New Zealanders will once again have a front-row seat to the pinnacle of sailing, as TVNZ has been named the official broadcaster for the upcoming defense of the Auld Mug. The announcement ensures that TVNZ the new home of America’s Cup defence will provide free-to-air access to the 38th America’s Cup, allowing the nation to follow Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) as they attempt to secure a record-breaking fourth consecutive victory.
The broadcasting agreement is comprehensive, covering not only the main Match but the entire ecosystem of the event. Viewers can expect extensive coverage of the preliminary regattas, the Louis Vuitton Cup, the Women’s America’s Cup, and the Youth America’s Cup. This multi-platform approach will span TVNZ 1 and Duke, as well as digital streaming via TVNZ+ and 1News platforms.
The journey to Italy begins well before the main event. The first preliminary regatta is scheduled to take place in Sardinia from May 21-24, 2027, marking the first official checkpoint for fans tracking the team’s progress. The main event, the 38th America’s Cup, will then unfold in Naples, Italy, with racing slated to begin in July 2027.
This partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for the defending champions. Emirates Team New Zealand enters this cycle as the holders of the trophy after a decisive victory over INEOS Britannia in Barcelona in October 2024. However, the transition to the next phase of the competition is already underway, highlighted by the news that Blair Tuke is stepping away from active sailing to lead the team’s strategic direction for the Naples campaign.
A partnership rooted in sporting history
The return of the America’s Cup to TVNZ is more than a commercial agreement; This proves a homecoming. The relationship between the broadcaster and the quest for the Cup dates back to 1987, when New Zealand made its first historic challenge in Fremantle, Western Australia. TVNZ was not merely a reporter of those events but was one of the original five sponsors of Team New Zealand, cementing a bond that mirrors the sport’s growth within the country.
Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, emphasized the importance of this continuity and the broadcaster’s ability to translate complex sailing maneuvers into compelling television. Dalton noted that TVNZ has a history of delivering innovative graphics and high-quality storytelling that brings the intensity of the water into the living room.
“It’s great that we could bring TVNZ back for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup and give fans free-to-air coverage of what is set to be a stand-out Cup in Naples,” Dalton said. He acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming task, stating, “We go into the ‘lion’s den’ as the Defender seeking to win for the fourth time in a row.”
Broadcasting the ‘DNA of Aotearoa’
For TVNZ, the acquisition is a strategic move to bolster its live sports portfolio. Nadia Tolich, TVNZ’s Chief News and Content Officer, described the sport as being part of the national identity, noting that the passion for sailing is woven into the fabric of the country.
“Emirates Team New Zealand is part of Aotearoa’s DNA. As a nation, we love getting behind our team out on the water and it will be a privilege to bring viewers every regatta and race, live, and free-to-view across our platforms,” Tolich said. She added that the broadcaster is fully committed to supporting the team as they strive to keep the trophy in New Zealand’s possession.
The commitment to free-to-air access is a significant win for fans, ensuring that the high-stakes drama of the Louis Vuitton Cup and the main match remains accessible without the need for expensive subscriptions. This approach aligns with the broadcaster’s recent efforts to maintain a strong presence in major sporting events.
TVNZ’s expanding sports portfolio
The America’s Cup is the latest addition to a growing list of high-profile sports acquisitions by TVNZ. The network has recently diversified its offerings to include a mix of global spectacles and grassroots competitions.
| Sport/Event | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | Comprehensive coverage including a $44.95 event pass for all 104 matches. |
| ANZ Premiership | Rights for professional netball coverage. |
| Grassroots Rugby | Select matches from NPC, Heartland Championship, and Farah Palmer Cup. |
| America’s Cup | Full coverage of 38th Cup, Louis Vuitton Cup, Women’s and Youth events. |
The road to Naples 2027
As the team prepares for the Italian waters, the focus shifts toward technical innovation and leadership transitions. The decision for Blair Tuke to move into a leadership role suggests a strategic shift in how Emirates Team New Zealand intends to manage the defense. While the sailing talent remains world-class, the operational management of the campaign will be critical in navigating the challenges of the “lion’s den” in Naples.
The timeline for the 38th America’s Cup creates a clear path for fans to follow over the next few years. The anticipation will build through the design and testing phases, culminating in the first live action in Sardinia in May 2027, and finally the championship races in July 2027.
With the broadcasting infrastructure now secured, the focus returns entirely to the water. The goal remains clear: to maintain the dominance established in Barcelona and secure a record fourth consecutive win for New Zealand.
The next major milestone for the campaign will be the announcement of the official sailing roster and the unveiling of the new boat designs as the team prepares for the May 2027 Sardinia regatta.
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