MSP Sports Capital, a New York‑based private‑equity house that backs sports brands, snapped a majority stake in New Zealand’s Sail GP team, the Black Foils. The move marks the firm’s first entry into the high‑speed sailing league and expands its portfolio that already names X Games, McLaren Racing and Everton FC. The deal positions MSP as a growing player in niche sports assets.

Sail GP, which crowns the world’s fastest sailing squad, has long attracted investment from high‑profile owners. MSP’s acquisition follows a trend of private‑equity firms seeking exposure to emerging sports ecosystems, leveraging their experience across MLB, NBA, NFL and F1. By controlling the Black Foils, MSP gains a platform to test cross‑promotion and technology integration across its existing brands globally in market strategies across diverse fan bases.

For investors, the Black Foils stake offers a foothold in a sport with growing media rights and sponsorship deals. MSP can leverage its existing network to boost brand visibility and drive revenue streams for the team. The purchase signals a shift toward valuing high‑profile, performance‑based sports ventures as attractive portfolio additions.

The transaction also reflects MSP’s strategy to diversify beyond traditional football and racing assets. By entering Sail GP, the firm taps into a global fan base that watches races in real time, offering new advertising and data‑analytics opportunities. The move may prompt other private‑equity players to eye sports with high engagement metrics and limited competition for long‑term growth in the sector.