Liberty Media, owner of Formula 1, is optimistic about closing its acquisition of MotoGP, with CEO Greg Maffei expressing confidence that the deal will finalize by the end of 2024. Liberty first announced plans to acquire an 86% stake in MotoGP in April, subject to financing and regulatory approval. Now, with financing secured for the over €4 billion transaction, the company’s focus is on obtaining approval from the European Commission.
In a recent interview with Ouest-France, Maffei confirmed that funding for the acquisition is in place, positioning Liberty for the next phase of expansion in the motorsports world. However, approval from the European Commission remains essential due to historical restrictions; in 2006, F1’s previous owner, CVC Capital Partners, was prohibited from owning both Formula 1 and MotoGP.
"We are making progress with the European Commission," Maffei stated, emphasizing that this is the "only remaining jurisdictional regulatory hurdle" to complete the acquisition. Liberty’s dual ownership of F1 and MotoGP would establish it as a major force across two premier global motorsports, with significant potential for innovation and fan engagement in both racing series.
If approved, Liberty Media’s acquisition could introduce transformative strategies in MotoGP, leveraging the company’s expertise in sports entertainment and broadening its reach across motorsports.