MotoGP is the premier category of motorcycle racing in the Grand Prix, equivalent to F1 on two wheels, with a rich history and impressive legacy.
Reports suggest that Liberty Media, owner of Formula 1, is the main contender to acquire Dorna, although facing competition from several other interested parties. Liberty Media is a publicly traded company with interests in F1 and ticket sales company LiveNation.
British private investment firms Bridgepoint, Dorna Sports, and Liberty Media have not yet responded to a request for comment from Reuters.
According to Sky News, Bridgepoint, which holds nearly 40% of Dorna, aims to finalize the deal in the coming weeks, as stated by a single source.
Several reports indicate that Amazon, Netflix, and Disney are interested in acquiring MotoGP rights. It is worth noting that NBC has been broadcasting the global motorcycle series since 2020, but if these discussions are successful, ownership will transfer to a new broadcaster this season.
According to a report from BlackBook Motorsport, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta confirmed rumors of a possible sale in January, and negotiations seem to have progressed rapidly.
If MotoGP were to be owned by Liberty Media, it would bring significant commercial benefits, as the company has successfully enhanced the global prestige of Formula 1. In 2023, Formula 1 revenue increased by 25% to reach $3.2 billion, a figure not far from the overall MotoGP valuation.
However, it is important to note that comparing this acquisition to the purchase of Formula 1 by Liberty Media would be challenging. MotoGP has already taken significant steps in the United States, and credit for this progress should be attributed to the existing management, not just Liberty Media, if the purchase is completed.
(Reporting by Shubhendu Deshmukh; Additional reporting by [Author’s Name])
