SUMMARY
- Liberty Media acquires MotoGP, creating a dominant force in motorsports with an 86% stake.
- Dorna Sports retains operational independence, ensuring continuity under Liberty Media's leadership.
The checkered flag has dropped on a monumental shift in the world of motorsports as Formula 1 owners Liberty Media has acquired its two-wheeler motor racing counterpart, MotoGP. This historic move unites the major elements of racing under one banner, creating a powerhouse with unmatched global reach. Liberty Media takes the lead driver’s seat, acquiring a commanding 86% stake in MotoGP.
However, the remaining 14% stays with the series’ current management, ensuring continuity and institutional knowledge. The deal is expected to cross the finish line by year’s end, following standard regulatory approvals. This high-octane acquisition is fueled by the dreams and ambition of Liberty Media to expand its live sports empire. While MotoGP and F1 share a large fan base, it is rather an optimistic strategy to unite the two.
Liberty Media strikes $4 billion deal to acquire MotoGP
Dorna Sports, the Spanish company that has held the rights to MotoGP since the early ’90s, will continue to own a smaller stake and maintain operational autonomy under Liberty Media’s ownership. Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna’s CEO, will continue to lead the day-to-day operations from their headquarters in Madrid. This ensures continuity for existing MotoGP operations while allowing Liberty Media to leverage its expertise for future growth.
It’s official 🚨 F1 owner Liberty Media takes over MotoGP in $4bn deal with Dorna 💰
Liberty Media will acquire approximately 86% of Dorna, with Dorna management retaining approximately 14% of their equity in the business.#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/r19I11zVI0
— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) April 1, 2024
According to Ezpeleta, “We are proud of the global sport we’ve grown, and this transaction is a testament to the value of the sport today and its growth potential.” The acquisition process was reportedly competitive, with Liberty Media facing bids from prominent entities like Qatar Sports Investments and the ownership group behind Ultimate Fighting Championship.
While delivering the official announcement, Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei stated, “MotoGP is a global league with a loyal, enthusiastic fan base, captivating racing, and a highly cash flow generative financial profile. The business has significant upside, and we intend to grow the sport for MotoGP fans, teams, commercial partners, and our shareholders.”
Liberty Media’s success underscores the immense value proposition MotoGP represents within the global sporting landscape.
Carmelo Ezpeleta’s vision: Uniting F1 and MotoGP on a single track
Back in February this year, Ezpeleta has been fostering discussions about a joint race weekend, potentially taking place in 2026 at the upcoming Madrid F1 circuit. Safety remains paramount for Ezpeleta, with circuit type less crucial than adherence to rigorous safety standards. The MotoGP CEO stated, “Circuits are not separated between urban and non-urban, but safe and unsafe.”
🗣️: “It’s worth noting, these cannot be on street circuits!”
If you feared #MotoGP under Liberty would follow #F1‘s lead in street track-ifying its calendar… Liberty says that’s not on the table.
🗣️: “This is an unbelievable product. We’re not planning to change this sport.” pic.twitter.com/pgEsaHpSVM
— The Race MotoGP (@TheRaceMoto) April 1, 2024
However, he went on to praise the new Madrid Grand Prix plan as he added, “We did not see a little, we saw a lot and I really like what we saw of Madrid – a lot. I liked everything. At the moment it has not been discussed – they have not contacted us about it.” However, Ezpeleta clarifies that formal discussions regarding a joint Madrid event have not yet begun.
Despite this, the possibility continues to be explored. While highlighting his longstanding relationship with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, he added that the idea is still alive. With Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP, it seems more probable anytime in the near future.