'); }); AU / NZ America Europe/UK Membership Login News Events Women in Sport Summit 2026 Women in Sport Futures Day 2026 Unmissable Sports Forum Unmissable Sports Lunch Networking View All Education Playa Power Data GlS QUT View All Membership News Australia / New Zealand Events Conferences Awards Networking View All Education Playa Power Data GlS QUT View All Membership Topics Brands Media & Broadcast Olympic Sponsorship Sports Tech Women’s Sport Show More Topics >> Sports Australian Rules Basketball Cricket Netball Rugby League Soccer (Football) Show More Sports >> Login Membership Home > Finance > SailGP Achieves Total Private Independent Ownership Franchise Model via MSP Sports Capital Acquisition Finance, Investment 3 min read SailGP Achieves Total Private Independent Ownership Franchise Model via MSP Sports Capital Acquisition Written by MOS Editorial Team Published on 23 June 2026 The Rolex SailGP Championship has confirmed that all 13 national competing teams are now fully transitioned into private, independent ownership following the acquisition of the New Zealand Black Foils SailGP Team by MSP Sports Capital. The transaction marks the complete realisation of the league’s foundational business model, successfully moving away from a centrally financed structure to an entirely privately operated franchise ecosystem. Commenting on the confirmation, SailGP co-founder and CEO, Sir Russell Coutts, said: “This is a very significant milestone for SailGP – and one we set out to reach from the very beginning.” “The goal of SailGP has always been to build something that world-class investors and sports operators would want to own – to have MSP Sports Capital, led by Jahm Najafi and Jeff Moorad, join our ownership group is further validation of that vision,” Coutts said. Expressing his enthusiasm about their acquisition, MSP Sports Capital Founder, Jahm Najafi, shared: “SailGP is one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world, and we are thrilled to partner with Russell Coutts and the SailGP organisation.” “We believe the New Zealand team is one of its flagship franchises,” he said. Black Foils Co-CEO and Olympic Champion, Peter Burling, added: “Today’s an incredibly important milestone for the Black Foils – and the start of an exciting new chapter for us in SailGP as we represent New Zealand on the world stage.” “MSP are world-class partners, with an understanding of elite sport and what it takes to build something that lasts,” he noted. The acquisition by MSP Sports Capital inserts a high-profile global sports investment firm into the SailGP ownership matrix. Founded by veteran investor-operators Jahm Najafi and Jeff Moorad, the firm adds the New Zealand franchise to an elite sports business portfolio that has featured structural stakes in McLaren Racing, Everton FC, and the X Games League. The acquisition arrives at an important operational juncture for the Black Foils, who return to the water this weekend at the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax after a multi-month competitive hiatus caused by a major mid-race collision with France in February. This trend is underscored by recent high-profile league buyouts, including Quantum Pacific’s purchase of the Spain SailGP Team, Doug DeVos’ acquisition of ROCKWOOL Racing, and the Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds-backed ownership group behind the BONDS Flying Roos. Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today! . National Football League owners have voted unanimously to approve the sale of the... The professional women's basketball league Unrivaled has officially announced that its Series C... LIV Golf announced that approximately 90 per cent of its workforce will be... Join the most engaged community in the Sports Business World. Get all the latest news, insights, data, education and event updates. Your MVP in the Business of Sport. We play the game to add value to the Sports Business industry by delivering News, Insights, Education and Events. Join the most engaged community in the sports business world. Want to be part of the team? Subscribe for free to join today! Copyright © 2026 | Ministry of Sport | All Rights Reserved.
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: ministryofsport.com