Committee, Conner, Koch to Share New Sponsorship

The two defense syndicates--Team Dennis Conner and Bill Koch’s America-3--will share equally with the America’s Cup Organizing Committee in a major sponsorship agreement with AT&T; that was announced Tuesday.

The deal is believed to be worth more than $2 million, but Conner’s share alone will not be enough to allow him to build a second boat in his development program. Koch already has two boats and is building a third, which is expected to be delivered in December.

Conner stands to be the only syndicate of the seven that competed in the International America’s Cup Class World Championships in May that will not have a newer boat before Cup trials start in February. There are 10 challengers from nine countries.