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UBS & Alinghi: Redefining America’s Cup Sponsorship Success

Smart rights acquisition = de-risked sponsorship

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    Key Takeaways for Brands

    • Smart rights acquisition = de-risked sponsorship
    • Integrated campaigns drive global engagement
    • Internal activation boosts brand loyalty

    The UBS & Alinghi partnership proves that with the right strategy, sponsorships can transcend uncertainty and deliver world-class impact.

    Interested in redefining your sponsorship strategy? Let’s talk. 

    Inside this story

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    1. The Challenge: Navigating Sponsorship Risks in Yacht Racing.
    2. The Strategy: How UBS & Alinghi Achieved Sponsorship Success
    3. The Results: A Sponsorship That Delivered

    When UBS partnered with the Swiss challenger team Alinghi, led by sailing legends Ernesto Bertarelli and Sir Russell Coutts, the goal was clear: redefine sponsorship success in the high-stakes world of the America’s Cup. Through a strategic collaboration with Living Lab rights holder teamUBS, and media agency Starcom Worldwide, the campaign transformed traditional sponsorship into a high-impact, de-risked investment, delivering global visibility, brand engagement, and measurable ROI.

    Origination, rights purchase, design , advertising and distribution online, on TV, Online and on our employee's screens. This was a complex package delivered with rare clarity by Mark and the team.
    UBS Logo
    UBS
    Brand Communications Manager

    The Challenge: Navigating Sponsorship Risks in Yacht Racing

    America's cup sponsorship ubs aLINGHI

    Sponsoring a yacht racing team comes with inherent unpredictability—weather conditions, race outcomes, and global visibility are never guaranteed. For UBS, the challenge was to:

      • Minimize financial and reputational risks

      • Maximize brand exposure

      • Engage global audiences and internal stakeholders

    The Strategy: How UBS & Alinghi Achieved Sponsorship Success

    America's cup sponsorship ubs aLINGHI

    1. Securing Global Media Rights

    To ensure maximum visibility, Living.Lab helped UBS acquire:

      • Exclusive global TV and digital rights for the America’s Cup & Louis Vuitton Challenge

      • Broadcast distribution through leading networks like ESPN, Star Sports, and Eurosport

      • Embedded UBS branding in all race broadcasts, ensuring consistent exposure

    2. Integrated Multi-Channel Marketing

    The campaign went beyond traditional sponsorship with:

      • Custom UBS-branded content for global broadcasts and digital platforms

      • Real-time race analytics displayed on UBS trader screens worldwide, engaging employees

      • On-ground activations at yacht clubs and trading desks, fostering client interaction

    3. Employee & Stakeholder Engagement

    UBS didn’t just target external audiences—they brought the race to their teams:

      • Live race feeds in offices, boosting morale and brand alignment

      • Exclusive client events, deepening relationships through unique experiences

    The Results: A Sponsorship That Delivered

    The partnership between UBS and Alinghi wasn’t just successful—it was transformational.


    ✔ Alinghi’s America’s Cup Victory – A historic win that amplified UBS’s sponsorship impact
    ✔ Unprecedented Global Coverage – Secured broadcast in 100+ countries
    ✔ Enhanced Brand Positioning – Strengthened UBS’s reputation as an innovative, global leader
    ✔ Internal & External Engagement – Boosted employee pride and client relationships

    Legacy: A Blueprint for Future Sponsorships

    The UBS & Alinghi partnership set a new standard for sports sponsorships by proving that:


    ✅ Strategic rights acquisition minimizes risk and maximizes ROI
    ✅ Multi-channel marketing ensures engagement across audiences
    ✅ Internal activation amplifies brand value and team alignment

    Russell Coutts: A Lasting Partnership in Sailing Excellence

    Sir Russell Coutts, KNZM CBE, is a five-time America’s Cup winner and a pioneer in modern sailing. Twenty years after first collaborating on the America’s Cup, Living Lab continues to work with Coutts in his role as CEO of SailGP, shaping the future of sailing through:

    As the representative of SailGP in the Middle East and Italy, Living Lab remains committed to elevating sailing—just as we did with UBS and Alinghi.

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