Historically, even if they have a defender series and another US defending yacht wins the match, the cup would remain with GGYC. Technically speaking GGYC is calling the shots here - Ellison just happens to be the guy that owns the team that won it for GGYC....but I think we all know that the inner workings are probably a little different.

A defender series allows for a better and more refined defender to work to keep the cup and it keeps them from feeling like they need to mingle/compete within the challenger selection series.