VIP guests gathered in the heart of London as Disney+ Team Rivals headlined a showcase of new teams, jerseys and elevated event experiences
Thursday 14th May 2026, London, United Kingdom – Chestertons Polo in the Park officially launched its 2026 season last night with an exclusive, star-studded event at the Bluebird in Chelsea, ahead of the 15th edition of London’s most iconic sports & lifestyle event.
The highly anticipated launch saw the official draw for this summer’s tournament revealed, alongside the unveiling of the 2026 team jerseys in partnership with U.S. Polo Assn., Official Apparel and Jersey Partner.
Among the announced teams, the introduction of Disney+ Team Rivals took centre stage, bringing the world of the hit series Rivals to the polo pitch. The team will compete at Hurlingham Park from 5–7 June, marking a standout crossover between sport and entertainment.
Series 2 launches on Disney+ on 15 May and builds to its season finale on 5 June, perfectly aligning with the tournament’s opening day. Inspired by Dame Jilly Cooper’s iconic story and its glamorous polo backdrop, the collaboration adds a compelling cultural dimension to this year’s event.
Building on the evening’s key reveals, the official tournament draw confirmed the full line-up of international teams set to compete this summer:
- Disney+ Team Rivals
- New Equity Team London
- IBV Gold Team Cape Town
- Kohn, Loeb & Co Team Zurich
- Icon Global Team Texas
- Team Riyadh
- South Africa
- England
The opening fixtures for Friday 5 June are as follows:
- Game 1: Icon Global Team Texas vs IBV Gold Team Cape Town
- Game 2: Disney+ Team Rivals vs Team Riyadh
- Game 3: New Equity Team London vs Kohn, Loeb & Co Team Zurich
- International Match: England vs South Africa
The draw sets the stage for a dynamic and highly competitive tournament, with each team bringing a distinct identity to the fast-paced format that defines Chestertons Polo in the Park.
The event will also once again be headlined by its Northern Data Group International day by City A.M., as England take on South Africa for the historic Olympic Trophy on Friday. Marking South Africa’s return to the event for the first time in nearly a decade, the match brings elite international competition to the heart of London, setting the tone for the weekend and adding a compelling layer of sporting prestige to the 2026 tournament.
Discussing the matchup and the event at this year’s launch party, England captain Hazel Jackson said: “It’s an incredible event; it’s amazing to be in the centre of London, playing the sport which we love.
“The energy and the vibes are on. I haven’t done this in quite a few years, and I’m so excited to be coming back.”
South African International Chris Lund said:“We’re really looking forward to getting out there and seeing all those people and just playing for South Africa against England on such a prestigious day.
“There’s so many South Africans in London, and I think South Africa could take over the crowd!”
The launch event also featured the much-anticipated unveiling of the 2026 team jerseys, created in collaboration with U.S. Polo Assn. and featuring the global sport brand’s iconic double horsemen logo. Revealed for the first time on the night, the kits showcased two-tone ombré palettes paired with each team’s sponsor logos, reflecting both the heritage of the sport and the modern, city-centric energy of the event.
“Chestertons Polo in the Park captures the energy, accessibility, and style of modern polo, and U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to once again be part of that experience as Official Apparel and Jersey Partner,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global/U.S. Polo Assn.
“This partnership allows us to honor polo’s legacy while supporting a premier event that brings the sport to life in one of the world’s great cities.”
Adding to the evening’s excitement, celebrity attendance included reality TV personalities such as Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, further reinforcing the event’s position at the intersection of sport, lifestyle and entertainment.
What’s New Off the Pitch at Chestertons Polo in the Park 2026
Looking ahead to next month’s main event, Chestertons Polo in the Park 2026 will introduce an enhanced hospitality experience through a strengthened partnership with Bacardi’s premium portfolio. Guests can expect elevated serving moments across the event, featuring:
- Bombay Sapphire
- Patrón Tequila
- St‑Germain
New for 2026, attendees will also be able to enjoy two immersive bar experiences: The Patrón Bar and the St‑Germain Garden, further enhancing the event’s vibrant social atmosphere and adding to the plethora of options already on offer.
Rory Heron, CEO of Sportgate and Founder of Chestertons Polo in the Park, said:“Chestertons Polo in the Park continues to set the benchmark for bringing world-class polo into the heart of London, combining elite sport with an unrivalled social and entertainment experience.
“The 2026 edition builds on that momentum, from the strength of the international teams to the heightened off-pitch offering, and we’re proud to be part of an event that consistently evolves while staying true to the spirit of the game.”
Returning Fan Favourites
Once again in place for 2026 are a host of fan-favourite experiences that continue to define the Chestertons Polo in the Park atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the Champagne Pommery Garden, CALA, and the ever-popular Fulham Food Festival, alongside the Shopping Village and Pact Coffee stall.
Premium lifestyle activations also return, including Caudalie and the U.S. Polo Assn. merchandise shop, while the VIP and Chukka Club hospitality offerings will once again deliver elevated viewing and social experiences across the weekend.
Tickets and hospitality packages for Chestertons Polo in the Park 2026 are on sale now, already available to purchase here.
To find out more about Chestertons Polo in the Park 2026, please visit here.
