F1 OWNER BUYING MOTOGP; ‘COULD BE PUSHED INTO NEXT WEEK’!
We previously reported on the prospective sale late last year, but according to the Financial Times this week, an agreement for the F1 rights holder to buy MotoGP might be confirmed soon.
The FT claims that talks are advanced, and that Liberty appears to value the Dorna business at $4 billion. That is a substantial money, but the Dorna umbrella includes a wide range of two-wheeled sports, not only MotoGP. For that money, Liberty Media would also win the Superbike World Championship, MotoE, and the junior championships.
The FT goes on to add that any deal of this nature would most likely attract the attention of regulators. CVC Capital Partners previously owned both MotoGP and F1, however the private equity and investment business was obliged to sell MotoGP in order to purchase the F1 World Championship.
The announcement follows Liberty Media’s acquisition of more than 90% of Quint, a $313 million events and experiences company. That company is already the ticketing and experience supplier for MotoGP, and many people felt the purchase was the first step toward a complete takeover of MotoGP.