The investment provides Athena Racing with long-term financial stability to compete not only in the next America’s Cup but across multiple future cycles. It will also enable Athena to take full advantage of the newly created, landmark partnership governing the America’s Cup. The partnership, which Athena is a founding member of, is expected to boost the commercial appeal of the world’s most prestigious sailing competition.
A Transformational Investment from Oakley Capital
Oakley Capital’s majority investment establishes a new ownership structure for Athena Racing and brings their deep experience in scaling global businesses, proven expertise in high-performance sports and a strong track record of empowering ambitious management teams with the tools, capital, and strategic support required to perform at the highest level.
As part of the team’s updated structure, Ben Ainslie will focus on governance, commercial development while continuing to support the performance programme. He is joined by Ian Walker, recently announced as Chief Executive Officer. In the design room, Nick Holroyd has re-signed as Head of Design.These appointments reflect Athena’s commitment to building a world-class sporting and technical organisation capable of winning the Cup.
Athena Racing Team Principal Sir Ben Ainslie said: “I’d like to pay credit to Peter Dubens and the team at Oakley Capital for the critical role they have played in helping Athena and the other teams to shape this new partnership for the America’s Cup. Previously a Defender-led, winner-takes-all format, the America’s Cup now moves into a unified chapter that gives every team a seat at the table and a shared focus on commercial growth and continued technical innovation. With Oakley’s backing and expertise, and by drawing on the next generation of sailors with our Athena Pathway Programme, Athena is well positioned to help grow the Cup into one of the world’s most iconic and commercially successful sporting properties.”
Sir Ben Ainslie will retain a significant shareholding in Athena Racing (British America’s Cup team), with his shareholding forming part of the developing Athena Sports Group (ASG).
ASG also comprises a majority ownership of Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team – the 2025 SailGP Champions - & The Athena Pathway Programme, the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup Teams, formed to build a long-term equitable pathway into high-performance sailing. All of the sports teams support the 1851 Trust, a charity formed 10 years ago to empower the next generation of innovators through Sports and STEM inspired learning.
A New Era for the America’s Cup
The Oakley investment follows the establishment of the America’s Cup Partnership (ACP), which was jointly founded by the Challenger of Record, Britain’s Athena Racing representing the Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd, Defender Emirates Team New Zealand, and fellow competitors, as a unified governance and commercial body designed to sustainably grow the sport’s most iconic event.
For the first time in the event’s history, all competing teams now have a seat on the ACP Board, supported by an independent executive leadership team focused on commercial expansion, audience growth, and long-term strategic development.
Oakley and Athena Racing were at the forefront of the ACP negotiations, recognising early on that the partnership model would significantly enhance the commercial appeal and long-term stability of the America’s Cup.
Peter Dubens, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Oakley Capital, said; “The America’s Cup is the pinnacle of sailing and an icon of sport, won by only four nations since 1851. We’re partnering with Sir Ben and the Athena team precisely as the Cup enters a new era. With strong governance and a neutral management team focused on audience and media growth, the competition is set to broaden its appeal, improve accessibility and ensure long-term sustainability.”
Oakley will support Athena Racing by accelerating commercial partnerships, expanding brand visibility, and scaling operations.
With a new team structure, world-class leadership, Oakley Capital’s strategic investment, and the launch of the ACP, Athena Racing is entering a new era. On the water, the team is now preparing for a winter training camp, resuming development with AC40 monohulls ahead of the next America’s Cup in Naples, 2027.
