Ares Management, the Wall Street investment giant, has entered into a partnership with Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe. The two have acquired a minor stake in France SailGP Team - where old rivals find themselves suddenly in the same boat.

The $546 billion asset management company, which includes Atletico Madrid in its portfolio of sports investments, shares ownership with Mbappe’s Coalition Capital for the high-speed sailing team, creating an unusual alliance between the two soccer clubs from the Spanish capital.

Jim Miller, co-leader of Ares Sports, Media and Entertainment Strategy, who also owns stakes in Inter Miami and McLaren Racing, said: "We are delighted to join the existing owners group for the France SailGP Team at this pivotal point."

SailGP announced that it would add two new teams to its season in 2026, bringing the total number of flying catamarans up to 14. These boats can reach speeds nearing 100 km/h and fly across oceans.

Andrew Thompson, Managing Director of the league, said: "This investment by a company with an impressive portfolio shows how strong SailGP's model is for a global league."

The French SailGP Team is one of the original six SailGP teams. Quentin Delapierre, who took over the driving role in Season 2, assembled an impressive crew.

The team is known for its stellar starts, and their performance in windy and wild conditions. They hold the SailGP speed record of 99.94km/h, set in Saint Tropez during Season 4.

France is currently ranked sixth after their recent podium in New York. Spain is led by Olympic champion Diego? Botin is the leader of the 2024-25 standings. The next race will be the British Sail Grand Prix at Portsmouth on 19-20 July.

SailGP, founded in 2019 by Oracle’s Larry Ellison along with sailing legend Russell Coutts has quickly evolved from a centralised ownership model to a franchising model that has drawn celebrities and institutional investors.

Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds and a group of industry leaders recently bought the Australian team. Meanwhile, a consortium comprised of leading sports figures took over the Italian team.

Deloitte, a professional services firm, will oversee the selection of the two teams. Initial bids are due to close in mid-August with final decisions expected early September.

(source: Reuters)