Emirates Renews Naming Rights Sponsorship of Emirates Team New Zealand for Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup
Emirates has renewed its long-running partnership as naming sponsor of the Defender of the America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand, extending the agreement through the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup and all preliminary regattas.
First established in 2004, the partnership has spanned more than two decades of competitive sailing and technical development. Most recently, Emirates Team New Zealand won the America’s Cup in Barcelona in 2024, marking its third consecutive successful defence of the trophy.
Under the renewed agreement, Emirates will continue as Lead Sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand, retaining naming rights alongside its designation as the team’s Official Airline and Carrier.
The sponsorship includes Emirates branding on the mainsail of each Emirates Team New Zealand yacht, as well as on defence chase boats, defence tenders, team bases, and crew uniforms. The Emirates brand will also appear on the hull of the team’s AC75 yachts.
In addition, Emirates will gain visibility across Emirates Team New Zealand’s digital, social, media, and live-event channels, as well as official team materials and international broadcasts.
The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup is scheduled to take place in Naples in 2027, with Emirates Team New Zealand set to compete as the Defender. The event will feature teams racing AC75 America’s Cup class yachts, while the Louis Vuitton Cup (Challenger Selection Series) will determine the challenger for the America’s Cup Match. Further details on the event schedule and venues are expected to be announced later.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said: “When Grant and I first met in Auckland in 2004 to sign our naming sponsorship of Emirates Team New Zealand, few could have imagined that more than 20 years later we would still be standing together as partners. By lifting the Auld Mug for a third consecutive time, Emirates Team New Zealand has achieved something no team has done before in America’s Cup history.
That level of sustained success comes from a focus on performance across every part of the programme. It is a philosophy we share at Emirates, and as the team prepares for the upcoming regattas and the 38th America’s Cup in Naples, we are proud to see the Emirates name continue to sail with them.”
Emirates Team New Zealand Chief Executive Grant Dalton said: “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Emirates as naming sponsor. Emirates has supported this team since 2004, and that commitment has meant a great deal to everyone involved. Having Emirates alongside us again supports the team as we prepare to defend the America’s Cup. The challenge ahead is significant, and our focus is on preparing to perform at our best.”
The renewal also reflects Emirates’ continued presence in New Zealand. Emirates began operating services to the country in 2003 and currently operates daily A380 flights to Auckland, as well as services to Christchurch via Sydney. The airline also operates A380 services across the Tasman, offering customers the option to travel between New Zealand and Australia on its four-class aircraft.
Beyond Emirates Team New Zealand, Emirates continues to support sailing through partnerships, including the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, and regattas such as the Louis Vuitton Trophy in Dubai, thereby contributing to the sport’s international profile.
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