Since taking control of Formula 1, Liberty Media has completely transformed the sport. The American media giant recently acquired an 86% ownership stake in Dorna Sports and the World Championship for a staggering €4.2 billion. This acquisition means that Liberty Media now owns both Formula 1 and MotoGP.
Following the acquisition, there were rumors of a potential merger between the F1 TV and MotoGP broadcasting services. However, during an investors’ call, Liberty CEO made it clear that there are no plans for such a merger. The regulatory issues and the structure of their deal with F1 partners and teams make it impractical to negotiate a joint venture.
Despite this, Liberty Media CEO assured MotoGP fans that they are committed to increasing viewership of the sport worldwide. While countries like France, Italy, and Spain have always had a decent viewership, they aim to expand the sport’s popularity to new regions.
During the same investors’ call, the Liberty Media CEO highlighted the numerous successes and improvements they have brought to Formula 1. He mentioned the global phenomenon that the sport has become, largely due to the popularity of the Netflix series, Drive to Survive. Additionally, he emphasized the significant increase in the sport’s social media reach since Liberty Media’s acquisition.
Furthermore, Liberty Media has focused on enhancing fan experiences by introducing improved fan zones and community events. They have successfully engaged with fans through various platforms, including social media and Twitch. These efforts have revolutionized the way the sport is perceived and enjoyed.
Looking ahead, Liberty Media plans to adopt a similar approach to increase MotoGP’s presence worldwide. This promises to be an exciting time for MotoGP fans as the Colorado-based group works towards expanding the sport’s reach and enhancing the interaction between drivers and fans.