SailGP launches sports betting with DraftKings and Bet365

Core Insights - SailGP is partnering with gaming companies DraftKings and Bet365 to allow fans to place bets on races, starting with the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix on June 7 and 8, 2024, aiming to enhance fan engagement and attract new audiences [1][2] Group 1: Business Strategy and Revenue Generation - The introduction of betting is part of a broader strategy to increase engagement and attract new fans to SailGP, which was co-founded by Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts in 2018 [2] - SailGP is already generating revenue through ticket sales, sponsorship, and media rights, with significant viewership growth noted [4][9] - The league has seen record attendance and viewership, with the 2025 ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix attracting 25,000 fans and the 2025 KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix reaching 21.1 million viewers globally [5][6] Group 2: Audience Engagement and Demographics - SailGP is drawing a younger and more diverse audience, with 49% of its YouTube subscribers aged 18 to 34, compared to about 25% for other sailing leagues [6] - The league captures 270,000 data points per second during live races to provide real-time odds to bookmakers, enhancing the betting experience [7] Group 3: Team Ownership and Investment - SailGP teams are being acquired at increasing valuations, with the U.S. team sold for $35 million, a significant increase from previous acquisition ranges of $5 million to $10 million [10] - The recent acquisition of the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team by a consortium, including actress Anne Hathaway, indicates a trend of diverse investors in the league, with teams now being valued at over $50 million [11][12] - Currently, 10 of the 12 teams are independently owned, with future teams expected to follow this model [12]