Liberty Media Corporation, the commercial rights holder for Formula 1, has received the final “unconditional” approval from the European Commission to acquire MotoGP, clearing the last regulatory hurdle in a multi-billion-euro deal set to transform the landscape of motorcycle racing.
The acquisition, first announced late last year, will see Liberty take an 84% stake in MotoGP’s parent company Dorna Sports. Dorna's management will retain the remaining 16%, with CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta remaining at the helm of the operation alongside his current leadership team.
The deal values Dorna at €4.3 billion in enterprise terms and €3.7 billion in equity, with existing debt at the company expected to remain intact post-closing.
Liberty is expected to assume control no later than July 3, with its entry signaling what both parties are calling a “new era” for the global motorcycle championship.
Strategic Growth Ahead
Liberty Media, which has been credited with significantly expanding Formula 1’s global audience since acquiring the sport in 2017, intends to apply a similar playbook to MotoGP.
In a statement, the company said it aims to “leverage its expertise” to grow MotoGP’s fanbase and expand its presence worldwide.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, welcomed the European Commission’s decision and emphasized the positive future ahead for MotoGP under Liberty’s stewardship.
“Today’s approval from the European Commission marks the final condition to closing Liberty’s acquisition of MotoGP,” Ezpeleta said.
“We are very happy that the European Commission has approved the transaction.
“This is an important milestone confirming the even brighter future that lies ahead for MotoGP.
“MotoGP is one of the most thrilling sports on Earth, and we look forward to accelerating the sport’s growth and expanding its reach to even more fans around the world.
“Liberty is the best possible partner for our sport and the entire MotoGP community, and we are excited to create even greater value for our fans, commercial partners and everyone competing.”
MotoGP's team owners came together at Mugello last weekend for a group photo.
Derek Chang, CEO and President of Liberty Media Corporation, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and its long-term ambitions for MotoGP.
“We are thrilled to officially commence Liberty’s partnership with Carmelo and his excellent management team,” Chang stated.
“MotoGP is a highly attractive premium sports asset with incredible racing, a passionate fanbase and a strong cash flow profile.
“We believe the sport and brand have significant growth potential, which we will look to realise through deepening the connection with the core fan base and expanding to a wider global audience.”
Joint Vision for the Future
With the regulatory green light now granted, executives from both Liberty and Dorna will establish a joint working group to map out the next phase of development for MotoGP. Initial sessions are expected to begin in Madrid – Dorna’s financial headquarters – in the second week of July.
The working group is expected to focus on widening MotoGP’s international reach, particularly in key markets like the United States, and on improving its commercial footprint through TV rights, sponsorship, and advertising.
Read also: Formula 1 now a $2B sponsorship powerhouse, trails only NFLThis includes revitalizing Dorna’s commercial division, which has been under strain during the prolonged transition period.
There is strong internal consensus at Dorna that MotoGP is a world-class product with untapped potential.
Liberty’s track record with Formula 1 – where it modernized media strategy, grew U.S. interest, and unlocked new revenue streams – is seen as a promising template for MotoGP’s next chapter.
As MotoGP enters this new phase, fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how Liberty’s involvement reshapes the sport’s future, both on and off the track.
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