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F1 News: Liberty Media Close To €4 Billion MotoGP Deal With Announcement Expected Imminently

Liberty Media is reportedly close to signing a staggering €4 Billion deal with MotoGP.

In a significant development, Liberty Media is on the verge of acquiring the commercial rights for MotoGP, as reported by the Financial Times. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Liberty Media is reportedly finalising the purchase of MotoGP's commercial rights with a deal worth around €4 billion.
  • The announcement of the acquisition is anticipated shortly, possibly before the third round of the 2024 MotoGP season.
  • Concerns about regulatory approval from European competition authorities remain, recalling past interventions in similar situations.
Fabio Di Giannantonio of Gresini Racing MotoGP

Fabio Di Giannantonio of Gresini Racing MotoGP

Speculation around this deal has been building, with talks between Liberty Media and Dorna Sports, the current promoter of MotoGP, reportedly reaching a conclusive phase weeks ago. Initially, both parties aimed to unveil this partnership ahead of the MotoGP season opener in Qatar. However, apprehensions regarding scrutiny from the European Commission's competition regulators put a temporary hold on the announcement.

Such regulatory hurdles are not unprecedented. In the past, the European antitrust authorities have intervened in similar scenarios to prevent a monopoly in motorsport. Notably, when Bernie Ecclestone and CVC aimed to hold rights for both F1 and MotoGP, the move was blocked to preserve market competition.

Despite these challenges, the financial and strategic merits of the deal are clear. Dorna Sports, under the leadership of CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta since 1992, has seen substantial growth, with a notable increase in revenue in recent years. However, the company also faced financial strains, highlighted by a significant refinancing of debt and the impact of the pandemic on its operations.

Liberty Media's interest in MotoGP is not without competition. Qatar Sports Investments and TKO have also shown interest, underscoring the high stakes involved. The acquisition would not only signify a monumental shift in the management and promotion of MotoGP but also reflect Liberty Media's broader ambition to replicate its successful Formula 1 blueprint in the world of motorcycle racing.

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