Dorna Sports will continue as the promoter of motorcycle racing’s elite MotoGP series through 2060 after today announcing the long-term renewal with the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
Dorna’s current contract was set to run until 2041 but has now been extended by 19 years, meaning that by 2060 it will have served as MotoGP’s promoter in seven different decades, having first tied up with the series in 1992.
Alongside the MotoGP World Championship, the Superbike World Championship, MotoE World Championship, the JuniorGP World Championship, and the Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, all sanctioned by FIM, are also included in the promotional rights tie-up.
Speaking on the renewed partnership, FIM president Jorge Viegas stated: “This is an incredibly important moment and one that provides long-term clarity and security regarding the pinnacle of motorcycle sport.
“This is not only important for all those directly involved in MotoGP, but also for the wider motorcycle racing community that reaps the benefits from the global status, value and presence of this leading series.
Dorna Sports chief executive Carmelo Ezpeleta added: “Being able to come to such a long-term agreement adds incredible value for MotoGP. In the sports and entertainment landscape of today, the level of consensus we enjoy in MotoGP is something we’re privileged to be part of, and it lays fantastic foundations for our sport to continue its trajectory of growth.”
The deal comes after the sale of Dorna Sports to Liberty Media, the promoter of open-wheel motor racing’s iconic Formula 1 series, earlier this year.
The agreement will see Dorna remain an independently run company attributed to Liberty Media’s Formula One Group tracking stock.
Liberty will acquire 86% of MotoGP, with the series' current management retaining approximately 14% of their equity in the business.
The transaction reflects an enterprise value for MotoGP of €4.2 billion and an equity value of €3.5 billion with the existing debt balance at MotoGP expected to remain in place after it closes.
Ezpeleta, Dorna’s chief executive since 1994, will remain in his position and continue to run the business with his management team headquartered in Madrid, Spain.
The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
