SailGP: Black Foils majority sold to New York based sports investment company

Peter Burling, co-CEO and driver of Black Foils SailGP Team - Practice session ahead of the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax, Canada. Thursday 18 June © Jason Ludlow - SailGP

SailGP has announced that MSP Sports Capital, headquartered in Manhattan, New York, has acquired a majority stake in the New Zealand SailGP Team – completing a landmark milestone for the Rolex SailGP Championship, as all 13 national teams are now owned by strategic third party partners.

The acquisition of the Black Foils – led by Olympic champions Peter Burling and Blair Tuke – marks MSP's entry into SailGP, adding the New Zealand SailGP Team to a global sports portfolio that includes or has included the X Games League, McLaren Racing and Everton FC.

A global private equity firm in the sports ecosystem, MSP was founded by veteran investor-operators Jahm Najafi and Jeff Moorad, whose expertise spans the world's largest sports leagues, including MLB, NBA, NFL, F1 and European football.

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.”

Jahm Najafi, Chairman, MSP Sports Capital said, “SailGP is one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world, and we are thrilled to partner with Russell Coutts and the SailGP organization. We believe the New Zealand team is one of its flagship franchises.”

Jeff Moorad, CEO, MSP Sports Capital said, “Our vision is straight-forward: win championships, represent New Zealand at the highest level, and build on the country's unmatched sailing culture. Peter and Blair are the best in the world at what they do – and we’re delighted to partner with them in this next chapter.”

Founded in 2019 by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and Sir Russell Coutts, SailGP was established using a centrally-owned business model with the goal of transitioning to private team ownership. Today’s announcement marks completion of that goal – with all 13 national teams now privately owned and operated.

The news follows recent high-profile acquisitions in the 2026 Season, including Quantum Pacific’s purchase of the Spain SailGP Team, the sale of the Danish-flagged Rockwool Racing to Orlando Magic owner Doug DeVos, and the Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds-backed ownership group behind the Bonds Flying Roos (Australia) last year.

Burling and Tuke, three-time Olympic medalists and multiple America’s Cup winners, will remain as co-CEOs of the Black Foils – leading a roster of elite sail racing talent competing at the highest levels of the sport. Representing one of sailing’s powerhouse nations, the Black Foils are among the most strategically valuable assets in the league – backed by legacy, a loyal global fanbase and strong commercial traction.

Celebrating the news, Burling said, "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.”

The Black Foils return to the startline at this weekend’s Canada Sail Grand Prix Halifax (June 20-21).