In a candid and serious update, NYYC American Magic—the team representing the New York Yacht Club—has voiced strong concerns about the current state of negotiations for the 38th America’s Cup, casting doubt on their potential participation unless key issues are addressed.
Having proudly competed in the last two editions of the Cup, American Magic emphasized their commitment to representing the United States with integrity and passion. However, the team now finds itself at a crossroads, citing the Defender’s continued resistance to transparency and fair collaboration in the development of the event’s official Protocol.
“Despite the best efforts of the Challengers—led by the Challenger of Record—to negotiate in good faith, the Defender has been unwilling to commit to the transparency and cooperation necessary to secure a fair Protocol,” said the team in a public statement.
American Magic emphasized that without a well-defined structural framework, viable campaign planning remains nearly impossible. This, they argue, jeopardizes the evolution of the America’s Cup into a modern and globally relevant sporting property.
The team reaffirmed its support for the Challenger of Record, Athena Racing, in their push for a more equitable and transparent process. At the same time, they made it clear that, without “meaningful changes,” their involvement in the 38th edition is uncertain.
“We remain committed to the America’s Cup and would welcome the opportunity to compete under a fair protocol,” they stated, adding a call for the Defender to uphold the foundational values of “fair competition, transparency, and respect for all sailors globally.”
This statement follows a wave of concern from other teams over the recent announcement of Naples as the 2027 Host City—an announcement made prior to the establishment of a finalized Protocol.
The future of the 38th America’s Cup now hangs in the balance, as teams call for greater accountability and clarity from Emirates Team New Zealand, the event’s Defender.
