
Formula 1 owner Liberty Media has acquired the MotoGP World Championship from Dorna Sports in a deal valued at €4.2 billion. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of Liberty Media’s live sports and entertainment portfolio and sets the stage for exciting developments in the world of motorcycle racing.
Under the terms of the deal, Liberty Media will take over 86% of MotoGP, while the existing management team will retain approximately 14% equity. The consideration to sellers comprises approximately 65% cash, 21% shares of Series C Liberty Formula One common stock, and 14% retained MotoGP management equity. This substantial investment underscores Liberty Media’s confidence in the future growth and profitability of MotoGP as a premier global sporting spectacle.
Greg Maffei, President and CEO of Liberty Media, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, highlighting MotoGP’s loyal fan base, captivating racing, and strong financial profile. He emphasized Liberty Media’s commitment to expanding the sport’s reach to a wider global audience while delivering value to fans, teams, commercial partners, and shareholders alike. With MotoGP’s significant upside potential, Liberty Media aims to capitalize on opportunities for growth and innovation in the years to come.
While both parties had initially aimed to announce the deal earlier in the year, regulatory considerations delayed the confirmation process. Liberty Media is now awaiting clearances and approvals from competition and foreign investment law authorities in various jurisdictions before the acquisition can be finalized. Despite these hurdles, both Liberty Media and Dorna Sports remain optimistic about completing the transaction by the end of the year.
The acquisition of MotoGP by Liberty Media draws parallels with past attempts by CVC to control both F1 and MotoGP. However, regulatory concerns ultimately led to the separation of interests to ensure competition within the European Union. With Liberty Media’s acquisition, MotoGP finds itself under the stewardship of a global entertainment giant with a proven track record of success in motorsport management.
With Liberty Media’s entry into MotoGP, fans can expect to see strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the sport’s visibility, accessibility, and appeal on a global scale. The success of similar efforts in Formula 1, including the popular Netflix documentary series “Drive to Survive,” provides a blueprint for leveraging digital platforms to engage audiences and drive growth. As MotoGP continues to expand its footprint, particularly in key markets like the United States, the stage is set for an exhilarating new chapter in motorcycle racing.
The acquisition of MotoGP by Liberty Media represents a transformative moment for motorsport, with the potential to reshape the landscape of motorcycle racing for years to come. As Liberty Media brings its expertise and resources to bear, fans can anticipate an exciting evolution in MotoGP’s presentation, promotion, and global reach. With the combined strengths of Liberty Media and Dorna Sports, the future of MotoGP looks brighter than ever.
In the wake of this historic announcement, motorsport enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the next chapter in the thrilling saga of MotoGP under Liberty Media’s ownership.
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