In the world of sports acquisitions, Liberty Media, already master of Formula 1, had its eyes on a new trophy: MotoGP. Announced with fanfare in April last year, the American's ambition to roar its engine into the world of two-wheelers seemed unstoppable. But like a pilot taking too sharp a turn, the acquisition skidded into the bureaucratic sands of Brussels. The European Commission, far from giving the green light, has instead put its foot on the brake.
The takeover project of Dorna SportsMotoGP rights holder, by Liberty Mediaalready owner of Formula 1, is at the heart of a complex legal battle. European competition authorities have opened an in-depth investigation, significantly delaying the finalization of this operation.
The acquisition of MotoGP by Liberty Mediaowner of the rights to Formula 1, was initially expected to materialize in early 2025but the transaction was delayed after the Commission opened a phase II investigationmarking a decisive step in the evaluation of the impact of this acquisition on competitionparticularly in the area of sports content broadcasting rights.
The phase II investigation is not just a superficial reassessment, but an in-depth analysis that focuses on the reduction of competition between Liberty Media and Dorna Sports in the granting of broadcast licenses. The Commission raised concerns about the impact of the acquisition on competition, noting that it could strengthen the position of Liberty
Media et Dorna vis-à-vis sports content providers, which could lead to an increase in prices.
One of the key points raised is the dominance of
Formula 1 on the European market, where the
MotoGP is its main competitor. The Commission has thus highlighted the risks of this acquisition for European national markets, where competition could be significantly reduced.
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This deadline imposed by Brussels means a delay of almost a season
on the plans of Liberty Media and Dorna
The May 14, 2025 is the deadline set by the Commission to take a final decision on the acquisition. Although the process takes longer than expected, Liberty Media remain optimistic. The American giant, with its experience in the field of acquiring and managing sports rights, is confident of being able to overcome the legal obstacles and obtain the necessary approval. In response to these delays, Formula 1 commercial department transferred to new companyallowing Liberty Media to reposition itself while awaiting a resolution.
Pending EU approval, Dorna Sportsled by Carmelo Ezpeletacontinues to focus on his long-term goals for MotoGP. Swordfish expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to collaborate with Liberty Mediabut also stressed that the company was pursuing its own development strategy. “ We are determined
to pursue our strategy aiming to take the sport to new heights and continue our impressive growth rate“, he said.
Dorna remains confident, with the goal of reaching a global fan base of more than 500 million peopledespite the uncertainties linked to the acquisition by Liberty Media.
This deadline imposed by Brussels has a direct impact on the plans of Liberty Media and Dorna. The initially hoped for timeline for finalizing the acquisition will be delayed by approximately one season, also delaying the expected benefits of this partnership. This means that the positive effects expected from this recovery, such as
new business strategies and
strengthened partnershipswill have to wait. In the meantime, the 2025 MotoGP season will begin as planned, under the current management of Dorna Sports.
Although the acquisition of MotoGP by Liberty
Media or awaiting approval from the European Commission, the parties concerned remain optimistic. The coming weeks and months will be decisive for the future of MotoGP and its potential integration into the sporting empire of Liberty
Media.
