Formula One owners Liberty Media acquire MotoGP
The transaction values MotoGP at an estimated €4.2 billion. Liberty Media will take an 86% stake in the championship, while Dorna's management will retain a 14% interest.
Liberty Media Corporation, the owners of Formula One, have struck a major deal to purchase Dorna Sports, S.L., the commercial rights holders of the world-famous MotoGP™ World Championship. This multi-billion dollar agreement brings the thrilling world of motorcycle racing under the Liberty Media umbrella.
MotoGP is the premier motorcycle racing championship featuring elite riders from around the globe. With its origins dating back to 1949, the series has grown exponentially and now boasts a calendar of 21 races across 17 countries for the 2024 season. MotoGP's high-octane action, highlighted by stunning speeds and daring lean angles, delivers a unique spectacle to its passionate fan base.
MotoGP
The transaction values MotoGP at an estimated €4.2 billion. Liberty Media will take an 86% stake in the championship, while Dorna's management will retain a 14% interest. Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO since 1994 and a crucial figure in MotoGP's development, will stay on to lead the organization from its headquarters in Madrid.
Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei expressed enthusiasm about the deal, stating, “MotoGP is a global league with a loyal, enthusiastic fan base, captivating racing and a highly cash flow generative financial profile. Carmelo and his management team have built a great sporting spectacle that we can expand to a wider global audience."
This acquisition signals a new era for MotoGP and cements Liberty Media's position as a dominant force in global motorsports. Fans and industry insiders alike will be eagerly watching to see how this partnership unlocks new levels of growth and visibility for the world's top motorcycle racing championship.
Liberty Media Corporation owns and operates various media, communications, and entertainment businesses, including its interests in SiriusXM and the popular Formula One Group.
MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. Each season features incredibly skilled riders pushing prototype bikes to their limits on iconic tracks worldwide. Dorna Sports, the championship's commercial rights holder, also manages several other motorcycle series, including Moto2, Moto3, and the FIM Enel MotoE World Championship.