The pinnacle of motorcycle racing, MotoGP, has found a new owner who incidentally also holds rights to the most expensive motorsport — Formula 1. Under the agreement, Liberty Media will acquire an 86% stake in MotoGP while the remaining will be retained with MotoGP management. The purchase sum accounts for 65% cash, and 21% shares of Series C Liberty Formula One common stock.
One of the biggest acquisitions in motorsports is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Even after the acquisition, Carmelo Ezpeleta, who is the CEO of Dorna, will continue to head operations from Madrid. Following the announcement, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna, said, “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.”
“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 CEO. He further added, “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.”
Liberty Media reveals that MotoGP benefits from an attractive financial profile with diversified and contracted revenue streams, high EBITDA margins and low capital intensity resulting in significant free cash flow. In the 2024 season, MotoGP will host 21 races across 17 countries around the globe, blazing past the crowd at speeds above 360kmph and attaining lean angles of up to 60 degrees around the bends.