EU investigation delays Liberty Media’s £3.5bn MotoGP acquisition

Liberty Media’s £3.5bn MotoGP acquisition awaits EU approval, with a final decision expected by mid-2025.

Marc Marquez of Spain and Ducati Lenovo Team leads the pack during the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix at Buriram International Circuit in Buriram on March 2, 2025. Photo by Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Liberty Media’s highly anticipated takeover of MotoGP remains in limbo as European regulators review the deal. The American media giant, which revolutionized Formula 1 after acquiring it in 2017, agreed to purchase an 86% stake in Dorna Sports—the commercial rights holder of MotoGP—for approximately £3.5bn in April 2024.

While Liberty Media has successfully turned F1 into a global entertainment powerhouse, its MotoGP acquisition is still awaiting regulatory approval. The European Union is scrutinizing the deal over concerns that it could limit competition in broadcasting and streaming rights.

Liberty had hoped to finalize the takeover before the start of the 2025 MotoGP season, but that timeline has proven overly ambitious. Dorna CCO Dan Rossomondo admitted on the Paddock Pass Podcast that delays were always a possibility.

EU’s decision expected by mid-2025

The EU Commission’s investigation deadline is set for June 30, 2025. Despite the delay, Rossomondo remains confident that the acquisition will go through by early in the third quarter of the year.

Asked whether the extended review process was unexpected, Rossomondo acknowledged:

“Well, not more than experts expected. More than I expected, yes. The initial timeline to get the deal approved was very aggressive and very ambitious—eight months. So when it went to phase two, we weren’t really surprised.”

He explained that the second phase of the EU’s investigation involves extensive document reviews and additional information requests, which have caused minor delays.

“It’s still on track. It’s just a matter of whether it will be done in May, June, or early July. The commission is doing its job, and we’re giving them all the information they can possibly ask for.”

Despite the regulatory hurdles, Liberty Media, Dorna, and all involved stakeholders remain optimistic that the takeover will be approved and completed by mid-2025.

Liberty Media’s MotoGP vision and F1 crossover potential

Liberty Media’s transformation of F1, particularly through Netflix’s Drive to Survive, has significantly expanded the sport’s global audience. With its MotoGP acquisition, Liberty aims to replicate this success by increasing viewership and fan engagement.

Early speculation suggests that MotoGP races could be scheduled alongside F1 events on select weekends, exposing a broader audience to two-wheel racing. This potential crossover strategy could bring MotoGP greater visibility in key markets, particularly in the United States.

MotoGP set for tyre supplier change in 2027

As Liberty Media continues to push forward with its acquisition, MotoGP is also preparing for a major change in its technical landscape. From 2027, Pirelli will replace Michelin as the sport’s exclusive tyre supplier.

Pirelli, which already supplies tyres for Formula 1, as well as Moto2 and Moto3, will enter the premier class just as new technical regulations are introduced. The switch comes after speculation that both Pirelli and Michelin engaged in a bidding war for the contract, with Michelin reportedly preferring to focus on the top class rather than supporting the junior categories.

The news of Michelin’s departure stunned figures within the MotoGP paddock, including crew chief Frankie Carchedi.

Michelin under scrutiny as riders face restrictions

Michelin has faced criticism in recent years over tyre performance and safety concerns. The latest controversy stems from Jorge Martin’s injury setback ahead of the Argentine Grand Prix. The Pramac Ducati rider suffered a crash during pre-season testing at Sepang, which many blamed on Michelin’s tyres.

Despite concerns, riders are reportedly restricted from openly criticizing Michelin, as the company remains the official supplier until Pirelli’s arrival in 2027.

As MotoGP navigates a period of significant change—both commercially and technically—the coming months will be crucial in shaping the sport’s future. Liberty Media’s impending takeover, coupled with the switch to Pirelli tyres, signals a new era for motorcycle racing’s premier championship.