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Oakley Capital Takes Majority Stake in Ben Ainslie’s Athena Racing for 2027 America’s Cup

The deal follows new America's Cup governance introducing spending caps alongside a two-year cycle to reduce uncertainty.

Overview

  • Athena Racing confirmed Oakley Capital’s majority investment, describing it as providing long-term financial stability across the next Cup and future cycles.
  • Ben Ainslie retains a significant shareholding and remains team principal after funding the team himself following January’s split with Ineos.
  • The new America’s Cup Partnership of five founding teams sets a two-year event cadence under neutral management with spending caps of €75 million for AC38 and €55 million thereafter.
  • The British team plans a rebrand and has its previous boat in transit from Barcelona to Naples for modifications ahead of the 2027 challenge.
  • Ian Walker has been appointed CEO, and Ainslie expects to support from the sidelines in Naples as sponsorship talks continue without imminent announcements.