LONDON – February 6, 2020 – On the verge of embarking on its second season of operation, SailGP has sold a minority stake to global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor. Endeavor’s investment position in SailGP values the global sports property at US$200 million after its highly successful first season.
As part of the investment, SailGP will benefit from access to the Endeavor network’s expertise across content production, media rights distribution, creative services, licensing, sponsorships and consumer marketing.
SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “Endeavor’s partnership with SailGP represents a pivotal moment in our young and developing history. It strengthens our position going into our second season and signals the projected long-term value of SailGP. This is the start of a new era in our sport, and we couldn’t have a better partner than Endeavor.”
Endeavor President Mark Shapiro said: “SailGP is transforming the way people view sailing. For the first time, the sport is being packaged in a broadly appealing, consumable, consistent and exciting format, bringing it in line with some of the world’s top sporting events. If the first season is any indication, SailGP has incredible potential and strong value for its partners, and we look forward to helping forge the future of the league.”
SailGP Season 2 kicks off February 28-29 in Sydney.
ABOUT SAILGP
SailGP is sailing redefined. Established in 2018 and headquartered in London and New York, SailGP is an annual, global sports championship featuring bold, cutting-edge technology and awe-inspiring athleticism. The fan-centric, inshore racing that is powered by nature takes place in some of the most iconic harbors around the globe and culminates with a $1 million winner-takes-all match race. Rival national teams battle it out in identical supercharged F50 catamarans, engineered for intense racing at electrifying speeds exceeding 50 knots (nearly 60 mph/100 kph). Visit SailGP.com for more information.
ABOUT ENDEAVOR
Endeavor is a global entertainment, sports and content company, home to the world’s most dynamic and engaging storytellers, brands, live events and experiences. The company is comprised of industry leaders including entertainment agency WME; sports, fashion, events and media company IMG; and premier mixed martial arts organization UFC. The Endeavor network specializes in talent representation; marketing and licensing; content development, distribution and sales; event management; and a number of direct-to-consumer offerings.
CONTACTS
Christy Cahill, SailGP
ccahill@sailgp.com | +1 617 777 4489
Kim Ulrich, Endeavor
kulrich@endeavorco.com | +1 212 903 1188