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SailGP Extends Broadcast Deal with CBS Sports Through 2026

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 14th 2026 at 11:44 GMT by TheWrap
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM

New York, NY - January 14th, 2026 - SailGP, the thrilling catamaran racing league founded by tech mogul Larry Ellison, has solidified its presence in the U.S. media landscape with a significant extension of its broadcasting agreement with CBS Sports. The multi-year deal, announced today, guarantees that CBS Sports will continue to showcase SailGP events through 2026, marking a period of sustained growth and visibility for the rapidly expanding sport.

SailGP burst onto the scene in 2019, conceived as a direct successor to the America's Cup World Series and the America's Cup Challenger Series. This departure was driven by a desire to create a more streamlined, accessible, and thrilling racing experience, drawing audiences beyond the traditional sailing community. Ellison, renowned as the co-founder and CEO of Oracle Corporation, provided the financial backing and technological expertise that propelled SailGP's launch and subsequent development.

The extended partnership with CBS Sports represents a major win for SailGP, granting the network exclusive television and streaming rights to all events. This includes comprehensive live coverage of the high-octane races themselves, as well as supporting programming designed to deepen fan engagement and explain the intricacies of the sport to a broader audience. The agreement underscores the league's commitment to reaching a wider American audience and builds on a relationship that began in 2021.

"CBS Sports has been an invaluable partner in bringing SailGP to American audiences," stated SailGP CEO Dan Abramovich. "We're delighted to build on this relationship, and their continued support is crucial for the sport's continued growth and for attracting new fans in the US." Abramovich's comments highlight the strategic importance of the CBS Sports deal, viewing it as a catalyst for expanding SailGP's reach and solidifying its position in the competitive sporting landscape.

The renewal isn't just a validation of SailGP's existing appeal; it signals recognition of the league's unique selling points. SailGP distinguishes itself through several key factors. First, the racing itself is incredibly dynamic. The use of identical, cutting-edge F50 foiling catamarans ensures a level playing field, emphasizing the skill of the sailors and the effectiveness of their teams' strategies. Second, SailGP events are held in various iconic locations around the globe, offering stunning visuals and appealing to a diverse range of viewers. Third, and arguably most importantly, Ellison's Oracle influence brings a technological edge to the sport - from the data analytics used to optimize performance to the advanced hydrofoiling technology inherent in the catamarans.

For CBS Sports, the extension reflects a recognition of SailGP's growing value as a sports property. "SailGP has quickly established itself as a compelling and exciting sporting property," noted Neal Freid, President of CBS Sports. "We're thrilled to continue showcasing it to our audience. The combination of the breathtaking racing, the innovative technology embedded in the boats, and the truly global appeal makes SailGP a perfect fit for CBS Sports' commitment to delivering diverse and engaging content."

The deal's longevity - extending through 2026 - allows both parties to invest further in promoting SailGP and experimenting with innovative broadcasting techniques. Expect to see expanded pre- and post-race analysis, enhanced digital content, and possibly even virtual reality or augmented reality experiences to further immerse viewers in the action. Looking ahead, SailGP aims to leverage the CBS Sports platform to cultivate a new generation of sailing fans, demonstrating that high-tech, thrilling competition can captivate audiences beyond traditional sport demographics.