Hollywood star Anne Hathaway also bought into the Red Bull Italy SailGP team in 2025. And, Coalition Capital, owned by French football superstar Kylian Mbappé, has also invested in the France SailGP Team.

The Black Foils return to the startline this weekend at the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax, Canada.

SailGP investments

MSP was founded by veteran investor-operators Jahm Najafi and Jeff Moorad, whose expertise spans the world’s largest sports leagues, including MLB, NBA, NFL, F1 and European football.

SailGP co-founder and CEO Sir Russell Coutts says: “This is a very significant milestone for SailGP – and one we set out to reach from the very beginning. The goal of SailGP has always been to build something that world-class investors and sports operators would want to own – to have MSP Sports Capital, led by Jahm Najafi and Jeff Moorad, join our ownership group is further validation of that vision.”

Founded in 2019 by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and Sir Russell Coutts, SailGP was established using a centrally owned business model with the goal of transitioning to private team ownership. Today’s announcement marks completion of that goal – with all 13 national teams now privately owned and operated.

Jahm Najafi, chairman, MSP Sports Capital adds: “SailGP is one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world, and we are thrilled to partner with Russell Coutts and the SailGP organisation. We believe the New Zealand team is one of its flagship franchises.” 

Jeff Moorad, CEO, MSP Sports Capital says: “Our vision is straight-forward: win championships, represent New Zealand at the highest level, and build on the country’s unmatched sailing culture. Peter and Blair are the best in the world at what they do – and we’re delighted to partner with them in this next chapter.”

Burling and Tuke, three-time Olympic medalists and multiple America’s Cup winners, will remain as co-CEOs of the Black Foils – leading a roster of elite sail racing talent competing at the highest levels of the sport. Representing one of sailing’s powerhouse nations, the Black Foils are among the most strategically valuable assets in the league – backed by legacy, a loyal global fanbase and strong commercial traction.

Celebrating the news, Burling said, “Today’s an incredibly important milestone for the Black Foils – and the start of an exciting new chapter for us in SailGP as we represent New Zealand on the world stage. MSP are world-class partners, with an understanding of elite sport and what it takes to build something that lasts.” 

The full 2027 SailGP Championship season calendar is available online.