The number of challengers for the 2017 America’s Cup may be increased even though the entry deadline has expired, according to James Spithill, the Oracle Team USA skipper.

There are six teams lined up to compete for the Auld Mug — Oracle, Artemis Racing, Ben Ainslie Racing, Emirates Team New Zealand, Luna Rossa Challenge and Team France. Spithill expects that number to swell with late additions.

“There’s an allowance for late entries and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a couple of other teams come in before the end of the year,” the former King Edward VII Gold Cup winner said.

“I can’t say who they are, but one of them will be pretty exciting for the whole event.”

All of the teams that have already committed to the event are waiting with bated breath for the venue for the final to be announced.

Bermuda, who are in a two-horse race with San Diego to host the event, are guaranteed to stage a World Series race if they fail in their bid.

Although the deadline is not until the end of the year, Spithill believes that an announcement could be made next month.

“It’s in the interests of everyone to get the venue out there as soon as possible,” he said.

Sir Ben Ainslie, skipper of British challenger Ben Ainslie Racing, believes that holding the America’s Cup in Bermuda would appeal to sailing purists.

Australian Spithill, 35, added that he did not believe the lengthy wait for a venue announcement had been a deterrent for potential contenders.

“It’s either San Diego or Bermuda, and that’s been known for a long time,” he said.

For challengers Emirates Team New Zealand, confirmation of a venue is vital.

“We’ve sort of plunged back into that period of uncertainty and the certainty makes a big difference,” skipper Dean Barker said. “For us, more than any of the teams, it’s important and it’s important for the sponsors to get good value.

“Certainty makes a big difference and adds a twist to the proposals we have to make to the Government.”

The New Zealand Government have already committed $5?million into Team New Zealand’s next campaign and are reportedly considering putting in as much as $36?million — the same amount as last time. Team New Zealand’s total spend in 2013 was about $180?million.

However, Business, Innovation and Employment Minister Steven Joyce said that the Government were unable to offer increased funding until the host venue was made public.