SailGP Makes History with Smarkets as First Sports Trading Partner

SailGP Enters Waters of Innovation with Smarkets Partnership

In a game-changing development for the world of sailing, SailGP has officially partnered with Smarkets, marking the league's first foray into sports trading. This collaboration is set to redefine how fans interact with the exciting realm of sail racing, underscoring SailGP's commitment to broadening its commercial footprint while enhancing viewer engagement.

Smarkets, an established name in prediction markets, has become the Official Sports Trading Partner of the Rolex SailGP Championship under a three-year agreement with rights across the UK, Ireland, and Sweden. This landmark deal comes at a crucial time as SailGP seeks to tap into the burgeoning sports betting market, positioning itself at the forefront of this growing sector within Europe.

The partnership isn't just a business arrangement; it paves the way for a more immersive experience for fans of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, which reigned as the champions of the 2025 Season. Activations will occur on-site at Grand Prix events and through digital initiatives, providing audiences with unique opportunities to engage more deeply with the sport they love.

Andrew Thompson, the Managing Director of SailGP, articulated the excitement around this partnership, stating, "SailGP is built on speed, precision, and data. The nature of our racing, with multiple short-course races, delivers thrilling and competitive action whenever our teams are on the water. Collaborating with Smarkets empowers us to leverage the sophisticated real-time data derived from SailGP to create innovative ways for fans to connect with the competition while encouraging the global expansion of our championship."

Jason Trost, the Founder and CEO of Smarkets, echoed these sentiments by emphasizing the unique advantages brought by data-driven exchanges in high-performance sports. He explained, "SailGP is rich in data, and that’s where exchange betting excels. Prices at Smarkets are influenced by real-time insights and the fierce competition between participants, rather than relying solely on bookmaker margins. This partnership introduces a transparent betting experience for fans across our three key markets."

The integration of Smarkets into SailGP events is not just about making betting available; it’s about utilizing data to enrich fan experiences. Sir Ben Ainslie, CEO of Emirates GBR, praised the partnership, noting that data is vital in the sport. With Smarkets facilitating real-time data access, fans can engage with SailGP more innovatively than ever before.

The SailGP series is renowned for offering exhilarating racing on the water. Featuring national teams competing in identical 50-foot foiling catamarans, the championship is a spectacle of speed, performance, and national pride, boasting total prize money of $12.8 million. With thrilling speeds that often exceed 100 km/h (60 mph), the events take place at iconic locales worldwide, drawing spectators and participants alike into the thrilling world of sailing.

As SailGP embarks on this new partnership with Smarkets, there lies immense potential to reshape the relationship between competitive sailing and its passionate fan base. SailGP is not merely adapting to current trends; it is setting new standards in sports engagement and commerce for the future. For those seeking to diversify their experience in sports viewing, the integration of real-time data and innovative betting practices through Smarkets is bound to make SailGP events even more exciting than they already are.

To explore further, visit SailGP's official betting page.