It was a year after the 2021 America’s Cup when defender Team New Zealand revealed the next edition would be moving to Barcelona, Spain. With the Kiwi team winning again in 2024, it is appearing the event is on the move again. Despite positive reviews for the Catalonia capital, the Barcelona City Council does not plan to invest in another edition. That was the message given to the team three days after their victory.

While the City Council does not oppose the 38th edition being held in Barcelona, it would be done through private financing from sponsors as there would be no further public contribution, at least from the City Council. This might be just as well, as New Zealand hopes for more than five challengers, and they don’t see the space for more teams in Barcelona.

But while one door closes, another one opens with Valencia – the Spanish port that hosted 12 teams for the 2007 America’s Cup – wants in again. Despite Valencia being left with significant debt from the 2007 and 2010 races, which had the city back out of the bidding for 2024, the success in Barcelona has brought the local government back to the table.

The chief variable looks to be Team New Zealand’s interest to hold the next America’s Cup in two years, and if Barcelona is out and Valencia can’t write a big enough check, then it is believed the racing will be in the Middle East which hosted a preliminary event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Based on previous opinion, that won’t be a popular choice.

Source: https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2024/10/23/one-door-closes-another-door-opens/