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Liberty Media has just wrapped up a €4.2 billion deal to buy Dorna Sports, the company behind MotoGP. With this move, Liberty now controls 84 per cent of the business, while Dorna’s current leadership keeps the remaining 16 per cent. MotoGP is now part of the same group that owns Formula 1, marking a big shift in the motorsport world. Even with new ownership, MotoGP’s leadership isn’t changing. CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and his team, including Enrique Aldama, will continue to run the show. But Liberty is bringing in experienced names from F1—like Chase Carey and Sean Bratches, to help shape MotoGP’s next chapter.Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/motorsport-news/dutch-gp-marc-marquez-claims-68th-motogp-win-extends-lead-to-68-points-alex-injured-121102/">Dutch GP: Marc Marquez Claims 68th MotoGP Win, Extends Lead to 68 Points, Alex Injured</a>Dorna has been running MotoGP since 1991 and also manages Moto2, Moto3, MotoE, and World Superbikes. Liberty’s entry brings fresh hope that MotoGP can enjoy the same global boom F1 saw after its takeover in 2017. The focus now shifts to reaching more fans and boosting the sport’s appeal worldwide.
 
 <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/06/MotoGP-(6)-1750740208792.webp" alt="MotoGP (6).jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">Fans could soon see MotoGP through a whole new lens. Liberty’s success with F1’s 'Drive to Survive' shows what strong storytelling can do. Behind-the-scenes videos, emotional moments, and in-depth features could help bring new life to the sport and attract new fans.Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/motorsport-news/motogp-dutch-gp-crash-with-acosta-leaves-alex-marquez-with-a-broken-hand-121104/">MotoGP: Dutch GP Crash With Acosta Leaves Alex Marquez With a Broken Hand</a>With both major racing series now under the same roof, expect fresh ideas—maybe even joint events, cross-promotions, or shared content platforms. It’s a big opportunity to raise MotoGP’s profile and create a closer connection between the two sports for fans around the world.

F1 Owner Liberty Media Completes Acquisition of MotoGP

MotoGP joins Liberty Media’s portfolio alongside F1, opening doors to global growth, new content, and potential crossovers with Formula 1.

Formula One owner Liberty Media has announced plans to acquire an 86% stake in MotoGP from Dorna Sports, the current majority shareholder. Liberty will sell its £630 million stake in F1 to finance this acquisition. The sale of over 10 million F1 shares, priced at $77.50 each, is expected to generate the necessary funds for the MotoGP takeover. Liberty's interest in MotoGP first came to light in April, and after lengthy negotiations, they secured the deal by outbidding Qatar Sports Investments, the owners of PSG. The proceeds from the F1 stake sale will primarily be used to fund the MotoGP acquisition.

Additionally, some of the funds will be allocated to reduce Liberty Media's existing debt. This strategic move aligns with Liberty Media's expanding presence in the global motorsport industry. By acquiring a controlling interest in MotoGP, they aim to further strengthen their position and capitalise on the growing popularity of motorcycle racing.

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In a statement, Liberty Media said,&nbsp;'Liberty Media Corporation announced today that it has priced the previously-announced public offering of 10,650,000 shares of its Series C Liberty Formula One Common Stock (“FWONK”) at a public offering price of $77.50 per share. Liberty Media also granted the underwriter of the offering an option to purchase up to an additional 1,597,500 FWONK shares.

'The offering is expected to close on August 22, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, and is expected to result in approximately $825,375,000 in gross proceeds to Liberty Media, before deducting the underwriter’s discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by Liberty Media.

'Liberty Media intends to exercise its option to deliver additional cash in lieu of shares of FWONK as part of its previously disclosed proposed acquisition of Dorna Sports, S.L., such that all the consideration paid will be comprised of cash and no shares of FWONK will be issued to the sellers.'

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Since taking ownership of Formula 1 in 2016, Liberty Media has successfully improved the series. Under their leadership, Formula 1 has witnessed a surge in its popularity, resulting in unprecedented growth in viewership and revenue. With this success as a blueprint, Liberty is now focused on expanding its influence in the motorsport world by acquiring a controlling stake in MotoGP. Notably, Carmelo Ezpeleta, a prominent figure in MotoGP, and his son, Carlos, will retain their significant roles within the organisation, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity in the sport's management.

F1: Liberty Media to sell Formula 1 Shares to Fund MotoGP Acquisition

Liberty Media is selling a USD 825 million stake in Formula 1 to fund its acquisition of an 86% share in MotoGP owner Dorna Sports.

Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of <a href="https://www.autox.com/formula-one-sports/">Formula 1</a>, is facing increasing scrutiny over its decision to block Andretti Global's entry into the sport. The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an antitrust investigation into the matter, following vigorous public and political pressure. The inquiry was prompted by claims from Andretti and his supporters, including U.S. lawmakers, alleging unfair treatment in the application process. Liberty Media has publicly committed to full cooperation with the investigation. The dispute has escalated into a high-profile battle, with implications for the future of Formula 1. The outcome of the antitrust investigation could have far-reaching consequences for the sport, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape and influencing the series' global expansion plans.

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<h2>F1: Andretti and Formula 1 Entry</h2>

Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of Formula 1, is facing intense scrutiny after it decided to reject Andretti Global's bid to join the F1 grid. This move has sparked controversy and led to an antitrust investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, following pressure from Andretti's supporters and influential U.S. lawmakers who allege unfair treatment.

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The conflict has grown beyond a business dispute, becoming a significant issue for the future of Formula 1. The results of the antitrust investigation could have major impacts on the sport, potentially altering its competitive landscape, financial structure, and global growth. The situation has also brought to light broader concerns about the governance of elite sports and the balance between commercial interests and sporting fairness.

As the investigation continues, the motorsport world is closely watching, anticipating the potential outcomes and their implications for the future of Formula 1.

<a href="https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-owner-liberty-media-anti-trust-probe-andretti-rejection/10643128/">Source</a>

F1: Liberty Media Under Investigation for Rejecting Andretti Bid

Liberty Media faces intense scrutiny and a U.S. antitrust investigation after rejecting Andretti Global's Formula 1 grid bid.

Liberty Media, owner of Formula 1, has completed its acquisition of the MotoGP World Championship, according to Dorna Sports. The American entertainment conglomerate, who has had the exclusive rights to Formula 1 since 2016, will be offering an estimated sum of 4.2 billion euros to buy Dorna. Dorna has had authority over MotoGP since 1992 and furthermore supervises WorldSBK and the MotoE World Cup. According to the deal, Liberty Media will purchase 86% of MotoGP, while the current administration will keep about 14% ownership of the company. The sellers will receive about 65% of the transaction in cash, 21% in shares of Series C Liberty Formula One common stock, and 14% in retained MotoGP management equity.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the year, pending clearances and permissions from competition and foreign investment agencies in different countries. Although all sides agreed on the conditions some time ago, the ratification of the contract has been delayed beyond expected. Originally, there were plans to announce the relocation before to the start of the MotoGP season in early March.

Liberty Media President and CEO Greg Maffei said: "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 <a href="https://www.autox.com/moto-gp/">MotoGP</a> fans, teams, commercial partners and our shareholders.”

"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,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna. "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 Media has an incredible track record in developing sports assets and we could not wish for a better partner to expand MotoGP’s fanbase around the world.

"The acquisition is expected to be completed by year-end 2024 and is subject to the receipt of clearances and approvals by competition and foreign investment law authorities in various jurisdictions.

<h2>About Liberty Media</h2>

Since Liberty Media took over in 2016, <a href="https://www.autox.com/formula-one-sports/">Formula 1</a> income has skyrocketed in value from USD 1.7 billion to over USD 3.2 billion by 2023. This American powerhouse is sure to be a welcome addition to MotoGP, given its remarkable development trajectory.

The purchase in 2017 made Chase Carey CEO and Ross Brawn managing director of motorsports and technical director, both new posts. Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari's renowned former team principal, became Formula One Group CEO in September 2020. After this acquisition, Liberty's racing goals will grow, building on its success in Formula 1. <a href="https://www.autox.com/motorsport-news/motogp-new-bmw-boss-drops-intriguing-hint-about-future-entry-116542/">MotoGP</a>'s funding comes from retail sales, circuit fees, sponsorships, and TV rights, like Formula 1.

Formula 1's fan base has grown substantially under Liberty's watch, in large part because of the innovative partnership with Netflix to create the critically praised series "<a href="https://www.autox.com/exclusive-stories/formula-1-drive-to-survive-season-6-review-a-surviving-act-116284/">Drive to Survive</a>," which has been widely promoted on several social media sites.

F1 Owners Liberty Media Acquire MotoGP Rights for €4.2 Billion

The owner of Formula 1, Liberty Media, has reached an agreement to acquire the promoter of MotoGP. Back in 2016, the USA-based company bought Formula One Group.

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.

<h2>About Liberty Media</h2>

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<a href="https://www.autox.com/motorsport-news/motogp-new-bmw-boss-drops-intriguing-hint-about-future-entry-116542/"> MotoGP</a> 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 <a href="https://www.autox.com/exclusive-stories/formula-1-drive-to-survive-season-6-review-a-surviving-act-116284/">"Drive to Survive</a>," 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.

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

In 2017, Liberty Media acquired the Formula One Group. Now, the potential purchase of Dorna Sports presents another opportunity for Liberty Media to extend its reach into MotoGP.

Liberty Media

F1 Owner Liberty Media Completes Acquisition of MotoGP

F1: Liberty Media to sell Formula 1 Shares to Fund MotoGP Acquisition

F1: Liberty Media Under Investigation for Rejecting Andretti Bid

F1 Owners Liberty Media Acquire MotoGP Rights for €4.2 Billion

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

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