Roger Hampel
Photo Credit: SailGP
Kylian Mbappé’s investment firm, Coalition Capital, has announced its entry into SailGP through an investment in the France SailGP Team, marking the football star’s latest move into the sports business sector. Alongside this investment, Mbappé’s foundation, Inspired by KM (IBKM), will become the team’s official charity partner, reinforcing his commitment to youth development through sport on a global scale. This move places Mbappé among a growing group of high-profile athletes expanding their business influence beyond football, diversifying into sectors such as sailing, esports, and entertainment.
Strategic Investment in a Growing Global League
SailGP, founded in 2019 by Sir Russell Coutts and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, is a high-speed sailing championship featuring 12 national teams competing on identical foiling catamarans. The series has been experiencing rapid growth, expanding its commercial partnerships and international fan base with events across major global cities.
The France SailGP Team, now fully privately owned, has been structured as a commercially-driven sports franchise, allowing investors like Mbappé’s Coalition Capital to play a direct role in its financial and strategic direction.
SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts welcomed the move, stating:
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kylian Mbappé into our growing SailGP family of partners and investors – he’s undeniably one of the most influential athletes of our time and an inspiration to sports fans across the globe.”
Kylian Mbappé himself emphasized the alignment between his business goals and SailGP’s mission, noting:
“We are excited to be on board with this new adventure with the France SailGP Team, alongside Accor and other investors. I'm also proud that IBKM has the opportunity to engage more young people around the world through this relationship.”
The Role of IBKM in SailGP’s Expansion Kylian Mbappé SailGP
Kylian Mbappé’s Inspired by KM foundation, which aims to provide opportunities for young people through education and sport, will become the France SailGP Team’s official charity partner. Through initiatives such as the “We Care for All” program, IBKM seeks to offer mentorship, financial support, and career pathways for disadvantaged youth. The partnership with SailGP will help expand these efforts to new communities, using sailing as a platform to promote inclusivity and accessibility in elite sports.
Mbappé commented on this initiative, saying:
“Through Inspired By KM, I want to reach out to young people around the world and give them the strength to believe in their dreams. Together, we are building a future where every young person can write their own story and achieve excellence.”
SailGP’s Business Expansion and Future Growth
SailGP has been making significant moves to increase its commercial footprint, including adding new teams such as Mubadala Brazil and Red Bull Italy. The France SailGP Team is managed by K-Challenge, a sports-tech company bringing together leading French sailing professionals under the leadership of co-CEOs Bruno Dubois and Stephan Kandler.
Additionally, Accor, one of the world’s leading hospitality groups, has been a key facilitator in strengthening the relationship between SailGP, France SailGP, and IBKM.
What This Means for Athlete-Led Investments in Sports
Mbappé’s investment in SailGP follows a trend of elite athletes diversifying their financial portfolios into sports beyond football, leveraging their brand value and global reach to influence commercial sports ventures. This strategic move mirrors similar investments made by LeBron James, Serena Williams, and Tom Brady, who have expanded their business interests into diverse sports franchises and entertainment ventures.
With SailGP continuing to attract global sponsors and expand its media reach, this partnership not only solidifies Mbappé’s business ambitions but also reflects the evolution of athlete-driven investments in modern sports commercialization.
As SailGP’s 2025 season gains momentum, the France SailGP Team—now backed by Coalition Capital and supported by IBKM’s social initiatives—positions itself as a major commercial and sporting entity in the growing landscape of professional sailing.
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