Naples wants the America’s Cup, again

Since the 2007 America’s Cup when the defender sold the venue, the subsequent winning bidders have not hosted twice. It is an expensive endeavor for a city, and assessing value is not obvious, but the latest host remains optimistic.

Sports Minister Andrea Abodi declared that after Naples, Italy hosts the 2027 America’s Cup, the city is also aiming to hold the subsequent edition of sailing’s most prestigious competition.

According to Abodi, the transformation Naples’ seaside Bagnoli district is undergoing as it is being redeveloped for the event was encouraging the city to seek to have the event a second time.

“With Bagnoli, we have discovered a side of the city that had been left hanging suspended,” he said. “What has been achieved in such a short time, after 30 years of waiting, is a prime example of how public responsibility can be applied to quickly resolve critical situations.

“This interlude has broken a spell. We hope it will last and continue over time. We have two options (to keep the event in Naples): either convince them (the champions) or win with (Prada-backed Italian team) Luna Rossa.

“In any case, the citizens of Bagnoli should know that our goal is to give the venue fully back to the city.”

Details: https://www.americascup.com/

Defender New Zealand and Challenger of Record from Great Britain confirmed the Protocol for the 38th America’s Cup on August 12, 2025. The close of the initial entry period was October 31, 2025, with late entries considered up to March 31, 2026.

Current entrants:
• Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) – Defender
• Athena Racing (GBR) – Challenger of Record
• Luna Rossa (ITA) – Challenger
• Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI) – Challenger
• La Roche-Posay Racing Team (FRA) – Challenger
• American Racing Challenger Team USA (USA) – Challenger
• Team Australia (AUS) – Challenger

After the 2024 event, Barcelona, Spain declined hosting another edition, with the venue moved to Naples, Italy. Challenger racing begins in the spring before the 38th Match on July 10-18, 2027.

Preliminary Regattas:*
May 21-24, 2026 – Cagliari, Sardinia

* More are to be announced.