Liberty Media Corporation has disclosed a finalized deal for the procurement of MotoGP™, the foremost motorcycle racing league globally. This championship is renowned for showcasing 22 elite riders vying on custom-made prototype motorcycles, achieving speeds exceeding 360 km/h (223 mph) on some of the most prestigious circuits globally. Originating in 1949 with just six events across Europe, MotoGP™ has flourished into a global spectacle with over 20 Grand Prix events on five continents, captivating hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.
Under this new arrangement, Dorna Sports S.L., the sole entity handling MotoGP’s™ commercial and television rights, will continue to operate as an independent entity within Liberty Media’s Formula One Group portfolio. Carmelo Ezpeleta, serving as CEO since 1994, along with his leadership team, will maintain their roles, guiding the business from its Madrid headquarters.
Furthermore, Dorna is entrusted with the exclusive rights to various other motorcycle racing competitions, such as the MotoGP™ development series Moto2™ and Moto3™, along with the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, and the newly established FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship.
Liberty Media is set to gain roughly 86% ownership of Dorna, while Dorna’s management will keep around 14% equity in the company. This transaction ascribes Dorna/MotoGP™ a total enterprise value of €4.2 billion and an equity value of €3.5 billion. It is anticipated that MotoGP’s™ prevailing debt will remain unchanged post-acquisition.
Greg Maffei, President and CEO of Liberty Media, expressed enthusiasm about incorporating MotoGP into their portfolio of premier live sports and entertainment properties. He lauded MotoGP’s extensive global following, enthralling races, and robust financial performance. Maffei is confident in the growth potential under Liberty Media, aiming to enhance the sport’s global reach, benefitting fans, teams, commercial associates, and shareholders alike.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the acquisition as a pivotal evolution for MotoGP. He expressed pride in the international sport developed under his guidance and anticipates further growth and global outreach in collaboration with Liberty Media.
The acquisition, expected to finalize by the end of 2024, is pending regulatory approvals from competition and foreign investment authorities across various jurisdictions.
