China in the Running for SailGP Spot

According to a report by City AM, SailGP will add one new team slot for the 2027 season, with Abu Dhabi, Mexico, and China competing for the spot.

SailGP is a global professional sailing league, often referred to as “the F1 of sailing.” It was co-founded in 2018 by New Zealand sailor Russell Coutts and Larry Ellison, co-founder of global tech giant Oracle. The event now reaches over 212 territories, with rapidly growing viewership, making it one of the fastest-growing sports properties in the market.

Teams compete as national squads using F50 foiling catamarans. At last week's 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix final, the British team won its first championship. The current season features 12 teams, expanding to 13 in 2026 with the addition of Sweden. SailGP has confirmed the 14th slot will open for the 2027 season.

Reports suggest Abu Dhabi is currently leading the race for the slot, but the Chinese team previously appeared in the inaugural 2019 season.

Above: China team competing in SailGP's inaugural 2019 season

A SailGP spokesperson said: "We are in active discussions with multiple potential parties regarding expansion slots for the 2027 season and beyond. With team valuations exceeding $60 million, market interest continues to grow. The UAE, China, and Mexico remain priority expansion markets for the league, and their addition would be a fantastic enhancement to our growing roster."

In previous reports, Orange Bay Sports noted that Hollywood stars Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Anne Hathaway, footballer Kylian Mbappé, and former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel have invested in SailGP teams.

Swiss luxury watchmaker Rolex is the founding partner and first title partner of SailGP. French hospitality giant Accor, Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Development Co, Mastercard, Oracle, Emirates, and DP World are among the notable brands, institutions, and corporations sponsoring the event.

Chinese luxury car brand Hongqi also became an official partner of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix final last week.

| Source: City AM official website;

| Image credit: SailGP official Instagram; SailGP China team official Instagram