Founding teams unite to unlock the long-term potential of the America’s Cup, introducing a professional structure and stable sporting calendar for the 174-year-old competition.
Today marks a historic milestone in the evolution of the world’s oldest international sporting trophy with the announcement of the America’s Cup Partnership (ACP)—a groundbreaking alliance formed by the founding teams of sailing’s pinnacle event. The partnership establishes, for the first time in the competition’s 174-year history, a unified entity dedicated to the long-term stability, growth, and global relevance of the America’s Cup.
The five founding teams—Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), Athena Racing (GBR), Luna Rossa (ITA), Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI), and K-Challenge (FRA)—have come together to create a sustainable future for an event that has consistently defined the cutting edge of sport, technology, and design.
The formation of ACP follows the Protocol agreement announced in August 2025 between Defender Emirates Team New Zealand and Challenger of Record Athena Racing, setting the framework for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, to be held in Naples, Italy, and paving the way for this unprecedented collaborative structure.
“This is about preserving what makes the America’s Cup extraordinary while building a sustainable model that benefits everyone who shares our passion for this great competition,” said Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand. “We are securing the position of the America’s Cup at the pinnacle of innovation and professional sport for decades to come.”
A NEW ERA FOR THE “AULD MUG”
First contested in 1851 with a race around the Isle of Wight, the America’s Cup—affectionately known as the “Auld Mug”—predates both the modern Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup. It stands alone as the oldest international trophy in world sport.
Yet tradition has never meant stagnation. From the revolutionary hull of the Schooner America, capable of speeds approaching 14 knots, to the winged keel that shocked the sailing world in 1983, the Cup has been defined by relentless innovation. That spirit reached another inflection point in 2013 with the introduction of foiling technology, pioneered by Emirates Team New Zealand, transforming yacht racing forever.
Today’s AC75 foiling monohulls represent one of the most advanced machines in global sport. Capable of reaching 55.6 knots (102.9 km/h), they integrate electronics rivaling five Formula 1 cars, monitor more than 30,000 data channels, and require over one trillion simulation core hours during development. Preserving this technological frontier lies at the heart of the America’s Cup Partnership.
“The ACP will ensure the America’s Cup remains the ultimate proving ground for the world’s best sailors and technological advancements,” said Sir Ben Ainslie, Team Principal of Athena Racing. “It allows us to continue pushing the boundaries while providing the stability needed to grow our audience globally.”
KEY FEATURES OF THE AMERICA’S CUP PARTNERSHIP
Biennial Cycle
For the first time, the America’s Cup will operate on a regular two-year cycle, creating a predictable, global sporting moment for fans while allowing teams, sponsors, and broadcasters to plan and invest long-term.
Independent Management
A newly established independent, best-in-class management structure will oversee the delivery of sporting excellence and commercial growth, ensuring consistency and continuity across successive events.
Economic Sustainability
The Partnership introduces shared revenues and cost-control measures, leveling the competitive field while safeguarding the Cup’s role as the leading innovation platform in sailing.
Future-Focused Pathways
ACP reaffirms its commitment to the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup, creating accessible and diverse pathways into elite sailing. Notably, the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will require at least one female sailor onboard each AC75 race boat.
A COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE
“The birth of the America’s Cup Partnership marks a historic moment,” said Max Sirena, CEO of Luna Rossa. “It is a responsible choice toward the sport, our fans, and future generations, ensuring stability and continuity while respecting the Cup’s values and innovative spirit.”
“This partnership embodies a collective commitment to elevate sailing on the global sporting stage,” said Ernesto Bertarelli, owner of Tudor Team Alinghi. “By creating a more transparent and collaborative structure, we are ensuring this iconic competition will thrive for generations.”
“France has a deep heritage in sailing and the America’s Cup,” added Stéphan Kandler, co-CEO of K-Challenge. “Being a founding member alongside such legendary teams is a mission and an opportunity to grow the America’s Cup to the level of the world’s leading sporting properties.”
WHAT COMES NEXT
The five founding teams will present further details of the America’s Cup Partnership on January 21, 2026, in Naples, including the official dates of the America’s Cup Match.
The entry period for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup remains open until January 31, 2026, inviting additional teams to join the Partnership and compete in Naples in 2027.
With unity, innovation, and long-term vision at its core, the America’s Cup Partnership signals not just a new chapter—but a defining evolution for sailing’s most legendary prize.
