Auckland, 21 January 2026
Emirates has renewed its more than two-decade-long partnership as naming sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand, extending one of the longest-standing and most iconic sponsorships in international sailing through the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup and all Preliminary Regattas.
First established in 2004, the partnership has spanned over 20 years of elite competition and innovation, recently highlighted by Emirates Team New Zealand lifting the Auld Mug in Barcelona in 2024. This victory marked an unprecedented third consecutive defence of the America’s Cup, a feat never achieved by any other team in the competition’s history.
As part of the renewed agreement, Emirates will continue as Lead Sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand, retaining naming rights alongside its designation as Official Airline and Carrier.
The sponsorship will include prominent branding on the mainsail of each Emirates Team New Zealand yacht, defence chase boats, defence tenders, team bases, and crew uniforms, as well as the hull of the team’s AC75 yachts.
Emirates will also gain visibility across Emirates Team New Zealand’s digital, social, media, and live event channels, along with exposure in official team materials and international broadcasts.
As the Defender of the upcoming Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup to be held in Naples in 2027, Emirates Team New Zealand’s recent achievements provide a robust platform for Emirates’ ongoing involvement, reinforcing a legacy of leadership, technical excellence, and sustained performance at the pinnacle of world sailing.
This fifth renewal of the naming sponsorship signifies a mutually beneficial partnership for both entities, grounded in a shared pursuit of excellence and innovation. Through the years, this collaboration has led to significant advancements in high-performance yacht design and foiling technology, alongside Emirates’ leadership in aviation and customer experience.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, remarked, “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.” He added, “By lifting the Auld Mug for a third consecutive time, Emirates Team New Zealand has charted a course that no team in America’s Cup history has achieved before. That level of sustained success only comes from an uncompromising pursuit of excellence across every part of the programme. It is a philosophy we share at Emirates.”
Emirates Team New Zealand Chief Executive Grant Dalton stated, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Emirates as naming sponsor. Emirates has stood by this team through both victories and challenges since 2004, and that commitment has meant a great deal to everyone involved.”
The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will feature all competing teams racing AC75 America’s Cup class yachts. The Louis Vuitton Cup (Challenger Selection Series) will determine which Challenger earns the right to race the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the America’s Cup Match. Further details regarding the event schedule and venues will be announced in due course.
The renewal also underscores Emirates’ long-term commitment to New Zealand. Emirates first commenced services into New Zealand in 2003, now operating daily A380 services to Auckland and Christchurch via Sydney. The airline also facilitates A380 services across the Tasman, allowing customers to experience the iconic four-class double decker.
In addition to supporting Emirates Team New Zealand, Emirates has played a significant role in the global growth of sailing through high-profile partnerships, including the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team and major international regattas such as the Louis Vuitton Trophy in Dubai, enhancing the sport’s global visibility.
Emirates has a vast portfolio of global sports and cultural partnerships that connect millions of people through shared passions and world-class experiences. With a commitment to various sports, it has sponsored events from horse racing to global football, golf, tennis, and Australian rules football, showcasing its iconic “fly better” branding across leading sports clubs globally.
For more information on Emirates’ extensive sponsorship portfolio, visit here.
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