Liberty Media Completes €4.3bn MotoGP Acquisition, European Commission Approved

Liberty Media, the current owner of Formula 1, has received unconditional approval from the European Commission to acquire an 84-86% stake in Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP, with the deal expected to close by July 3, 2025. The acquisition marks a significant consolidation in the global motorsport industry, bringing two of the world's premier racing series under one corporate umbrella. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports since 1998, will remain in charge of MotoGP's day-to-day operations and retain a minority stake, ensuring leadership continuity amid the transition. Liberty Media aims to replicate its success with Formula 1 by expanding MotoGP's global fanbase and commercial appeal, leveraging media initiatives similar to F1's 'Drive to Survive' and upcoming film projects. Regulatory concerns regarding competition were addressed by the European Commission, which concluded the transaction will not raise competition issues in the European Economic Area. Both Liberty Media and Dorna express optimism about accelerating MotoGP's growth and increasing its worldwide reach under the new partnership.