An impending decision on the mega $4.8 billion MotoGP deal by Liberty Media is sending shockwaves through the motorsport world, as the European Commission’s investigation into the buy-out is reaching its climax.
Since the announcement of the acquisition in April last year, the deal has been under scrutiny, facing obstacles such as regulatory approval for foreign investment in various markets and clearance from the European Commission. The long-awaited verdict is expected to be delivered within the next two weeks.
Initially anticipated to be finalized by the end of 2024, the deal has been prolonged by over six months, with the European Commission launching a Phase II investigation due to concerns about potential competition issues in the broadcasting rights market for motorsport events.
Despite reassurances from Liberty Media that both F1 and MotoGP would remain separate entities, critics, including Formula E founder Alejandro Agag, have voiced apprehensions about the merger’s impact on European motorsport fans and broadcasters.
The Phase II investigation has seen multiple deadline extensions, with the current decision date set for July 1. However, documents filed by Liberty Media indicate a new longstop date of June 30, beyond which the deal could collapse if a verdict is not reached.
The stakes are high as Liberty Media faces penalties and the possibility of the deal falling through if the European Commission does not approve the transaction. Motorsport enthusiasts and industry insiders are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this high-profile acquisition that could reshape the landscape of premier motorsport competitions.
