#USA #New York #CBS Sports #SailGP #Rolex SailGP

SailGP and CBS Sports Extend U.S. TV Agreement Through 2027

SailGP, known for its thrilling water races, has officially announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with CBS Sports to broadcast the Rolex SailGP Championship in the United States. This agreement marks a significant milestone for SailGP as it solidifies its presence in American sports media, ensuring more than 50 hours of coverage each season for 2026 and 2027.

In this ongoing partnership, CBS will offer a mix of live broadcasts and highlight packages aimed at capturing the attention of a broader U.S. audience. This strategy is designed not only to entertain current fans but also to attract new viewers, expanding the reach of water racing in the competitive landscape of American sports.

A Landmark Agreement

Sir Russell Coutts, the co-founder and CEO of SailGP, expressed his enthusiasm for the deal, describing it as a powerful endorsement of SailGP's growth in the U.S. He remarked, "This landmark multi-year extension with CBS Sports is a powerful endorsement of SailGP's continued growth in the U.S. and the momentum of the championship globally." For over four years, CBS Sports has served as a dependable partner for SailGP, helping the league introduce itself to millions of new fans.

With this new agreement, CBS Sports Network will feature live coverage on select racing days, reinforcing its commitment to deliver electrifying content directly to viewers. This includes fan-favorite signature events that entice both seasoned sailing enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

Record Viewership and Growth Potential

The growth of SailGP is underscored by its impressive viewership statistics. In November 2025, the broadcast of SailGP's Race to Abu Dhabi attracted 3.469 million viewers, marking a record for sailing broadcasts in the U.S. This surpassed all previous averages, including the famous 1992 America's Cup coverage. Last season alone, the total global audience for SailGP escalated to nearly 215 million, with each event averaging an estimated 18 million viewers.

Fans can anticipate various exciting broadcasts throughout the 2026 season, starting with the Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG on January 18. The CBS broadcast schedule also includes key dates: February 28, April 18, June 7, July 5, September 5, alongside several TBA slots in October, November, and December. This robust lineup is set to captivate audiences with the high-speed thrills and competitive spirit intrinsic to SailGP racing.

Looking Ahead

As SailGP gears up for its next chapters, both CBS Sports and SailGP leaders are optimistic about the synergy that has been established. Dan Weinberg, CBS Sports' Executive Vice President of Programming, highlighted the mutual commitment to continuing to deliver world-class racing events that resonate with fans nationwide.

In conclusion, this partnership not only augments SailGP’s visibility in the United States but also solidifies its footing as a leading force in global competitive sports. With thrilling races ahead and a dedicated viewing schedule, fans are sure to enjoy an exhilarating experience over the upcoming seasons.

Upcoming Broadcast Schedule:

• - January 18, 2026
• - February 28, 2026
• - April 18, 2026
• - June 7, 2026
• - July 5, 2026
• - September 5, 2026
• - October TBD
• - November TBD
• - December TBD

SailGP continues to grow and innovate, making waves in sports entertainment and leaving a significant mark on the racing community, undoubtedly a future to watch closely.