Subject to the approval of antitrust watchdogs, Formula 1 owner Liberty Media will also take over MotoGP. As the US company announced on Monday (April 1, 2024), the purchase price for the agreement amounts to around 4.2 billion US dollars (3.9 billion euros).
Liberty Media, which has also held the rights to Formula 1 since 2016, is taking over 86 percent of the shares of Dorna, a Spanish company that has held the Moto GP rights since 1992. The remaining 14 percent remain with the current Moto GP management. Carmelo Ezpeleta remains the managing director.
The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of this year. This means that Liberty Media then owns the rights to what are probably the most important racing series on four and two wheels. According to the US business magazine Forbes, Formula 1 is worth around $18 billion.
EU antitrust watchdogs examine monopoly position
According to the information, the deal still has to be approved by various competition authorities. It is questionable how the EU antitrust watchdogs will assess the deal in view of a possible monopoly position.
“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of leading live sports and entertainment properties with the acquisition of MotoGP,” said Liberty Media Managing Director Greg Maffei. “MotoGP is a global league with a loyal, enthusiastic fan base, compelling racing and a financial profile that generates strong cash flow.” MotoGP has “significant potential” and they want to further develop the racing series.
Even before the planned takeover, there was speculation as to the extent to which MotoGP and Formula 1 could even work together in the future.