Hollywood giants Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds have invested millions to become co-owners of Australia’s three-time champion SailGP team, now renamed the BONDS Flying Roos.
Key Takeaways
- Hollywood actors Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds have bought a stake in the Australian SailGP team, which has been rebranded as the Bonds Flying Roos.
- The deal marks the first time the Australian team has had a title sponsor, with BONDS joining as the naming partner.
- The move follows Reynolds’ previous sports investments, including Welsh football club Wrexham AFC and a stake in the Alpine Formula One team.
- Jackman and Reynolds join team skipper and Aussie Olympic gold medallist Tom Slingsby as co-owners.
- The Rolex SailGP Championship, founded in 2019, has seen a wave of private investment and celebrity interest in recent seasons.
- Australia’s team, which has won three of the first four championships, currently leads the standings by one point as the season resumes in New York this weekend.
Crucial Quote
“This is an incredible milestone for us and for our sport, having global icons Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds come on board as co-owners of our team,” said Tom Slingsby, driver, CEO & co-owner of the BONDS Flying Roos.
“They bring unmatched star power, a love for storytelling, and a sharp sense of humour that fits perfectly with our team. With BONDS joining as our Title Partner and the launch of the BONDS Flying Roos, we’re building something distinctly Australian; a team driven by spirit, resilience, and national pride.”
Key Background
SailGP, sponsored by Rolex, is an international sailing championship featuring identical 50-foot foiling catamarans that reach speeds over 100 km/h. Since its launch by Sir Russell Coutts and billionaire Larry Ellison in 2019, the league has grown rapidly, attracting high-profile investors and expanding its global reach through partnerships with broadcasters and sponsors.
Australia’s team has been one of the league’s standouts, consistently performing at the top of the fleet.
“We’re thrilled to join forces with such an iconic duo and an adrenaline-fueled sport ready for its moment in the spotlight. And how do you say no to Hugh Jackman? He’s Australian royalty! As we set sail on this new adventure, the BONDS Flying Roos have one less thing to worry about – we’ve got their backs (and bums) covered”, said Tanya Deans, President BONDS Australia.
Big Number
$76 million: Estimated market value of a SailGP team, reflecting the sharp rise in team valuations in the championship’s fifth season.
What to watch for
The BONDS Flying Roos will debut their rebranded F50 catamaran at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, racing against 11 other national teams in front of the Statue of Liberty. The season will continue in Europe before culminating in Abu Dhabi later this year.
