Liberty Media to acquire Dorna Sports

Liberty Media has struck a deal to acquire Dorna Sports, the exclusive commercial rights holder to the MotoGP World Championship in a deal valued at €4.2 billion.

Liberty Media will acquire 86% of MotoGP with MotoGP management retaining approximately 14% of their equity in the business, which Liberty described as “the pinnacle of motorcycle racing”. During the 2024 season, MotoGP will host 21 races across 17 countries. When the deal completes, MotoGP will be attributed to Liberty Media’s Formula One Group tracking stock.

“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of leading live sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP,” said Greg Maffei, Liberty Media president and chief executive.

“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 MotoGP fans, teams, commercial partners and our shareholders.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, chief executive of Dorna since 1994, will continue to run the business headquartered in Madrid. Ezpeleta added: “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.

“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 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 of Dorna from Bridgepoint and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board is expected to be completed by year-end 2024 and is subject to clearances and approvals by competition and foreign investment law authorities in various jurisdictions.