SailGP Secures Multiyear Rights Deal with CBS Sports
SailGP, the competitive sailing circuit co-founded by Larry Ellison, has secured a multiyear television rights deal with CBS Sports. This agreement marks a significant milestone, extending their partnership through 2027. The announcement is set to be made on Wednesday.
SailGP and CBS Sports Partnership Details
This new agreement ensures that CBS Sports will continue as the exclusive television home for SailGP, which began airing in 2019. The deal guarantees more than 50 hours of annual coverage for the Rolex SailGP Championship. It represents the first multiyear contract for the sailing series, highlighting its growth and increasing popularity.
- Start Date: New agreement runs through 2027
- Annual Coverage: Over 50 hours
- Initial Season Kickoff: January 18, 2026, with the Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix
Audience Engagement and Growth
The partnership has proven successful, drawing nearly 3.5 million viewers for the November event, The Race to Abu Dhabi. This figure represents the highest audience for any sailing competition on CBS.
Sir Russell Coutts, the CEO of SailGP, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “This landmark multiyear extension with CBS Sports is a powerful endorsement of SailGP’s continued growth.” He noted that the coverage allows SailGP to reach a broader audience while showcasing the sport’s high-energy action.
The Future of SailGP
As part of its expansion strategy, SailGP is actively seeking to attract more country teams and financial investments. Celebrities such as Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds have joined the ownership group for the Australian team, Bonds Flying Roos, which adds star power to the venture.
The collaboration with CBS Sports is expected to enhance SailGP’s visibility and establish it as a prominent fixture in the sports landscape. Dan Weinberg, CBS Sports’ executive VP of programming, expressed optimism about the continued growth: “We’re thrilled to bring even more electrifying, high-speed racing to fans across the U.S.”
Overall, the renewed partnership between SailGP and CBS Sports not only solidifies the sailing circuit’s television presence but also promises to elevate the sport’s status on the global stage.
