MotoGP is the premier category of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, the equivalent of F1 on two wheels, with a rich history and impressive legacy.
There are reports suggesting that Liberty Media, the owner of Formula 1, is the leading contender to acquire Dorna, although it is facing competition from several other interested parties. Liberty Media is a publicly traded company with interests in F1 and event ticketing firm LiveNation.
British private investment firms Bridgepoint, Dorna Sports, and Liberty Media have not yet responded to a request for comment from Reuters.
According to Sky News, Bridgepoint, which holds nearly 40% of Dorna, is aiming to finalize the deal in the coming weeks, as stated by a single source.
Various reports indicate that Amazon, Netflix, and Disney are interested in acquiring the rights to MotoGP. It is worth noting that NBC has been broadcasting the global motorcycle series since 2020, but if these discussions are successful, the property will move to a new broadcaster this season.
According to a report from BlackBook Motorsport, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta confirmed rumors of a potential sale in January, and negotiations seem to have progressed rapidly.
If MotoGP were to come under the ownership of Liberty Media, it would bring significant commercial benefits, as the company has successfully enhanced the global stature of Formula One. In 2023, Formula One’s revenue increased by 25% to reach US$3.2 billion, a figure that is not far off from MotoGP’s overall valuation.
However, it is important to note that comparing this acquisition to Liberty Media’s purchase of Formula One would be challenging. MotoGP has already made significant strides in the United States, and credit for that progress should be attributed to the existing management rather than solely to Liberty Media if the purchase is completed.
(Reporting by Shubhendu Deshmukh; Additional Reporting by [Author’s Name])