The European Commission has given its unconditional approval to Liberty Media’s €4.3 billion acquisition of MotoGP, clearing the final regulatory hurdle for a deal set to transform the world of motorcycle racing.
The move allows the American media giant, already the owner of Formula One, to officially take control of an 84% stake in MotoGP, while current rights holder Dorna Sports will retain 16%. The transaction is expected to be finalized by July 3, 2025.
Liberty Media first announced its intent to purchase MotoGP from Dorna Sports in April 2024. However, the European Commission launched a competition review over concerns that the merger could inflate broadcasting rights prices for motorsport events.
Following a comprehensive investigation, the Commission concluded that Liberty Media and MotoGP are not close competitors in European markets and found “insufficient evidence” of undue influence from Liberty Media’s largest shareholder, John Malone, over cable operator Liberty Global.
With regulatory approval now secured, industry insiders anticipate that Liberty will apply the same growth formula to MotoGP as it did with Formula One.
Since acquiring F1 in 2017, Liberty has successfully modernized the sport, broadened its appeal through digital engagement, and driven viewership among younger and more diverse audiences, thanks in part to Netflix’s Drive to Survive docuseries.
Derek Chang, CEO of Liberty Media, hailed the approval, calling MotoGP “a highly attractive premium sports asset” with “significant growth potential.” Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, who has led MotoGP since 1998, will remain at the helm. Ezpeleta expressed optimism about the partnership, saying Liberty is “the best possible partner for our sport and the entire MotoGP community.”
