Forecasting significant economic impact

The value of hosting the America’s Cup often seems to be about who does the counting. Since the venue the 2007 edition when the venue became an asset put out to bid, the anticipated value and final accounting don’t often line up. Valencia was the “winning bidder” for 2007, and it “only” took until 2022 for the debt to be settled.

After Barcelona hosted in 2024, they said no to 2027, with that opportunity now bestowed on Naples, Italy. Unsurprisingly, the local government is all butterflies and rainbows about the economic impact, with new analysis estimating that next year’s event could generate an overall economic impact of between €1.4 billion and €1.7 billion ($1.6-1.9 billion).

The same analysis found the 2024 America’s Cup in Barcelona generated an estimated €1.034 billion in economic impact and attracted approximately 1.8 million visitors during 59 days of competition and activity. And to that they said no? Hmm…

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.

The AC75 has a helm and trimmer on each side of the boat along with a fifth crew position and a sixth passenger position.

38th America’s Cup: https://www.americascup.com/

38th America’s Cup 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 is May 22 to July 4 before the 38th Match on July 10-19. Full details.

Preliminary Regattas:*
May 22-24, 2026 – Cagliari, Italy
September 24-27 – Naples, Italy

* The Protocol noted how there would be as many Preliminary Regattas as possible, with the intent to have three during 2026 and one possibly in early 2027, and a final event at the Match Venue immediately prior to the challenger series. Only two have been thus far revealed.

Source: AC media