The France SailGP Team has gained fresh wind in its sails this week, following the announcement that Ares Sports, Media and Entertainment funds has acquired a minority stake in the team. The news marks a significant moment in SailGP’s commercial evolution, adding further credibility to the league’s professional team model—and underscoring the growing global interest in high-performance foiling.
Ares joins an already star-studded group of backers, including none other than Kylian Mbappé. The French football superstar was confirmed as a founding investor in the team earlier this year through his Coalition Capital fund, as part of a broader push to support elite French sporting ventures. Now, with institutional capital and strategic nous entering the picture, the French SailGP campaign appears set to take its ambitions up a gear.
Heavyweight investors back a rising foiling force
The entry of Ares—whose sports investment portfolio includes Inter Miami CF, McLaren Racing and Atlético de Madrid—was described by SailGP managing director Andrew Thompson as a milestone.
“The investment in our French team by an organisation with a stellar portfolio of first-rate sports properties underlines the strength of SailGP’s global league model,”
– Andrew Thompson, SailGP Managing Director
Ares brings more than just capital. As a major global player in alternative asset management, its stake in the France SailGP Team brings credibility and long-term strategic weight. Jim Miller, co-lead of Ares’ sports division, made it clear that the company sees big potential in SailGP’s growing ecosystem.
“With the team’s expanding ecosystem of dedicated athletes, sponsors and fans… we are eager to lend our capabilities as the team continues to build on its momentum.”
– Jim Miller, Ares Management
Sportsology Capital Partners has also been confirmed as a new investor in the French team, joining the core group that includes Mbappé’s Coalition Capital and now Ares. The combined firepower gives France one of the most well-funded teams on the SailGP circuit—something that could pay dividends as the league eyes further global expansion.
Delapierre’s team building on new york momentum
Led by French Olympic sailor Quentin Delapierre, the team has had a mixed but promising run so far in the 2025 Rolex SailGP Season. A strong podium finish in New York earlier this month saw France place ahead of teams like Canada and New Zealand, proving the team has the speed and tactics to challenge the front runners.
Now sitting sixth overall in the season standings, France is within striking distance of the top five, with several events still ahead. With backing from global hospitality brand Accor, and managed on the water by K-Challenge, the French campaign is positioning itself as both competitive and commercially viable—a model SailGP leadership has long hoped to scale.
Investment wave continues across SailGP
The announcement is the latest in a flurry of high-profile acquisitions across the SailGP paddock. Earlier this year, the Italy SailGP Team was acquired by a consortium of investors from the Italian sporting sector, and the Australian team—now branded the BONDS Flying Roos—was bought by Hollywood names Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds.
Each of these investments reflects a growing belief among sports investors that SailGP has the ingredients for long-term success: global events, elite athletes, dramatic racing, and now, brand-driven team identities with real-world value.
SailGP’s unique structure—where teams can be owned independently and backed by commercial sponsors—echoes the franchise model seen in Formula 1, America’s Cup syndicates, and leading football leagues. This latest move by Ares only reinforces the perception that SailGP is building not just a racing series, but a scalable, investable sports product with international appeal.
The big picture for fans and the league
For Kiwi sailing fans, this news might not seem immediately relevant, but it’s part of a broader story. As more money enters the league and teams gain independence, we could see increased pressure for stronger national teams, new venues, and greater competition both on and off the water. And with New Zealand hosting an event in Auckland earlier this year, it raises questions about how New Zealand’s role in the league will evolve.
In the meantime, all eyes will be on France as they head into the next round of the 2025 season. With deep pockets, growing support, and a determined skipper in Delapierre, they’re one to watch.
Sources used for verification and background:
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Official SailGP press release (June 2025)
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SailGP Team France official site and investor updates
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Ares Management portfolio overview
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Interviews with Andrew Thompson and Jim Miller as quoted in the release
