Hugh Jackman Joins Ryan Reynolds in SailGP Ownership as the Sport Rides a Wave of Global Growth

Hollywood Meets High Seas in SailGP Expansion

Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, two of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, are bringing their star power to the sailing world. The duo recently announced their joint ownership of Team Australia in the SailGP championship, a fast-growing international sailing league that has been described as “Formula 1 on water.”

In a promotional video released earlier this week, the actors jokingly introduced themselves as the new co-owners of the Australian team before cutting to a high-energy montage of SailGP action. The move marks yet another intersection between entertainment and professional sports investment — and underscores SailGP’s ambitions to become a global mainstream competition.

SailGP’s Meteoric Rise Since 2018

Founded in 2018 by Sir Russell Coutts and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, SailGP was designed as a league-based sailing competition that brings together 12 national teams racing in identical high-speed carbon-fiber catamarans. Unlike traditional regattas such as the America’s Cup, SailGP focuses on consistent, season-long competition with standardized technology, accessible fan engagement, and major entertainment integration.

The league has grown from six teams in its debut season to 12 teams and 12 global events in 2025. Its events have generated an estimated $26 million in economic impact per host city, compared with just $6.8 million in its inaugural season.

Coutts and his 200-person staff have been on a mission to “crack the code” of making sailing appealing to a wider audience. By combining elite racing, live entertainment, and hospitality, SailGP has created an experience designed for both sports fans and newcomers.

Hugh Jackman’s Role in the New Wave of Celebrity Investment

For Hugh Jackman, who has long been associated with Australian pride and athleticism, this venture represents both a national and personal investment. While Reynolds has already made waves as co-owner of Wrexham AFC, Jackman’s entry into professional sports ownership marks a fresh chapter for the Australian actor.

The pair joins a growing list of celebrity investors in SailGP, including Sebastian Vettel, Kylian Mbappé, and Anne Hathaway, all of whom have taken stakes in various national teams. This influx of high-profile investors adds glamour and legitimacy to the sport’s growing global profile.

As SailGP Managing Director Andy Thompson told The Athletic, “We have a strength in that we’re not a breakaway league. We occupy a white space in sailing — a lane that didn’t exist before.”

How SailGP Is Redefining Competitive Sailing

While other emerging leagues like LIV Golf have struggled for mainstream recognition despite heavy funding, SailGP has distinguished itself through accessibility and inclusivity.

One of its defining features is that all race data is shared openly among teams. This transparency prevents any single team from gaining an overwhelming advantage and keeps competition tight — a model that former F1 engineer Phil Kennard called “a master stroke.”

Another key innovation is SailGP’s commitment to gender inclusion. Each team must include at least one female sailor, and in 2025, Martine Grael became the league’s first female driver, winning a race in New York. These milestones have positioned SailGP as a progressive and modern league in a sport traditionally dominated by men.

SailGP’s Commercial Success and Global Appeal

From an economic perspective, SailGP’s franchise model has proven lucrative. When Sir Ben Ainslie bought the British franchise in 2021 for under $5 million, few expected that its value would rise to over $60 million just four years later.

This surge in valuation mirrors the trend seen in Formula 1, where team values have skyrocketed thanks to streaming exposure and sponsorship growth. SailGP hopes to replicate that success with a mix of cutting-edge racing and lifestyle appeal.

SailGP events now include post-race concerts from artists like Pete Tong and Tom Grennan, adding a festival-like dimension that attracts new audiences. As SailGP Chief Marketing Officer Leah Davis explained, “We’re building an experience, not just a sporting event. People are willing to invest their time and money if the value proposition stacks up.”

A Growing Cultural Phenomenon

With its combination of speed, spectacle, and star involvement, SailGP is rapidly evolving from niche sport to global entertainment property. The upcoming Grand Final in Abu Dhabi will be the culmination of a record-breaking fifth season — and the first since Jackman and Reynolds joined forces in team ownership.

Analysts believe the involvement of celebrity investors like Hugh Jackman could help SailGP achieve mainstream visibility. “It’s definitely got a shot,” said British sailor Hannah Mills, emphasizing how accessible the format has become for casual fans.

The comparison to Formula 1 is fitting: both sports rely on technology, data, and storytelling to keep audiences engaged. But SailGP’s open data and gender diversity give it a unique edge in the modern sporting landscape.

Conclusion

Hugh Jackman’s partnership with Ryan Reynolds in SailGP ownership marks a pivotal moment in the sport’s evolution. What began as a niche competition has transformed into a fast-growing global league attracting elite athletes, luxury sponsors, and now A-list Hollywood investors.

As SailGP looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, the question remains: can this high-octane “F1 on water” truly go mainstream? If Jackman’s and Reynolds’s enthusiasm is any indication, the winds of change are definitely blowing in that direction.Stay tuned for more updates on sports, innovation, and celebrity investments at StartupNews.fyi.