In a historic move for sailing, the 2027 edition of the America’s Cup will be held in Italy for the first time. Italian public-service broadcaster Rai has finalized an exclusive deal to act as the host broadcaster for the iconic regatta, which is set to transform the coast of Naples into a global sporting hub.
Comprehensive Coverage Across All Platforms
The agreement between Rai and the America’s Cup organizing body is extensive. It covers:
- The main America’s Cup match.
- All challenger and preliminary series.
- The Youth America’s Cup and Women’s America’s Cup.
Rai CEO Giampaolo Rossi stated that the broadcaster will utilize a “multi-channel approach,” providing live races, on-demand content, and original behind-the-scenes productions to bring the 175-year-old competition to life for a modern audience.
A Landmark Year for Rai
This deal follows Rai’s recent acquisition of the 2026 FIFA World Cup rights, where they will air 35 matches, including the opening game and the final. Grant Dalton, chair of the America’s Cup organizing body, praised Rai’s production quality, noting they “tick every box” for presenting what is expected to be the most exciting edition in the event’s history.
Strategic Partnerships and Modernization
The 2027 event also sees the return of luxury giant Louis Vuitton as the title sponsor, continuing a partnership that dates back to 1983. Furthermore, the newly formed America’s Cup Partnership (ACP)—a collective framework between teams from New Zealand, Great Britain, Italy, Switzerland, and France—aims to modernize both the sporting and commercial aspects of the race.