F1 Owners Liberty Media Could Reportedly MotoGP Rights for €4 Billion

The Formula 1 owner, Liberty Media, is reportedly about to complete its purchase of the MotoGP World Championship for over €4 billion. Before the Americas Grand Prix on April 12–14, 2024, the third round of the MotoGP season, an announcement about the contract is likely to be made. According to a story in the Financial Times, Liberty Media, owner of Formula One rights, is close to acquiring Dorna, organiser of MotoGP and World Superbike. Last month, rumors started spreading that the famous American sports corporation was looking to expand into two-wheeled racing.

At one point, the private equity company CVC Capital Partners owned both MotoGP and Formula 1. But when CVC bought Formula 1, EU rules had them sell MotoGP. Dorna management has traditionally preferred Liberty as a bidder, but they have recently received approaches from Qatar Sports Investments—QWI—and TKO—a media and entertainment behemoth that claims control of the UFC Championship rights.

About Liberty Media

Since Liberty Media assumed control in 2017, Formula 1 has witnessed a staggering surge in revenue, catapulting from approximately $1.7 billion to nearly $3.2 billion by 2023. Given this remarkable trajectory, it's hardly surprising that MotoGP eagerly anticipates the involvement of this American powerhouse.

As a result of the acquisition in 2017, Chase Carey became CEO and Ross Brawn became managing director of motorsports and technical director, both newly created roles. Stefano Domenicali, formerly the esteemed team principal of Ferrari, was unveiled as the Formula One Group's new chief executive in September 2020. Should this move materialize, it would mark a significant stride in Liberty's racing ambitions, building upon its triumphant tenure in Formula 1. Much like its four-wheeled counterpart, MotoGP's revenue streams are sourced from retail sales, circuit fees, sponsorships, and television rights.

Under Liberty's stewardship, Formula 1 has experienced an exponential expansion of its fan base, largely attributable to the groundbreaking partnership with Netflix to produce the widely acclaimed series "Drive to Survive," extensively promoted across social media platforms. Furthermore, Liberty has shattered records with a calendar boasting an unprecedented 24 races this year, featuring iconic destinations such as Las Vegas and Miami.