F1 owner Liberty Media acquires MotoGP for $4.5 billion: Another motorsport to step on the pedal?

In a groundbreaking move that is likely to transform two-wheeled motorsports, Formula One owner Liberty Media has bought MotoGP, the premier class motorcycle racing, for a whopping $4.5 billion. Under the terms of the deal, Liberty Media will acquire around 86% of Dorna, while the management of Dorna will retain approximately 14% of its equity. The transaction is expected to be finalized by the end of 2024.
Despite the acquisition, Dorna will remain an independently operated company, under the umbrella of Liberty Media’s Formula One Group tracking stock.The company will continue to be headquartered in Madrid, Spain, with Carmelo Ezpeleta, the long-serving CEO of Dorna, retaining his position.
This acquisition values Dorna/MotoGP at an enterprise value of 4.2 billion euros, with an equity value of 3.5 billion euros, according to a statement released by the companies.

Liberty Media, known for boosting F1’s popularity, aims to use its know-how in both car and motorcycle racing. The goal? To make MotoGP even more popular. While MotoGP’s main racing action will likely stay the same, Liberty Media takeover hints at changes. These might include more digital content, reaching out to new markets, and expanding the racing calendar.
In fact, in India, the popularity of Formula 1 has grown immensely in the last few years. On the other hand, MotoGP also made its debut in the country last year with a successfully-held Bharat GP at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. Only time will reveal how it all pans out. But one thing’s certain: exciting changes lie ahead for MotoGP.