Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Set Sail with Australian SailGP Team Acquisition.
In a bold move that underscores the growing intersection of Hollywood and professional sports, actors Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have joined forces to acquire co-ownership of Australia’s SailGP team. The team has been rebranded as the BONDS Flying Roos, following a title partnership with iconic Australian underwear brand BONDS. This venture marks a significant expansion in the actors’ sports investment portfolios and brings renewed attention to the high-speed, high-stakes world of SailGP.
A New Chapter for the Flying Roos
The BONDS Flying Roos, formerly known as the Australian SailGP team, have been a dominant force in the league, securing three championships in four seasons. Under the leadership of Olympic gold medalist and team CEO Tom Slingsby, the team has consistently showcased exceptional performance on the water. The addition of Reynolds and Jackman as co-owners is expected to infuse the team with fresh energy and global appeal.
“Having Hugh and Ryan onboard is a game-changer,” Slingsby remarked. “Their passion for the sport and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our team’s values of spirit, resilience, and national pride.
SailGP: The ‘Formula One’ of Sailing
SailGP, co-founded by billionaire Larry Ellison and Olympic champion Russell Coutts in 2019, is an international sailing competition featuring identical 50-foot foiling catamarans capable of reaching speeds over 100 km/h. Often likened to Formula One for its emphasis on speed, technology, and team strategy, SailGP has rapidly gained popularity, especially among younger audiences. The league now boasts 12 national teams, including recent additions from Brazil and Italy.
The rebranded BONDS Flying Roos are set to debut under their new ownership at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix on June 7-8, 2025. This event will be broadcast live in Australia on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports, and Foxtel, providing fans with an opportunity to witness the team’s inaugural race under the new banner.
Hollywood Meets High Seas
The partnership between Reynolds and Jackman brings together two of Hollywood’s most charismatic figures. Reynolds, known for his roles in films like “Deadpool,” has previously ventured into sports ownership with investments in Wrexham AFC, a Welsh football club, and a stake in the Alpine Formula One team. Jackman, an Australian native and avid sailing enthusiast, brings both national pride and personal passion to the venture.
Their collaboration is expected to elevate the profile of SailGP, attracting new fans and sponsors to the sport. “This is more than just an investment; it’s about bringing the excitement of sailing to a broader audience,” Jackman stated.
Celebrity Influence in SailGP
The involvement of Reynolds and Jackman is part of a broader trend of celebrities investing in SailGP teams. French football star Kylian Mbappé has supported France’s team, while actress Anne Hathaway recently joined a female-led group acquiring the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team. These high-profile investments are contributing to the league’s rising commercial value, with teams reportedly requiring upwards of USD $50 million for ownership and some generating over USD $10 million annually.
Strategic Branding and Sponsorship
The rebranding of the Australian team as the BONDS Flying Roos signifies a strategic move to enhance the team’s national identity and marketability. BONDS, an iconic Australian apparel brand, brings its own legacy and recognition to the partnership. The collaboration is expected to boost merchandise sales and fan engagement, both domestically and internationally.
“Aligning with BONDS allows us to celebrate Australian culture and resilience,” Slingsby noted. “It’s a partnership that resonates with our team’s ethos and our fans.”
Expanding the Sports Investment Portfolio
For Reynolds, this venture adds to an already impressive portfolio of sports investments. His co-ownership of Wrexham AFC, alongside actor Rob McElhenney, has been a resounding success, with the club achieving back-to-back promotions and gaining a global fanbase through the docuseries “Welcome to Wrexham.” Additionally, Reynolds and McElhenney have acquired stakes in Mexican football club Club Necaxa and are considering investments in Welsh Fire, a cricket team in The Hundred competition.
Jackman’s entry into sports ownership with the SailGP team marks his first major investment in the sector, aligning with his personal interests and national pride.
Looking Ahead
The acquisition of the BONDS Flying Roos by Reynolds and Jackman is poised to bring a new level of excitement and visibility to SailGP. Their combined star power, business acumen, and passion for sports are expected to attract new audiences and sponsors, further propelling the league’s growth.
As the team prepares for its debut under new ownership at the upcoming New York Sail Grand Prix, fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how this Hollywood-meets-sailing venture unfolds.
With the BONDS Flying Roos leading the 2025 Championship standings, the stage is set for an exhilarating season ahead.
