The America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) has officially announced that RAI will be the exclusive free-to-air media partner in Italy for the 38th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup. The deal encompasses the entire “Road to Naples” journey, including preliminary regattas, the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup, and the final Match scheduled to begin in Naples on July 10, 2027.
RAI CEO Giampaolo Rossi emphasized that this partnership aims to showcase the cultural and sporting significance of the world’s oldest sporting trophy, leveraging a multi-platform approach to reach a global audience.
1. “Road to Naples” Coverage Timeline
The national coverage will kick off shortly, following the teams through every stage of the competition:
- Sardinia Preliminary Regatta: The broadcast journey begins with the first preliminary event from May 21 to 24, 2026.
- Naples 2027: The coverage will peak during the Challenger Selection Series (Louis Vuitton Cup) and the final Match in Naples during the summer of 2027.
- Youth & Women’s Cups: For the first time, these specialized regattas will receive high-profile public service broadcasting in Italy.
2. Strategic Vision: Tradition Meets Innovation
Grant Dalton, President of ACE Italy S.r.l., highlighted RAI’s proven track record—citing their recent success with Winter Olympics coverage—as a key reason for the selection. The programming will focus on:
- Sustainability: Highlighting ocean protection and sustainable sporting practices.
- Technology: Using high-end production standards to explain the cutting-edge foiling technology of the AC75 boats.
- Local Heritage: Promoting the beauty and culture of the Italian host cities (Sardinia and Naples) to a global audience.
3. Multi-platform Engagement
RAI plans to utilize its entire ecosystem, including terrestrial TV channels, digital platforms (RaiPlay), and radio. Beyond live races, the broadcaster will produce:
- Original Productions: Documentaries and behind-the-scenes content featuring the sailors.
- Journalistic Insights: Daily segments and dedicated columns to deconstruct the tactical complexities of the races.
- Youth Opportunities: A focus on narrating the rise of young Italian sailors on the international stage.