In a groundbreaking move, the United States SailGP team has been acquired by a consortium led by technology investor and Uber engineer Ryan McKillen, alongside Margaret McKillen and two-time world champion sailor Mike Buckley.
This acquisition, the largest in SailGP history, is backed by The Avenue Sports Fund, spearheaded by Avenue Capital Group CEO Marc Lasry and features a diverse group of investors from various industries, including entertainment, technology, and sports.
The team lineup boasts renowned athletes like Deontay Wilder, NFL stars DeAndre Hopkins, Malik Jackson, Roquan Smith, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Other notable members include University of Alabama football star Dallas Turner, former U.S. soccer player Jozy Altidore, and University of Michigan basketball legend Katelynn Flaherty Yates.
SailGP, renowned for its thrilling water racing, features high-speed 50-foot foiling catamarans piloted by top athletes in 10 national teams. With live broadcasts in over 200 markets, including CBS and YouTube in the U.S., SailGP is set to expand further in its fourth season with 13 live events globally.
Under the new U.S. SailGP Team structure, Ryan McKillen assumes the role of Chairman, with Mike Buckley serving as Chief Executive Officer. The team driver position is held by seven-time world champion sailor Taylor Canfield.
Ryan McKillen, U.S. SailGP Team Co-owner and Chairman, expressed excitement about the team’s potential to introduce on-water racing at the highest level to a broader audience. Mike Buckley, U.S. SailGP Team Co-owner and CEO, emphasized the importance of diversity at the top, showcasing the most diverse ownership group in the sport’s history.
The Avenue Capital Group’s recent launch of the Avenue Sports Fund aligns with the investment in the U.S. SailGP Team, emphasizing their strategy to support emerging sports and leagues. Marc Lasry, Avenue Capital Group Chairman and CEO, highlighted the thrill of joining the broader investor group as the U.S. SailGP Team competes on a global stage.
Key partners Red Bull, T-Mobile for Business, and Zhik have reaffirmed their commitment to the U.S. SailGP Team, collaborating to cater to a growing fanbase, innovate across technology, sport, and lifestyle, and deliver premium event experiences.
The eagerly anticipated debut of the U.S. SailGP Team will take place in Dubai on December 9-10 at the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas. This event marks the sixth stop on SailGP’s Season 4 global calendar, with subsequent stops in North America in spring 2024, including the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix and the ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax.
Baron Davis purchased a stake in a SailGP team several months ago and emerging leagues are rising in popularity.
Excitement builds as the U.S. SailGP Team prepares to race in front of its American fans in New York on June 22-23 at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, followed by the SailGP Season 4 Grand Final in San Francisco on July 13-14.
