Five of the America’s Cup’s most established teams have formed a new alliance aimed at securing the long-term future of the world’s oldest sporting trophy.
The newly created America’s Cup Partnership brings together Emirates Team New Zealand, Athena Racing, Luna Rossa, Tudor Team Alinghi and France’s K-Challenge.
The group says the partnership will provide stability, shared governance and a professional structure for the 174-year-old competition.
The move follows the Protocol agreement signed in August between Emirates Team New Zealand, as Defender, and Athena Racing, as Challenger of Record, setting the framework for the 38th America’s Cup in Naples.
Grant Dalton, chief executive of Emirates Team New Zealand, said the initiative was about balancing tradition with sustainability. “We are securing the position of the America’s Cup at the pinnacle of innovation and professional sport for decades to come,” he said.
A central feature of the partnership is a fixed biennial cycle, with an America’s Cup staged every two years to give teams, sponsors and broadcasters greater certainty.
An independent management structure will oversee delivery of each event, with consistent commercial and sporting operations from one Cup to the next.
The alliance also commits to revenue sharing and cost controls designed to improve competitiveness while maintaining technological development.
Sir Ben Ainslie of Athena Racing said the partnership would protect the Cup’s role as a test bed for innovation. “It allows us to continue pushing the boundaries of naval architecture and sailing technology,” he said.
The partnership also confirms continued support for the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup, including a requirement for at least one female sailor onboard each AC75 at the next event.
Luna Rossa chief executive Max Sirena described the move as “a responsible choice toward the sport, our fans, and future generations”.
Further details of the partnership, including race dates, are due to be announced in Naples on 21 January 2026.
Entries for the 38th America’s Cup remain open until 31 January 2026, with racing scheduled for 2027.
