Formula One Owner Liberty Media Acquires MotoGP: Dorna to Remain Independently Run Company
In a groundbreaking move that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Formula 1 owner Liberty Media Corporation has announced its agreement to acquire MotoGP, the world’s leading motorcycle racing championship. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of Liberty Media’s global sports assets, following their acquisition of Formula 1 from CVC Capital Partners in 2017.
The deal will see Liberty Media acquire 86% of Dorna, the Spanish company that holds the commercial and television rights for MotoGP. The remaining stake will be retained by Dorna’s management, with CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta continuing to lead the Madrid-based business alongside his team. The transaction values Dorna/MotoGP at €4.2 billion, with an equity value of €3.5 billion.
“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio with the acquisition of MotoGP,” said Greg Maffei, President and CEO of Liberty Media. “MotoGP has a loyal fan base, captivating racing, and a strong financial profile. We see significant potential for growth and look forward to expanding the sport to a wider global audience.”
MotoGP, known for its high-speed action and thrilling races, features the world’s fastest riders competing on cutting-edge prototype motorcycles. With a global TV audience in the hundreds of millions, the sport has grown from its humble beginnings in 1949 to become a premier racing series with events on five continents.
“This is the perfect next step for MotoGP,” said Ezpeleta. “We are excited for what this milestone brings to the sport and its fans. Liberty Media’s track record in developing sports assets makes them the ideal partner to help us expand MotoGP’s reach worldwide.”
With Liberty Media’s successful track record in growing Formula 1’s fanbase through innovative content and outreach strategies, the motorsport community is eager to see how MotoGP will evolve under their ownership. The future looks bright for both MotoGP fans and stakeholders as the sport enters a new era under Liberty Media’s leadership.