Liberty Media completes its purchase of MotoGP

Just over a week after the European Commission authorised Liberty Media’s acquisition of Dorna, the American company has finalised the purchase of 84% of the Spanish firm, following a payment of €4.3billion.

The remaining 16% is retained by Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna, and Enrique Aldama, who oversees the company’s operations.

The announcement concludes one of the biggest takeovers in recent times in the sports entertainment industry. With this acquisition, Liberty Media - which bought the rights to Formula 1 in 2017 for $8bn - will now also control the second-most followed motorsport championship worldwide.

As with F1, the goal of the takeover is to expand MotoGP which, in Liberty’s view, has great growth potential, especially in specific regions around the globe. The North American market will receive particular attention, as the entertainment giant aims to finally bring MotoGP to a broader audience - something Dorna struggled to achieve.

Regarding the new leadership structure, Ezpeleta will remain in his role as CEO, with Aldama continuing alongside him as COO. Supporting them are Carlos Ezpeleta - who has been in charge of the sporting division for several years - and Dan Rossomondo, who joined Dorna in 2023 and will continue to lead the commercial area.

MotoGP and Ducati logos

Photo by: Emmanuele Ciancaglini / Ciancaphoto Studio via Getty Images

A new working group has been formed, including Chase Carey and Sean Bratches who were two key figures in F1’s transition under Liberty.

Carey was instrumental in introducing the budget cap that enabled teams to achieve greater financial success and multimillion-figure profits. During his tenure, the Concorde Agreement was also renewed in 2021, governing the distribution of championship revenues among teams. Carey stepped down as CEO in 2021 and was succeeded by Stefano Domenicali.

According to Autosport, the first meeting of the new board will take place at Dorna’s headquarters in Madrid next Monday. This will mark the start of a transition process that, in its first phase, will focus on the commercial side; specifically, the sale of broadcasting rights, tickets, advertising, sponsorships, and promoting the series.

A key objective will be expanding MotoGP’s reach in the United States, where significant efforts will be concentrated to grow the audience and achieve the market interest believed to be within reach.