April 3, 2024

Liberty Media to Acquire Dorna Sports and its Rights to MotoGP World Championship

The American mass media corporation Liberty Media is set to acquire Dorna Sports, which holds the exclusive rights to the MotoGP World Championship. By: Kritchanon Tan Kian Wei

UK - Liberty Media Corporation will acquire MotoGP parent company Dorna Sports in a deal worth €4.2 billion, or US$4.5 billion that is expected to be completed by end-2024.

Liberty Media will acquire approximately 86% of Dorna Sports, with Dorna management retaining around 14% equity. As part of the deal, Dorna Sports, which is roughly 40% owned by British private investment company Bridgepoint Group, will continue to be independently run.

Liberty Media President and CEO Greg Maffei said the following: “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.”

Liberty Media had previously acquired Formula One in 2017. Meanwhile, Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta commented: 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. 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 has an incredible track record in developing sports assets and we could not wish for a better partner to expand MotoGP’s fan base around the world.”

To never miss a story — sign up for Viral Weekly free newsletter to stay up-to-date with compelling TV and Film news and views.

Back to Listing

---