America’s Cup 2027: Italy and Greece challenge Auckland for hosting rights
As an update to the article published yesterday, March 31st, we report the statement released overnight in Italy by Team New Zealand:
The New Zealand Government will not support the city of Auckland as a venue for the 38th America’s Cup in 2027. ETNZ has acknowledged this and is, implicitly, renouncing the defense of the Cup on home waters.
The full statement is available at the following link.
Italy and Greece are among the leading contenders to challenge Auckland as the host city for the 38th America's Cup, scheduled for 2027. According to New Zealand outlet Stuff, the two European bids remain in the running, despite Team New Zealand’s strong desire to bring the event back home.
The 2024 edition, held in Barcelona, saw Team New Zealand claim their fifth victory by defeating Britannia with a decisive 7-2. The event generated an economic return of over €1 billion for the Catalan capital and surrounding region. However, the city is not expected to bid again.
As Peter Burling and Nathan Outteridge lifted the coveted trophy in Barcelona’s port, the inevitable question arose: who will host the next edition?
Mediterranean ambitions: Italy and Greece step forward
Both Mediterranean nations are actively pushing to bring the America’s Cup back to European waters. It remains unclear whether they are ahead or behind Auckland in the race, or which cities are specifically involved. For Italy, Cagliari – the long-time base of Luna Rossa – is seen as a strong candidate. Greece, despite lacking a rich Cup history, did make an aborted challenge in the early 1970s.
Meanwhile, Sir Ben Ainslie, head of the British challenge Athena Racing, recently visited Team NZ in Auckland to discuss the upcoming protocol, suggesting a final decision is imminent.
Auckland’s hopes – but funding is key
Team NZ CEO Grant Dalton has repeatedly stated the team's ambition to return the Cup to Auckland, which previously hosted in 2000, 2003, and 2021. The local council is enthusiastic, citing significant potential economic benefits. The city’s tourism body, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, confirmed ongoing talks with Team NZ.
Dalton emphasized that to compete against billionaire-backed teams, public funding and private investment are essential. He urged the New Zealand government to “make that call” and get involved.
A global race: Europe, the Middle East, and beyond
Any bid will likely need to surpass the reported $130 million Barcelona invested for hosting rights. Other cities have shown interest – such as Rio de Janeiro and Valencia – but without formal bids. Valencia’s chances have dimmed after severe flooding hit the city shortly after the last Cup ended.
A bid from the Middle East also remains possible, as the oil-rich region continues to target elite sports events. However, it’s more likely one of its ports will host a preliminary regatta, as Jeddah did in 2023.
The road to the next showdown
Meanwhile, top contenders from the 2024 edition – Luna Rossa, American Magic, Alinghi, and Orient Express – are expected to return. The British effort may feature two rival teams, following the split between Ainslie and INEOS billionaire Jim Ratcliffe.
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