SailGP opens tender process for two new teams in 2026 expansion
SailGP has announced a formal tender process to identify investors for two new teams set to join the global racing championship in 2026. The process is also open to parties interested in acquiring stakes in existing national teams.
The invitation to submit expressions of interest is open to individuals and organisations from the sport, business and entertainment sectors. Initial bids are due by mid-August 2025, with the selection process scheduled to conclude in early September 2025.
“We’re excited to confirm details of this exciting next stage in SailGP’s global expansion. With 12 teams now on the startline, SailGP is well primed to introduce two new nations to the fleet from 2026 onwards,” says SailGP managing director Andrew Thompson.
Thompson adds, “This tender will ensure a rigorous, transparent and globally-connected process, and we look forward to engaging investors who share our vision and values. Off the back of recent growth, we see this as the right moment to engage partners who will help grow the Rolex SailGP Championship in strategic markets.”
SailGP 2026 expansion
This development follows several recent team transactions. The Red Bull Italy SailGP Team was acquired by a consortium including Italian sports industry investors and actor Anne Hathaway, while ownership of the Bonds Flying Roos (Australia) was transferred to a group including actors Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds. Additionally, a stake in the France SailGP Team was recently sold to Ares Management, an international alternative investment firm.
Founded in 2019 by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and Sir Russell Coutts, SailGP originally operated under a centrally owned business model. The intention has been to transition to private ownership within five years. The 2025 season includes two new entrants to the competition – Red Bull Italy and Mubadala Brazil.
Earlier this year, all 12 teams signed participation agreements for the 2026–2030 seasons. These agreements set out operational terms within the SailGP framework, including the implementation of a seasonal cost cap and centralised profit-sharing mechanisms.
The Deloitte Sports Business Group is providing M&A and financial advisory support to SailGP throughout the process. Deloitte, which previously advised the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on its competition The Hundred, will manage the identification and selection of prospective ownership groups.
The European leg of the Rolex SailGP Championship heads to Portsmouth, UK, on 19–20 July 2025.
