After building a successful business of racing on four wheels, Liberty Media is now aiming for success on two wheels. Formula 1 owner Liberty Media is finally set to complete a deal to take control of motorcycle racing series MotoGP after receiving approval from the European Commission.
The American media conglomerate has received the final and unconditional approval to acquire an 84% stake in Dorna Sports, the Spanish company that owns the commercial rights to MotoGP. The deal, which values Dorna at €4.3 billion ($4.97 billion), is expected to close by July 3, 2025, marking a significant development in global motorsports business consolidation.
The European Commission had initially paused the acquisition process in December 2024, initiating an in-depth antitrust investigation to determine whether the merger could inflate broadcasting rights costs across Europe. However, the Commission concluded that Formula 1 and MotoGP do not compete directly for sports broadcasting rights in national markets, and that other major sports continue to provide viable alternatives for broadcasters. With no significant competition concerns found, Liberty Media was given the green light to proceed.
“MotoGP is a highly attractive premium sports asset with incredible racing, a passionate fanbase and a strong cash flow profile,” said Derek Chang, President and CEO of Liberty Media. “We believe the sport and brand have significant growth potential, which we will look to realize by deepening the connection with the core fan base and expanding to a wider global audience.”
Continuity in MotoGP Leadership
Unlike its Formula 1 takeover in 2017, where Liberty Media replaced top leadership, this time the company is retaining the core management team at Dorna. Long-time CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta will continue to lead MotoGP operations, ensuring continuity in vision and execution. Liberty, however, is integrating its own expertise with the addition of Chase Carey and Sean Bratches—veterans of Liberty’s transformative work with F1—who will join the Dorna board.
Carey and Bratches played key roles in F1’s digital expansion and commercial growth, particularly in North America. Under their leadership, F1 gained popularity in the U.S. through initiatives like the Netflix docu-series Drive to Survive and the introduction of new marquee races in Las Vegas and Miami.
MotoGP currently runs a 22-race calendar that includes key global markets such as Indonesia, Argentina, Thailand, and the Czech Republic—regions with little or no current F1 presence. While four MotoGP races are held in Spain, only one takes place in the U.S., at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, one of five venues hosting both F1 and MotoGP in 2025.
With Liberty Media’s proven track record in elevating Formula 1, expectations are high for a similar growth trajectory for MotoGP in the years ahead.
(With inputs with PTI)