Emirates has renewed its role as naming sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand, extending one of the most enduring and iconic partnerships in international sailing through the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup and all associated Preliminary Regattas.
First established in 2004, the collaboration spans more than two decades of elite competition, technological innovation and shared ambition at the very top of world sailing. Most recently, the partnership was crowned by Emirates Team New Zealand’s victory in Barcelona in 2024, where the team lifted the Auld Mug for a record-breaking third consecutive America’s Cup defence — an achievement unprecedented in the event’s history.
Under the renewed agreement, Emirates remains Lead Sponsor, retaining naming rights to the team as well as its status as Official Airline and Carrier. The Emirates brand will continue to feature prominently across the team’s operations, including on the mainsails and hulls of the AC75 yachts, chase boats, tenders, team bases and crew uniforms, alongside extensive visibility across digital, social, broadcast and live event platforms.
As Defender of the upcoming Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, set to take place in Naples in 2027, Emirates Team New Zealand’s recent success provides a powerful platform for Emirates’ continued involvement — reinforcing a shared legacy built on leadership, precision engineering and sustained high performance.
This fifth renewal of the naming sponsorship reflects a partnership defined by mutual trust and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Over the years, this has included advances in high-performance yacht design, foiling technology and race strategy, mirroring Emirates’ own leadership in aviation, global connectivity and premium customer experience.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, commented:
“When Grant and I first met in Auckland in 2004 to sign our naming sponsorship of Emirates Team New Zealand, few could have imagined that more than 20 years later we would still be standing together as partners. By lifting the Auld Mug for a third consecutive time, the team has achieved something no one has done before in America’s Cup history. That level of sustained success comes from an uncompromising pursuit of excellence — a philosophy we proudly share at Emirates.”
Emirates Team New Zealand Chief Executive Grant Dalton added:
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Emirates as naming sponsor. Emirates has stood by this team through both victories and challenges since 2004, and that commitment has meant a great deal to everyone involved. Having Emirates alongside us again gives the team enormous confidence as we prepare to defend the America’s Cup once more.”
The renewal also underlines Emirates’ long-term commitment to New Zealand, where the airline has operated since 2003 and today offers daily A380 services to Auckland, as well as Christchurch via Sydney, alongside trans-Tasman A380 operations.
Beyond Emirates Team New Zealand, Emirates continues to support sailing globally through high-profile partnerships including the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team and major international regattas, helping bring elite sailing to a growing worldwide audience.
The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will once again see teams racing the spectacular AC75 class yachts, with the Louis Vuitton Cup determining the Challenger that will face Emirates Team New Zealand in the Match. Further details on schedules and venues are expected to be announced in due course.
