Liberty Media, the American mass media company, has announced it is set to acquire MotoGP from Dorna Sports.
In a move valued at €4.2bn, Liberty Media will acquire approximately 86% of Dorna Sports, with MotoGP management retaining approximately 14% of its equity in the business.
As part of the deal, Spain-based Dorna Sports, the exclusive commercial and television rights holder of MotoGP, will remain an independently run company attributed to Liberty Media’s Formula One Group tracking stock.
Additionally, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports since 1994, will remain in his position and continue to run the business with his management team from its existing base in Madrid.
Ezpeleta said: “This is the perfect next step in the evolution of MotoGP, and we are excited for what this milestone brings to Dorna, the MotoGP paddock and racing fans.”
In addition to holding exclusive rights to MotoGP, Dorna also holds exclusive rights to other motorcycle racing series such as MotoGP feeder series Moto2 and Moto3, the FIM Enel MotoE World Championship, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and the new FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship.
While running these motorcycle series the company has several deals, including a partnership with Liqui Moly, which will continue as the exclusive lubricant supplier to the Moto2 and Moto3 classes until 2027, as well as a 2021 deal with Swiss watchmaker Tissot.
“We are proud of the global sport we’ve grown, and this transaction is a testament to the value of the sport today and its growth potential. Liberty Media has an incredible track record in developing sports assets and we could not wish for a better partner to expand MotoGP’s fanbase around the world,” Ezpeleta added.
”The acquisition is expected to be completed by year-end 2024 and is subject to the receipt of clearances and approvals by competition and foreign investment law authorities in various jurisdictions.”
This deal bolsters Liberty Media’s sports portfolio, the company is the commercial rights holder of Formula 1 and also a key stakeholder in Major League Baseball (MLB) team Atlanta Braves.
Greg Maffei, Liberty Media President and CEO, commented: “We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of leading live sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP. 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. The business has significant upside, and we intend to grow the sport for MotoGP fans, teams, commercial partners and our shareholders.”
