F1 owner Liberty Media reportedly close to acquiring MotoGP for over $4 billion

Liberty Media's deal to acquire MotoGP is reportedly in excess of $4 Billion.

F1 owner Liberty Media reportedly close to acquiring MotoGP for over $4 billion

Carmelo Ezpeleta, Stefano Domenicali and MotoGP (via IMAGO).

Formula 1 commerical rights owner Liberty Media has massively helped the sport’s growth in recent years. The conglomerate became the self promoters for Las Vegas GP which was a massive success for F1.. Apart from this, the mega-famous Netflix docuseries Drive To Survive was yet another attempt to boost F1’s popularity. Now, the American giant has its eyes set on acquiring the two-wheeler racing category MotoGP.

Previously, Liberty Media was reportedly keen on expanding its horizons by acquiring MotoGP. Additionally, the corporation was also termed as ‘Most Valuable Sports Empire’ by Forbes. As a result, it was no surprise to see the corporation’s interest in acquiring MotoGP as well.

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According to reports, the final deal between Liberty Media and Dorna have been in talks for some time now. The deal is reportedly to be of over $4 Billion. Additionally, the idea was to reveal the partnership during MotoGP’s season opener GP of Qatar. However, the European Commission Body’s intervention back then disrupted the flow of the deal and it couldn’t be announced.

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Anyhow, according to The Financial Times, Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP was considered a deal done. Hence, in the coming weeks, it is likely that the two corporations will reveal the partnership between the two giants. However, apart from Liberty Media, other bidders included Qatar Sports Investment, TKO, etc who were keen on acquiring MotoGP.

Liberty Media’s acquisition could raise eyebrows of European competition regulators

Liberty Media acquiring MotoGP is one of the greatest news for the respective sporting category. Hence, the final deal of around $4 Billion could raise the eyebrows of multiple major European competition regulators. The regulators would have the final say over the deal and could stop it if they feel that this leads to a monopoly of the American giant. However, Liberty Media’s deal is more or less finalized and it is unlikely to have a last-minute change.

Stefano Domenicali
Stefano Domenicali (via IMAGO)

Regardless, James Killick, a lawyer at White & Case highlighted that he would be surprised if the competition regulators did not interfere. According to Killick, the market should provide the best opportunity possible for MotoGP’s growth. Dorna Sports single-handedly bore a loss of around €7.8 Million ($8.5 Million). Hence, a partnership with Liberty Media could prove highly beneficial for the two-wheeler racing category.

I’d be very surprised if competition regulators didn’t look at it, The question is, has the market changed?
Killick said, as reported by The Financial Times.

Liberty Media’s previous attempts at popularizing F1 have been a grand success. Hence, the corporation’s acquisition of MotoGP would surely reap great benefits for the sport. As a result, the deal would soon be announced worldwide. Time will tell about the benefits of the mix between the two giants in their respective sporting categories.

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