EU expected to give green light for billion-euro transaction
According to a report by the Reuters news agency, which cites well-informed circles, the European Commission has signaled that it will approve the project without any additional conditions. An official decision is expected by June 16, 2025 at the latest. According to insiders, however, approval has already been agreed behind the scenes.
A purchase price of around 4.2 billion euros (approximately 4.5 billion US dollars) is being discussed. Liberty Media would like to acquire 86 percent of the shares in Dorna Sports, the MotoGP rights holder, for this amount. The remaining 14 percent will remain with the Spanish company, which has organized the motorcycle world championship since 1992.
Concerns of the antitrust authorities: Concerns about media rights
The takeover was originally announced at the end of 2024, but was delayed due to objections from the EU antitrust authorities. Among other things, they feared rising costs for the licensing of broadcasting rights for MotoGP and Formula 1, as both series would be marketed by the same parent company in future.
As Liberty Media has owned Formula 1 since 2017, the deal was intensively examined as part of the so-called Phase II review procedure. The review process officially started on November 14, 2024 and had a deadline of 90 working days to reach a decision. This has now been extended to June 16, 2025 – but the outcome seems clear.
Liberty Media plans audiovisual offensive
A spokesperson for Liberty Media repeatedly emphasized the potential of MotoGP in the field of audiovisual marketing. “There is a very large and growing market for audiovisual entertainment far beyond sport. The transaction will enhance MotoGP’s ability to compete in this highly competitive market,” he told the media.
These statements give an indication of the direction things could take in the future. Following its acquisition by Liberty Media, Formula 1 benefited enormously from new media formats such as the Netflix series Drive to Survive, which contributed significantly to the worldwide increase in popularity. A similar concept for MotoGP now also seems conceivable.
Effects on the race calendar and management
The takeover also brings the question of a strategic realignment of MotoGP into focus. For example, joint event weekends with Formula 1 would be conceivable, with both series competing on the same track – a scenario that was previously considered unthinkable.
The management of MotoGP is also up for discussion. It is still unclear whether the current management team around CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta will continue to lead the fortunes of the series. The 78-year-old Spaniard is regarded as a key figure in modern MotoGP history, and his continuation could guarantee stability. On the other hand, Liberty Media could also appoint a new, more international CEO to provide fresh impetus.
A deal with far-reaching implications for motorsport
The merger of Formula 1 and MotoGP under the Liberty Media umbrella marks a turning point in the world of motorsport. The unification of marketing strategies, media presentation and commercial structures could have far-reaching consequences for fans, organizers and TV broadcasters.
One thing is clear: with the takeover, the US group has secured two of the most influential motorsport platforms in the world – with huge potential for growth and expansion.
