Global racing league SailGP has announced a high-profile collaboration with Grammy Award-winning artist DJ Khaled, who will serve as an ambassador for the sport during the US leg of the 2025 season. The partnership, formed in conjunction with Roc Nation Sports International, is designed to enhance SailGP's mainstream visibility and introduce a new audience to the world’s most technologically advanced sailing competition.
A statement by SailGP said Khaled will be a "recognisable face". It read: "As ambassador and chief hype officer, the music mogul will help SailGP redefine the sport of sailing."
As part of his role, DJ Khaled will bring his signature energy to SailGP’s upcoming US events, including the Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix (15-16 March), Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix (22-23 March) and Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix (7-8 June). Through an extensive social media campaign, he will spotlight the league’s high-adrenaline format, which sees 12 national teams racing 15.2-metre (50-foot) foiling catamarans at speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour.
"I’m excited to join the SailGP team and show the world how incredible the sport of sailing is," said DJ Khaled. "Growing up in South Florida, I’ve always loved being on the water, and now I get to bring that passion to this amazing championship. Let’s go sailing!"
SailGP noted its rapidly growing global fan base, with its broadcast audience expanding by 48 per cent and reaching nearly 200 million households across 212 territories. The league has also more than doubled its social media presence, with engagement soaring to 3.45 million cumulative followers.
SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts welcomed the collaboration, emphasising its role in growing the sport’s appeal: He said: "SailGP is evolving into one of the most dynamic global sports leagues, and DJ Khaled will play a key role in broadening our reach – especially in the US, where our next events will take place."
Robert Simpkins, chief marketing officer at Roc Nation Sports International, added: "At Roc Nation Sports International, we excel at blending sport and culture. Bringing DJ Khaled’s energy into the high-adrenaline world of SailGP is the perfect synergy. This partnership is about making waves – both on and off the water."
As SailGP continues to expand its footprint, this latest collaboration signals a new approach to audience engagement, merging elite sailing with pop culture to create a fresh and dynamic global sporting experience.
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