Liberty Media officially announces €4.2 billion acquisition of MotoGP

F1 owner Liberty Media has officially announced the acquisition of MotoGP for €4.2 billion.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, subject to approvals from various jurisdictions and foreign investment regulatory bodies.

This stunning deal signifies Liberty Media’s position as the owner of both premier two-wheeled and four-wheeled motorsport events in the world.

According to the terms of Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP, current rights holder Dorna will continue to operate independently, but will become a subsidiary within Liberty Media’s Formula 1 Group.

Carmelo Ezpeleta will remain as Dorna’s CEO, with the Dorna management team and its Madrid offices staying intact.

Liberty Media will acquire an 86% stake in Dorna, while the company’s management will retain 14% ownership.

“We are delighted to expand our portfolio of sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP,” said the President and CEO of Liberty Media. “MotoGP is a global championship with a passionate and dedicated fan base, an attractive motorsport with strong cash flow. Carmelo and his management team have built a fantastic sporting event that we can now promote to a broader worldwide audience.”

“There is significant potential for growth in the MotoGP business, and we intend to develop the sport for the benefit of fans, teams, commercial partners, and our shareholders,” he added.

“We are proud of our work in growing global sports,” commented Dorna’s CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. “This is the perfect next step in the evolution of MotoGP, and we are excited about the opportunities this milestone brings for the championship, Dorna, and our fans. Liberty’s track record in developing sports assets speaks for itself, and this transaction underscores the value and growth potential of our sport.”

In two weeks, MotoGP will hold its third round at the COTA circuit in the United States, providing a fitting stage for the American company Liberty Media to make its presence felt.

Since taking over F1 in 2016, Liberty Media has garnered significant praise for boosting the sport’s social media presence, generating buzz, and increasing fan engagement. The success of the Netflix series ‘Drive to Survive’ has also contributed to F1’s recent penetration into the US market, highlighted by the addition of the Las Vegas and Miami Grand Prix.