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Saajan Jogia is a motorsport and automotive writer with over ten years of experience. His passion for cars and motorcycles has been a driving force behind his evolution as a writer. He has extensively covered Formula 1, MotoGP, IndyCar, NASCAR, WEC, and technology for publications including Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, Newsweek, and Men’s Journal.

Saajan Jogia

Sports Contributing Writer

🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.

The owner of Formula One, Liberty Media Corporation, confirmed on July 3 that it has completed the purchase of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports. Apart from F1, Quint, and other minority investments, the American organization now lists MotoGP as a subsidiary.

Liberty Media, a renowned player in the sports, media, and entertainment sector, acquired 84 percent of Dorna. The remaining 16 percent is held by the MotoGP management. The news arrives days after Newsweek Sports reported that Liberty Media was granted unconditional approval for the acquisition of Dorna for a reported $4.4 billion.

Confirming the transaction, MotoGP stated:

“Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) (Nasdaq: FWONA, FWONK, LLYVA, LLYVK) and Dorna Sports, S.L. (“Dorna”), the exclusive commercial rights holder of the MotoGP™ World Championship (“MotoGP”), announced today that Liberty Media has completed its acquisition of Dorna.

“Following transaction close, Liberty Media’s Formula One Group is composed of its subsidiaries Formula 1, MotoGP, and Quint, and other minority investments.”

The takeover of MotoGP was supposed to conclude last year, but given the high-profile nature of the acquisition, the deal was under the European Union’s lens, which carried out an investigation to understand the deal’s impact on broadcasters and streaming platforms, especially given that two motorsport giants, F1 and MotoGP, would belong to a common owner.

Following the European Union’s approval, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna, who will continue to manage MotoGP, said in a statement:

“We are very happy that the European Commission has approved the transaction. This is an important milestone confirming the even brighter future that lies ahead for MotoGP.

“MotoGP is one of the most thrilling sports on Earth, and we look forward to accelerating the sport’s growth and expanding its reach to even more fans around the world. Liberty is the best possible partner for our sport and the entire MotoGP community, and we are excited to create even greater value for our fans, commercial partners and everyone competing.”

Liberty Media President and CEO, Derek Chang said:

“Today’s approval from the European Commission marks the final condition to closing Liberty’s acquisition of MotoGP. We are thrilled to officially commence Liberty’s partnership with Carmelo and his excellent management team.

“MotoGP is a highly attractive premium sports asset with incredible racing, a passionate fanbase and a strong cash flow profile. We believe the sport and brand have significant growth potential, which we will look to realize through deepening the connection with the core fan base and expanding to a wider global audience.”

Considering the success F1 has witnessed since its acquisition by Liberty Media in 2017, and its expansion into new markets such as America, one could expect MotoGP to grow in a similar manner.

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