Madrid rivals ride the same wave in SailGP move
Wall Street investment powerhouse Ares Management has sailed into partnership with Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe, acquiring a minority stake in the France SailGP Team - where old rivals suddenly find themselves in the same boat.
The $US546 billion asset manager, which counts Atletico Madrid among its sports investments, now shares an ownership table with Mbappe's Coalition Capital in the high-speed sailing franchise, creating a curious alliance between the Spanish capital's two soccer teams.
"We are thrilled to enter the league and join the France SailGP Team's existing owners group at this inflection point," said Jim Miller, Co-Lead of Ares' Sports, Media and Entertainment strategy, whose firm also holds stakes in Inter Miami and McLaren Racing.
The investment coincides with SailGP revealing it will add two new national teams for its 2026 season, expanding to 14 flying catamarans that rocket across global waters at speeds approaching 100 km/h.
"The investment in our French team by an organisation with a stellar portfolio underlines the strength of SailGP's global league model," said league managing director Andrew Thompson.
One of the six original SailGP Teams, the French team is spearheaded by driver Quentin Delapierre who assembled a stellar crew line-up when he took over as driver in Season 2.
Known for executing stellar starts and performing in wild and windy conditions, the team holds the SailGP racing speed record of 99.94 km/h set in Saint Tropez, Season 4.
France are currently sixth in the standings after a recent podium finish in New York. Spain, led by Olympic champion Diego Botin, top the 2024–25 season standings with 46 points. The next race comes at the British Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth on July 19–20.
Founded in 2019 by Oracle's Larry Ellison and sailing great Russell Coutts, SailGP has rapidly evolved from centralised ownership to a franchise model that has attracted celebrities and institutional investors alike.
Hollywood stars Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds recently acquired the Australian team, while a consortium of sports industry leaders took control of the Italian entry.
Professional services firm Deloitte will manage the selection process for the two new teams, with initial bids closing in mid-August and final decisions expected by early September.
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West Australian
18 minutes ago
- West Australian
Big Bash League draft: Aaron Finch predicts Laurie Evans will be on the table for Perth Scorchers at draft
Former Australian Twenty20 captain Aaron Finch says Perth Scorchers will be in the game for championship-winner Laurie Evans at Thursday afternoon's Big Bash League draft. The Melbourne Renegades legend — who will host the draft for Channel 7 — does not expect his former side will fight to retain Evans and believes he is still the perfect fit for the Scorchers. Evans was pinched by the Renegades at last year's draft with pick three and the club still has retention rights to him. WATCH THE BBL AND WBBL DRAFTS LIVE AND FREE ON 7PLUS ON THURSDAY 'I'm not convinced that the Renegades will look to retain him, to be honest,' Finch told The West Australian. 'I don't think there will be too much fight there from the Renegades. He didn't have the greatest year last year. 'When you're not bringing a bowling skill to the table as well as (being) a middle-order player, I think your numbers have to be very consistent. I think the Scorchers would be an obvious fit there.' Finch said a batter that is already familiar with the tricky Optus Stadium wicket would be attractive to the Scorchers. Evans also has strong relationships with senior players and staff at Perth and was a fan favourite in his two seasons at the club. 'He has played there before and done well and it is such a unique place to play, particularly for international players,' he said. 'So to target someone who you have had before, who you know can handle the conditions and play well there. 'It's obviously a high-pressure environment too, Perth. They're pretty passionate fans and they can jump off-board pretty quick as well. 'Just somebody who has been there and done it would be really attractive and no doubt he would be very high on the Scorchers list.' In an interview with The West on Tuesday, Scorchers coach Adam Voges said they would 'absolutely' look at bringing Evans back to Perth if he was still on the table for them. The Scorchers have pick four, 16 and 17 in the international player draft. They will use pick four to add Finn Allen to their list for a second season. They have hinted they could target spin late in the draft in a rare play, given both Ashton Agar and Cooper Connolly are left-arm finger spinners. Finch said it is vital to have variation in a spin attack, particularly on the east coast. He also forecast it would come in handy if the Scorchers were to play a final away from home. 'I think it's crucial to have that option in your squad, because you can't just tailor your side towards your home conditions, particularly when they are as extreme as they are at Optus,' Finch said. 'I still don't think it will be a high priority for the Scorchers, I think they will have a look and see in the last two rounds to see if they can find potentially a mystery spinner — every team wants one of those. 'You have to take all conditions into account. If you finish outside the top two you are playing away finals. You would expect to play one in either Melbourne or Sydney and you would have to have a really well-rounded squad.' The Scorchers also have retention rights to English quick Tymal Mills. It is believed they are interested in bringing the crafty bowler back to the club for the first time since 2022. They also have retention rights to English trio Keaton Jennings, Matthew Hurst and dual-citizen Stevie Eskinazi, but are less likely to consider a batting option outside of Evans. Pakistani superstar Shaheen Shah Afridi is widely tipped to land at Brisbane Heat with the first pick in the draft. The world-class left-armer has availability for a full-season. Finch said the Heat could form a bowling attack reminiscent of the Scorchers' in their hay-day if they take Afridi. That would also include Australian internationals Spencer Johnson, Xavier Bartlett and Michael Neser. 'You are weighing up whether Bartlett will be around the Test squad — he is a very, very good bowler — he has been around the Australian setup for quite a while,' Finch said. 'I'd still be very surprised if he doesn't go No.1 and the availability for the whole competition is huge. That's why Babar Azam was such a big get for the Sydney Sixers as well, because they are available the whole time. 'We have seen over a long period of time, teams with the best bowling attack go a long way to winning titles. Perth for years, when you had (Jason) Behrendorff, (Jhye) Richardson, (Andrew) Tye, Matty Kelly, combined with Agar, that was a formidable attack, particularly at home. 'There's no surprise that teams are looking to that bowling department to strengthen it. The old saying is 'batters sell memberships, bowlers win premierships' and that rings true.'
Perth Now
19 minutes ago
- Perth Now
The ex-Scorcher who could be back in orange this year
Former Australian Twenty20 captain Aaron Finch says Perth Scorchers will be in the game for championship-winner Laurie Evans at Thursday afternoon's Big Bash League draft. The Melbourne Renegades legend — who will host the draft for Channel 7 — does not expect his former side will fight to retain Evans and believes he is still the perfect fit for the Scorchers. Evans was pinched by the Renegades at last year's draft with pick three and the club still has retention rights to him. WATCH THE BBL AND WBBL DRAFTS LIVE AND FREE ON 7PLUS ON THURSDAY 'I'm not convinced that the Renegades will look to retain him, to be honest,' Finch told The West Australian. 'I don't think there will be too much fight there from the Renegades. He didn't have the greatest year last year. 'When you're not bringing a bowling skill to the table as well as (being) a middle-order player, I think your numbers have to be very consistent. I think the Scorchers would be an obvious fit there.' Finch doesn't think the Renegades will retain Evans. Credit: Jason McCawley - CA / Cricket Australia via Getty Imag Finch said a batter that is already familiar with the tricky Optus Stadium wicket would be attractive to the Scorchers. Evans also has strong relationships with senior players and staff at Perth and was a fan favourite in his two seasons at the club. 'He has played there before and done well and it is such a unique place to play, particularly for international players,' he said. 'So to target someone who you have had before, who you know can handle the conditions and play well there. 'It's obviously a high-pressure environment too, Perth. They're pretty passionate fans and they can jump off-board pretty quick as well. 'Just somebody who has been there and done it would be really attractive and no doubt he would be very high on the Scorchers list.' In an interview with The West on Tuesday, Scorchers coach Adam Voges said they would 'absolutely' look at bringing Evans back to Perth if he was still on the table for them. The Scorchers have pick four, 16 and 17 in the international player draft. They will use pick four to add Finn Allen to their list for a second season. Finn Allen. Credit: Paul Kane / Getty Images They have hinted they could target spin late in the draft in a rare play, given both Ashton Agar and Cooper Connolly are left-arm finger spinners. Finch said it is vital to have variation in a spin attack, particularly on the east coast. He also forecast it would come in handy if the Scorchers were to play a final away from home. 'I think it's crucial to have that option in your squad, because you can't just tailor your side towards your home conditions, particularly when they are as extreme as they are at Optus,' Finch said. 'I still don't think it will be a high priority for the Scorchers, I think they will have a look and see in the last two rounds to see if they can find potentially a mystery spinner — every team wants one of those. 'You have to take all conditions into account. If you finish outside the top two you are playing away finals. You would expect to play one in either Melbourne or Sydney and you would have to have a really well-rounded squad.' The Scorchers also have retention rights to English quick Tymal Mills. It is believed they are interested in bringing the crafty bowler back to the club for the first time since 2022. Tymal Mills. Credit: Morgan Hancock / Getty Images They also have retention rights to English trio Keaton Jennings, Matthew Hurst and dual-citizen Stevie Eskinazi, but are less likely to consider a batting option outside of Evans. Pakistani superstar Shaheen Shah Afridi is widely tipped to land at Brisbane Heat with the first pick in the draft. The world-class left-armer has availability for a full-season. Finch said the Heat could form a bowling attack reminiscent of the Scorchers' in their hay-day if they take Afridi. That would also include Australian internationals Spencer Johnson, Xavier Bartlett and Michael Neser. 'You are weighing up whether Bartlett will be around the Test squad — he is a very, very good bowler — he has been around the Australian setup for quite a while,' Finch said. 'I'd still be very surprised if he doesn't go No.1 and the availability for the whole competition is huge. That's why Babar Azam was such a big get for the Sydney Sixers as well, because they are available the whole time. 'We have seen over a long period of time, teams with the best bowling attack go a long way to winning titles. Perth for years, when you had (Jason) Behrendorff, (Jhye) Richardson, (Andrew) Tye, Matty Kelly, combined with Agar, that was a formidable attack, particularly at home. 'There's no surprise that teams are looking to that bowling department to strengthen it. The old saying is 'batters sell memberships, bowlers win premierships' and that rings true.'
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Mega money: Aussie golfers eye biggest purse in history
Australia's women's golf stars are saluting the "huge" opportunities as they eye not only major championship glory but the equal-biggest purse in the sport's history. Former champion Hannah Green and dual major winner Minjee Lee will spearhead a nine-strong Australian challenge vying for a monster $US12 million ($A18.5 million) pot at this week's Women's PGA Championship in Texas. Like at the US Open earlier this month, Sunday's winner is set to receive a whopping $US2.4 million ($A3.7 million) after officials on Wednesday morning revealed 15 per cent increase in this year's total prize pool. "I just saw that email about 20 minutes ago actually, that it had increased another couple of million. Yeah, it's huge," Karis Davidson said on a Zoom call from the US. "Women's sports and golf is definitely growing and trending in the right direction. "I don't know if it'll ever be on par with the men's, but it's definitely improving and the LPGA is doing the best they can to improve our tour." Playing the event for the first time since 2023, Davidson is thrilled to be back on the big stage after taking six months out of golf last year while feeling disillusioned. The revitalised 26-year-old enters the season's third major championship fresh off a career-best tied for seventh at last week's LPGA Meijer Classic, having held a share of the halfway lead in Michigan. "Just coming back, I have a new perspective with the game," Davidson said. "I wouldn't say it's just because I'm playing well. I have had these good results due to enjoyment." The Queenslander is certainly enjoying the perks back on tour, while also bracing for a true test at the Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco course."You can really feel it when you turn up to the course," Davidson said. "It's just the set-up is different and you can really feel like you're at a major. Like, in our locker room this week we have menus for food and trust me talking about food. "But the course is set up longer and tougher and everyone's out there really grinding. "It's my privilege to be able to compete in a major again." Steph Kyriacou, Gabriela Ruffels, Grace Kim, Cassie Porter, Hira Naveed and Robyn Choi round out the Australian contingent in Texas. While Davidson was happily dining with Airbnb housemates Green and Kyriacou on Tuesday night, world No.1 Nelly Korda was conspicuously absent from the traditional champions dinner because of a sore neck. The American had therapeutic tape on the back of her neck when she spoke to the media on Tuesday. Korda skipped two tournaments during the LPGA Tour's Asia swing because of a minor neck injury, but said she would be ready for Thursday's first round. "I hit a shot out of the rough and my neck went into a full spasm," Korda said, adding that she felt better but also acknowledged that it was impacting her swing and preparation. "Obviously with the injury that I had last year, every single time something kind of flares up in my neck now, I think I feel it a little bit more than what I used to. "But I have a great (physical therapist) who takes care of me. Trying to work through it, but I'll be ready by Thursday." The 15-time tour winner was the runner-up at the US Women's Open three weeks ago but hasn't won in nine starts this season. With The AP. Australia's women's golf stars are saluting the "huge" opportunities as they eye not only major championship glory but the equal-biggest purse in the sport's history. Former champion Hannah Green and dual major winner Minjee Lee will spearhead a nine-strong Australian challenge vying for a monster $US12 million ($A18.5 million) pot at this week's Women's PGA Championship in Texas. Like at the US Open earlier this month, Sunday's winner is set to receive a whopping $US2.4 million ($A3.7 million) after officials on Wednesday morning revealed 15 per cent increase in this year's total prize pool. "I just saw that email about 20 minutes ago actually, that it had increased another couple of million. Yeah, it's huge," Karis Davidson said on a Zoom call from the US. "Women's sports and golf is definitely growing and trending in the right direction. "I don't know if it'll ever be on par with the men's, but it's definitely improving and the LPGA is doing the best they can to improve our tour." Playing the event for the first time since 2023, Davidson is thrilled to be back on the big stage after taking six months out of golf last year while feeling disillusioned. The revitalised 26-year-old enters the season's third major championship fresh off a career-best tied for seventh at last week's LPGA Meijer Classic, having held a share of the halfway lead in Michigan. "Just coming back, I have a new perspective with the game," Davidson said. "I wouldn't say it's just because I'm playing well. I have had these good results due to enjoyment." The Queenslander is certainly enjoying the perks back on tour, while also bracing for a true test at the Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco course."You can really feel it when you turn up to the course," Davidson said. "It's just the set-up is different and you can really feel like you're at a major. Like, in our locker room this week we have menus for food and trust me talking about food. "But the course is set up longer and tougher and everyone's out there really grinding. "It's my privilege to be able to compete in a major again." Steph Kyriacou, Gabriela Ruffels, Grace Kim, Cassie Porter, Hira Naveed and Robyn Choi round out the Australian contingent in Texas. While Davidson was happily dining with Airbnb housemates Green and Kyriacou on Tuesday night, world No.1 Nelly Korda was conspicuously absent from the traditional champions dinner because of a sore neck. The American had therapeutic tape on the back of her neck when she spoke to the media on Tuesday. Korda skipped two tournaments during the LPGA Tour's Asia swing because of a minor neck injury, but said she would be ready for Thursday's first round. "I hit a shot out of the rough and my neck went into a full spasm," Korda said, adding that she felt better but also acknowledged that it was impacting her swing and preparation. "Obviously with the injury that I had last year, every single time something kind of flares up in my neck now, I think I feel it a little bit more than what I used to. "But I have a great (physical therapist) who takes care of me. Trying to work through it, but I'll be ready by Thursday." The 15-time tour winner was the runner-up at the US Women's Open three weeks ago but hasn't won in nine starts this season. With The AP. Australia's women's golf stars are saluting the "huge" opportunities as they eye not only major championship glory but the equal-biggest purse in the sport's history. Former champion Hannah Green and dual major winner Minjee Lee will spearhead a nine-strong Australian challenge vying for a monster $US12 million ($A18.5 million) pot at this week's Women's PGA Championship in Texas. Like at the US Open earlier this month, Sunday's winner is set to receive a whopping $US2.4 million ($A3.7 million) after officials on Wednesday morning revealed 15 per cent increase in this year's total prize pool. "I just saw that email about 20 minutes ago actually, that it had increased another couple of million. Yeah, it's huge," Karis Davidson said on a Zoom call from the US. "Women's sports and golf is definitely growing and trending in the right direction. "I don't know if it'll ever be on par with the men's, but it's definitely improving and the LPGA is doing the best they can to improve our tour." Playing the event for the first time since 2023, Davidson is thrilled to be back on the big stage after taking six months out of golf last year while feeling disillusioned. The revitalised 26-year-old enters the season's third major championship fresh off a career-best tied for seventh at last week's LPGA Meijer Classic, having held a share of the halfway lead in Michigan. "Just coming back, I have a new perspective with the game," Davidson said. "I wouldn't say it's just because I'm playing well. I have had these good results due to enjoyment." The Queenslander is certainly enjoying the perks back on tour, while also bracing for a true test at the Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco course."You can really feel it when you turn up to the course," Davidson said. "It's just the set-up is different and you can really feel like you're at a major. Like, in our locker room this week we have menus for food and trust me talking about food. "But the course is set up longer and tougher and everyone's out there really grinding. "It's my privilege to be able to compete in a major again." Steph Kyriacou, Gabriela Ruffels, Grace Kim, Cassie Porter, Hira Naveed and Robyn Choi round out the Australian contingent in Texas. While Davidson was happily dining with Airbnb housemates Green and Kyriacou on Tuesday night, world No.1 Nelly Korda was conspicuously absent from the traditional champions dinner because of a sore neck. The American had therapeutic tape on the back of her neck when she spoke to the media on Tuesday. Korda skipped two tournaments during the LPGA Tour's Asia swing because of a minor neck injury, but said she would be ready for Thursday's first round. "I hit a shot out of the rough and my neck went into a full spasm," Korda said, adding that she felt better but also acknowledged that it was impacting her swing and preparation. "Obviously with the injury that I had last year, every single time something kind of flares up in my neck now, I think I feel it a little bit more than what I used to. "But I have a great (physical therapist) who takes care of me. Trying to work through it, but I'll be ready by Thursday." The 15-time tour winner was the runner-up at the US Women's Open three weeks ago but hasn't won in nine starts this season. With The AP. Australia's women's golf stars are saluting the "huge" opportunities as they eye not only major championship glory but the equal-biggest purse in the sport's history. Former champion Hannah Green and dual major winner Minjee Lee will spearhead a nine-strong Australian challenge vying for a monster $US12 million ($A18.5 million) pot at this week's Women's PGA Championship in Texas. Like at the US Open earlier this month, Sunday's winner is set to receive a whopping $US2.4 million ($A3.7 million) after officials on Wednesday morning revealed 15 per cent increase in this year's total prize pool. "I just saw that email about 20 minutes ago actually, that it had increased another couple of million. Yeah, it's huge," Karis Davidson said on a Zoom call from the US. "Women's sports and golf is definitely growing and trending in the right direction. "I don't know if it'll ever be on par with the men's, but it's definitely improving and the LPGA is doing the best they can to improve our tour." Playing the event for the first time since 2023, Davidson is thrilled to be back on the big stage after taking six months out of golf last year while feeling disillusioned. The revitalised 26-year-old enters the season's third major championship fresh off a career-best tied for seventh at last week's LPGA Meijer Classic, having held a share of the halfway lead in Michigan. "Just coming back, I have a new perspective with the game," Davidson said. "I wouldn't say it's just because I'm playing well. I have had these good results due to enjoyment." The Queenslander is certainly enjoying the perks back on tour, while also bracing for a true test at the Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco course."You can really feel it when you turn up to the course," Davidson said. "It's just the set-up is different and you can really feel like you're at a major. Like, in our locker room this week we have menus for food and trust me talking about food. "But the course is set up longer and tougher and everyone's out there really grinding. "It's my privilege to be able to compete in a major again." Steph Kyriacou, Gabriela Ruffels, Grace Kim, Cassie Porter, Hira Naveed and Robyn Choi round out the Australian contingent in Texas. While Davidson was happily dining with Airbnb housemates Green and Kyriacou on Tuesday night, world No.1 Nelly Korda was conspicuously absent from the traditional champions dinner because of a sore neck. The American had therapeutic tape on the back of her neck when she spoke to the media on Tuesday. Korda skipped two tournaments during the LPGA Tour's Asia swing because of a minor neck injury, but said she would be ready for Thursday's first round. "I hit a shot out of the rough and my neck went into a full spasm," Korda said, adding that she felt better but also acknowledged that it was impacting her swing and preparation. "Obviously with the injury that I had last year, every single time something kind of flares up in my neck now, I think I feel it a little bit more than what I used to. "But I have a great (physical therapist) who takes care of me. Trying to work through it, but I'll be ready by Thursday." The 15-time tour winner was the runner-up at the US Women's Open three weeks ago but hasn't won in nine starts this season. With The AP.
