Liberty Media, the F1 owner announces MotoGP takeover

Liberty Media, the owner of Formula One, has agreed to buy the MotoGP for approximately 4.2 billion euros ($4.5 billion), according to the US-based company.  

MotoGP said in a statement on Monday that Liberty Media would acquire “approximately 86 percent” stake from Spain-based owner Dorna. 

Subject to clearances and permissions by competition and foreign investment law agencies in various jurisdictions, the transaction is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024.  

Liberty won't be the first business to control MotoGP and Formula One.  

Owner of both F1 and MotoGP, private equity firm CVC Capital Partners was compelled to sell the motorcycle series in order to purchase F1 due to opposition from EU competition authorities.  

“Liberty Media Corporation has announced an agreement to acquire MotoGP. MotoGP is the pinnacle of two wheels,” read a statement issued by MotoGP. 

“Liberty Media will acquire approximately 86 percent of Dorna, with Dorna management retaining approximately 14 percent of their equity in the business. 

“The transaction reflects an enterprise value for Dorna/MotoGP of EUR4.2 billion and an equity value of EUR3.5 billion, with MotoGP’s existing debt balance expected to remain in place after close.” 

Long-serving CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta will remain in the post he has occupied since 1994 with the business headquarters remaining in Madrid. 

“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of leading live sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP,” said Greg Maffei, Liberty Media president and CEO. 

"MotoGP is a global league with a loyal, passionate fan base, exciting racing, and a highly profitable profile that generates cash flow." We can bring this fantastic athletic event to a larger worldwide audience thanks to Carmelo and his management group.  

Ezpeleta expressed his excitement for the 21-race world championship to become even more. 

"We are thrilled for what this milestone brings to Dorna, the MotoGP paddock, and racing fans. This is the perfect next step in the evolution of MotoGP," Ezpeleta stated. 

"We are pleased with the international sport we have developed, and this deal demonstrates the sport's current worth and future growth potential.  

"Liberty has an amazing history of creating sports assets, so we could not wish for a better partner to expand MotoGP’s fanbase around the world.”