Liberty Media Corp., the American company that owns Formula 1, has announced its acquisition of the MotoGP motorcycle racing series by the end of the year. The company will acquire approximately 86% of Spain-based Dorna Sports, which owns the commercial and television rights for MotoGP, for about $4.5 billion. Despite the acquisition, Dorna will remain an independently run company under the leadership of Carmelo Ezpeleta, who has been the series’ chief executive since 1994. This move comes as Liberty Media continues to expand its global racing portfolio, following its takeover of Formula 1 in 2017.
MotoGP, the premier racing series for motorcycles, is set to hold 21 grand prix races on four continents in 2024. The next race on the calendar is the Grand Prix of the Americas, which will take place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on April 14. This track, originally built for Formula 1, has been hosting MotoGP races since 2013. Spanish rider Jorge Martin currently leads the championship, with South Africa’s Brad Binder following closely behind after two races. The acquisition of MotoGP by Liberty Media is seen as a significant move that aims to further grow the sport and reach a wider global audience.
Greg Maffei, the president and CEO of Liberty Media, expressed excitement about the acquisition, highlighting MotoGP’s loyal fan base, captivating racing, and strong financial profile. Maffei emphasized the potential for growth and expansion, indicating plans to enhance the sport for fans, teams, commercial partners, and shareholders. The addition of MotoGP to Liberty Media’s portfolio reflects the company’s commitment to investing in and developing the world of motorsports. This move comes following the success of initiatives like the popular Netflix series “Drive to Survive” and the inclusion of new races in locations like Miami and Las Vegas in the United States.
The acquisition of MotoGP by Liberty Media is expected to bring significant opportunities for the sport and its stakeholders. With a focus on expanding the global reach of MotoGP and enhancing the overall experience for fans, teams, and partners, Liberty Media aims to drive growth and success in the sport. The move is part of a broader strategy to continue developing and innovating in the world of motorsports, building on the momentum and growth seen in recent years. The partnership between Liberty Media and MotoGP is poised to create new possibilities and elevate the sport to new heights in the coming years.
