Marzio Perrelli, a former Sky executive with a background in finance at Goldman Sachs and HSBC, is poised to become the first Chief Executive Officer of the America’s Cup Partnership (ACP), according to multiple Italian media reports. The appointment comes as the America’s Cup seeks to modernize its governance and secure its financial future amid increasing competition from rival sailing circuits like SailGP.
The ACP was formed by the teams participating in the upcoming 38th America’s Cup, scheduled for 2027 in Naples, Italy. The partnership aims to establish a more stable and transparent framework for the competition, moving away from the traditional “Deed of Gift” which allowed the winning team to dictate the rules of the next edition. This shift is seen as crucial for attracting investment and long-term sponsorship.
While the ACP has not issued an official statement confirming Perrelli’s appointment, sources at Casa Italia in Cortina, where the Italian Olympic team was based, indicated the decision is nearing completion. “We have not issued any communication on this topic,” a representative from the America’s Cup organization stated, adding that “the search for top-level managers is always open.”
Perrelli’s career spans both the financial and sports industries. He spent over two decades in banking, including roles at Goldman Sachs and HSBC, before transitioning to Sky Italia in 2018. As Executive Vice President of Sky Sport, he oversaw the negotiation of television rights, managing hundreds of millions of euros annually. He was also considered for the position of CEO at AS Roma, but the opportunity did not materialize.
His experience in securing and adapting to the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting rights is considered particularly valuable to the America’s Cup. The sailing world, like other sports, is seeing a shift in viewership habits, with a demand for shorter, more dynamic content and increased streaming options. Perrelli’s expertise in these areas is expected to be key to increasing the America’s Cup’s reach and revenue.
The move towards a more commercially driven model for the America’s Cup is a direct response to the growing success of SailGP, a rival sailing circuit founded by Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts. SailGP’s format, featuring identical boats and shorter, more intense races, has attracted significant investment and a younger audience. American Magic, a prominent America’s Cup team, recently announced its withdrawal from the 2027 competition to join SailGP, highlighting the competitive pressure.
Perrelli’s potential appointment also aligns with a broader effort to create a permanent commercial platform for the America’s Cup, similar to those used by organizations like the NBA and FC Barcelona. This platform would facilitate sponsorship deals and financial management, aiming to establish a more sustainable business model for the competition.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Perrelli is also involved in philanthropic function, founding the Italian branch of the “Right to Play” organization, which supports children’s development through play.
The ACP remains internally divided on certain strategic issues, but the appointment of a CEO with Perrelli’s experience is seen as a critical step towards establishing a unified vision for the future of the America’s Cup. The organization has not announced a timeline for a formal announcement regarding the CEO position.
