Hollywood A-lister Ryan Reynolds has added another sporting team to his stable, purchasing Australia’s Sail GP team with celebrity best friend and co-star Hugh Jackman.
Reynolds famously purchased Welsh soccer club Wrexham AFC with actor Rob McElhenney in 2021, and the club sealed a record third consecutive promotion earlier this year.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have purchased the Australian Sail GP team.Credit: Millie Turner/Invision/AP
The duo were also part of a group of investors to buy a €200 million share in French Formula 1 team Alpine in 2023.
However, Reynolds has now teamed up with his Deadpool and Wolverine co-star Hugh Jackman for his latest purchase of Australia’s three-time championship winning team, which is led by Olympic gold medallist Tom Slingsby.
The Australian team will also be re-branded as the BONDS Flying Roos SailGP team under the new ownership and sponsorship.
Sail GP is a global sailing league where teams race hydrofoils that reach speeds exceeding 100km/h.
The 12-team league travels around the world, where teams race across two days, with the top three teams taken into the final race at each location.
Australia’s Sail GP team helmed by sailing legend Tom Slingsby celebrate winning the title in 2022.Credit: Thomas Lovelock
Reynolds and Jackman released a brief statement about the purchase on Thursday night.
“We’re incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure,” it read.
“Hugh brings a deep love for and pride in his home country, as well as being an avid fan of sailing. He will also be bringing his overly clingy emotional support human along for the ride.
“Apologies in advance to Australia. No comment on whether we’re writing this in our BONDS. No further questions.”
Slingsby, who won gold at the 2012 Olympics in London, has led the Australian Sail GP for all four season so far, winning three of them.
The 40-year-old said the purchase was “an incredible milestone for us and for our sport, having global icons Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds come on board as co-owners of our team.”
“They bring unmatched star power, a love for storytelling, and a sharp sense of humour that fits perfectly with our team,” he said.
“With BONDS joining as our Title Partner and the launch of the BONDS Flying Roos, we’re building something distinctly Australian; a team driven by spirit, resilience, and national pride.”
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