Red Bull Italy SailGP team acquired by investors
The Red Bull Italy SailGP Team has been acquired by a consortium of investors and sports industry leaders, led by Muse Capital founding partner, Assia Grazioli Venier, and luxury brand entrepreneur, Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo.
The new ownership group also includes Jimmy Spithill, one of the world’s most decorated sailors and SailGP icon, as CEO and co-owner, MFO Certuity, Yeh Capital, Alexander Gilkes, Evan Yurman, and leaders from global business, sport and stardom, with Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway, Adam Shulman, actress Miriam Leone, Julie Eddleman, Heather Karatz, Pete Delgrosso, and Dr Jennifer Ashton on board.
Russell Coutts, CEO and co-founder of SailGP, commented:
“We’re delighted to welcome Assia, Gian Luca, Jimmy and the wider Muse Sport consortium to SailGP’s expanding group of investors and team owners. Together, they bring an incredibly experienced, and exciting lineup of commercially-minded investors to the table, marking another significant milestone in SailGP’s growth as a league.”
A statement from SailGP states that ‘the group brings together a powerful combination of elite sports leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and celebrity status, with deep-rooted expertise in brand building and media’. The acquisition also marks a first for the global racing championship establishing Red Bull Italy SailGP with a female-led ownership group and a firm eye on the growing commercial viability of the mixed-gender championship.
Assia Grazioli-Venier, Founder of Muse Capital and Muse Sport, said:
“Italy has an extraordinary sailing legacy, and our mission is to be a catalyst for its next phase. Muse Sport is honored to lead this pivotal moment for our sport.
“SailGP has massive commercial potential for global growth and impact that this ownership group will realize, leaning on elite leadership with strategic entrepreneurial capital. As someone deeply connected to Italian and sailing culture, it’s an honor and a responsibility to help guide a team that embodies excellence, innovation, and true inclusivity.”
With Red Bull as Title Partner, the team’s ambition is to become one of the most innovative and brand-driven presences in the championship. The ‘Made in Italy’ consortium blends expertise not only in the world of elite sport and cutting-edge technology, but culturally resonant storytelling and top-class entertainment — a model representation of a new generation of globally ambitious sports ventures.
Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo, Chairman of the Board, added:
“SailGP is far more than a sporting competition – it’s a global platform for innovation, entertainment and hospitality. We are building a team that reflects the future of sports business: technology-led, culturally impactful and environmentally responsible.”
Established using a centrally-owned business model, the acquisition news follows a period of significant growth for SailGP, including a number of record team sales. Told through the lens of Spithill, the journey of the Italian team is highlighted in SailGP’s first-ever, long-form premium docuseries Uncharted, launching across global broadcast channels next month.
Jimmy Spithill, CEO, Founder and Co-Owner of SailGP ITA, concluded:
“Being at the top of the sport as an athlete for the last 25 years, it’s incredibly exciting to put together such a talented World Class Team-both on and off the water. This marks the next chapter in the evolution of Italian sailing, and I’m thrilled to share this journey with Assia and Gian Luca.”
Tifosy Capital & Advisory acted as exclusive financial advisor to Muse Sport.