What's Happening?
Larry Ellison, co-founder of SailGP, has secured a two-year media rights extension with CBS Sports for the competitive sailing league. This agreement will provide over 50 hours of coverage each season
of the Rolex SailGP Championship across CBS Sports platforms in 2026 and 2027. The deal aims to capture a broad U.S. audience by broadcasting SailGP events and highlights on key weekends. CBS Sports Network will also feature live coverage of several racing days. SailGP co-founder and CEO Sir Russell Coutts described the deal as a significant endorsement of SailGP's growth in the U.S. and globally. The network has been broadcasting the championship in the U.S. since 2019, with the 2025 season drawing a record 3.469 million viewers for the Race to Abu Dhabi broadcast.
Why It's Important?
The extension of media rights with CBS Sports is crucial for SailGP as it continues to expand its audience in the U.S. and globally. The partnership with a major network like CBS Sports ensures that SailGP can reach mainstream sports audiences, enhancing its visibility and popularity. This deal is particularly significant as it comes at a time when Larry Ellison is also involved in a major business move, supporting his son David Ellison's bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. The increased exposure from CBS Sports could lead to greater sponsorship opportunities and financial growth for SailGP, solidifying its position as a leading global sports property.
What's Next?
The 2026 SailGP season will commence with the Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix, set to be broadcast on CBS on January 18. Additional CBS broadcast windows are scheduled throughout the year, including February 28, April 18, June 7, July 5, and September 5, with further broadcasts planned for October, November, and December. As the partnership progresses, CBS Sports and SailGP will likely explore new ways to engage audiences and enhance the viewing experience, potentially incorporating advanced broadcasting technologies and interactive features.
