Barcelona Confirmed as Host City for the 2024 America’s Cup

Barcelona, Spain, has been chosen to host the 2024 America’s Cup, prevailing over competing bids from Málaga (Spain), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and Auckland (New Zealand). The decision, made by the current title holders — the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Team New Zealand — follows the established practice that the defending team selects the venue for the next edition of the event.

The selection of Barcelona represents a strategic choice for the 37th America’s Cup. Organizers highlighted the city’s proven experience as a top-tier regatta location after hosting the Olympic sailing regatta in 1992, its attractive waterfront and beach settings for fan engagement, and time-zone advantages that support global television coverage. According to reports, Barcelona’s bid included an offer of roughly 70 million euros, and local authorities estimate the event could deliver an economic impact in the range of $900 million to $1 billion based on past Cup activity.

Reaction from New Zealand

The outcome was a particularly disappointing result for New Zealand leaders who had hoped to keep the Cup in Auckland. The New Zealand government and Auckland Council jointly submitted a reported $99 million bid to host, but the proposal was ultimately not selected by the Defender. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern publicly expressed regret that the regatta will not return to Auckland, noting the strong national passion New Zealand attaches to the America’s Cup and the event’s cultural significance within the country.

Defender’s Perspective and Event Vision

Team New Zealand and its leadership framed the decision as part of a broader effort to expand the America’s Cup audience and grow competitive sailing internationally. Grant Dalton, CEO of Team New Zealand, emphasized the responsibility of the Defender to advance the event, aiming to create a spectacular show by staging high-performance AC75 yachts close to Barcelona’s waterfront and beach-based fan zones. The AC75 class — the foiling monohull yachts introduced in recent Cups — promises dramatic close-to-shore racing that organizers hope will maximize spectator engagement.

Terry Hutchinson, Skipper and President of Sailing Operations for New York Yacht Club American Magic, welcomed the selection, noting that knowing the venue now allows teams to refine preparations by studying local wind and sea conditions. With the event scheduled for September and October 2024, predicted wind ranges of approximately 9 to 15 knots should provide lively and tactical racing suited to the AC75s.

Logistics, Media and Economic Considerations

Barcelona’s suitability extends beyond the racecourse. Its historic port, accessible waterfront, and existing tourist infrastructure make it a strong candidate for accommodating teams, sponsors, crews, media, and the influx of spectators expected for a global sailing spectacle. Television broadcasters and commercial partners often prioritize time-zone placement to optimize viewership across multiple markets; Barcelona’s position in Central European Time is favorable for coverage across Europe and beyond.

Local and regional officials have framed the Cup as a major sporting and economic opportunity. The regional government’s estimate of up to $1 billion in economic benefit reflects potential gains from visitor spending, hospitality, transport, and event-related activity. Organizers and city authorities will now move into planning and coordination phases to build the race village, fan zones, hospitality areas, and the logistical framework required to stage a world-class regatta.

What to Expect Next

With the host city confirmed, teams can accelerate preparations specific to Barcelona’s conditions, including testing equipment, refining race strategy for expected wind ranges, and planning the shore-based fan experience. Fans can anticipate a dramatic spectacle with AC75 foiling monohulls racing close to shore, enhanced viewing opportunities from the waterfront, and a race village designed to attract both local and international visitors.

As organizers, teams, sponsors, and the host city begin coordinated planning, attention will turn to the finer details of race scheduling, spectator access, and broadcast arrangements to ensure the 37th America’s Cup delivers both high-caliber on-water competition and a memorable public event in Barcelona.