Liberty Media Moves Closer to Securing MotoGP Ownership

Nearly a year since it confirmed plans to buy MotoGP, Liberty Media is reportedly closing in on a deal to secure an 86 per cent ownership of the series.

Reuters says that the deal for Liberty Media, which already owns Formula One, is set to finally have its bid approved following delays in buying the championship’ rights towards the back end of 2024.

The European Commission previously held up the deal by launching an investigation into Liberty Media’s bid to buy MotoGP, but the European Commission, which acts on behalf of the European Union’s competition affairs, is set to approve the deal without demanding concessions, according to people with close knowledge of the situation, say Reuters.

Dorna management is set to keep the other 14 per cent of its equity, giving the deal a value of €4.2 billion for Dorna/MotoGP and an equity value of €3.5 billion euros.

"There is a very large and growing market for audiovisual entertainment well beyond sports, and the transaction will enhance MotoGP's ability to compete in this highly competitive market," a Liberty Media spokesperson said.

Liberty Media had originally planned to buy the rights to MotoGP by the end of 2024, however, the EU warned that TV broadcast rights could drive up the price because Liberty Media would hold the keys to both F1 and MotoGP as a result.

An investigation by the EU was believed to centre around John Malone, who is the largest shareholder at Liberty Media and US cable TV company Liberty Global, and whether he would have decisive influence over both companies, and whether he could shut out competitors.

But Liberty Media appears to have moved past those concerns and is close to getting the deal done.

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