Liberty Media Triumphs with $4.2 Billion MotoGP Acquisition
Deal News | Jun 24, 2025 | EIN
Liberty Media, known for transforming Formula One after taking ownership in 2016, has secured unconditional approval from the European Commission for its $4.2 billion acquisition of MotoGP. The deal includes 86% of the commercial rights to MotoGP, with Dorna Sports' Carmelo Ezpeleta and Enrique Aldama retaining a minority stake. The European Commission determined that this acquisition doesn't raise competition concerns. Liberty Media plans to enhance MotoGP's appeal by leveraging its expertise in media, sports, and entertainment, as evidenced by projects like Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' and an upcoming film starring Brad Pitt. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed enthusiasm about the film and F1's growth under Liberty's stewardship.
Sectors
- Media and Entertainment
- Automotive and Motorsports
Geography
- European Union – The European Commission has approved the acquisition without raising competition concerns within the European Economic Area (EEA).
- United States – Liberty Media Corporation is based in the United States and is expanding its influence in international motorsports through this acquisition.
Industry
- Media and Entertainment – The article discusses Liberty Media, a major player in the media and sports entertainment industries, and its strategies to enhance the popularity of sports properties like F1 and MotoGP.
- Automotive and Motorsports – The focus on Formula One and MotoGP involves the automotive and motorsport industries, highlighting their commercial and entertainment aspects.
Financials
- $4.2 billion – The acquisition deal amount for MotoGP by Liberty Media.
- 86% – The percentage of commercial rights of MotoGP acquired by Liberty Media.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Media Corporation | Acquiring Company | Company | Liberty Media is a mass media company that owns interests in a broad range of media, communications, and entertainment businesses. |
| Dorna Sports | Target Company | Company | Dorna Sports is the global commercial rights holder for MotoGP, the premier motorcycle racing World Championship. |
| Carmelo Ezpeleta | Retaining Stakeholder | Person | Carmelo Ezpeleta is the CEO of Dorna Sports, retaining 14% of the company’s commercial rights post-acquisition. |
| Enrique Aldama | Retaining Stakeholder | Person | Enrique Aldama is a key leader within Dorna Sports, retaining part of a minority stake. |
| European Commission | Regulatory Authority | Government | The executive arm of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation and implementing decisions. |
| Stefano Domenicali | F1 CEO | Person | Stefano Domenicali is the CEO of Formula One Group, a subsidiary of Liberty Media. |