F1 owner Liberty Media finally set to seal deal to take control of MotoGP after European approval
MADRID (AP) — Formula 1 owner Liberty Media is finally set to complete a deal to take control of motorcycle racing series MotoGP after receiving approval from the European Commission.
Liberty Media said Monday the 'unconditional' approval was the last step in completing the deal to buy 84% of Spain-based MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports.
'MotoGP is a highly attractive premium sports asset with incredible racing, a passionate fanbase and a strong cash flow profile,' Liberty Media president and CEO Derek Chang said in a statement.
'We believe the sport and brand have significant growth potential, which we will look to realize through deepening the connection with the core fan base and expanding to a wider global audience.'
Liberty said the deal, which was first announced in April 2024, could go through by July 3.
The process was held up in December when the European Commission opened what it called an 'in-depth investigation' into whether the agreement would hike the cost of broadcast rights for motorsports events.
Dorna chief executive Carmelo Ezpeleta remains in charge of MotoGP but Liberty said he will be joined on the Dorna board by Chase Carey and Sean Bratches, two veterans of Liberty's takeover of F1 in 2017. They were part of its efforts to grow and modernize F1 as a business, especially in the United States.
___
AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Cision Canada
Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar Supports Pride with Fundraising and an ALL DAY Happy Hour Deals Kick Off Event on Monday June 23rd!
TORONTO, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ - As a long-time ally of the 2SLGBTQ+ community since opening our doors in 1999, we're doubling down on our Pride support this year. On Monday, June 23rd, Fresh Kitchen and Juice Bar is offering all-day Happy Hour pricing! That's $5 smoothies, $6 wine + beer, $8 eats, and more - available ALL DAY at all Fresh locations. In addition to all day Happy Hour deals, we're donating $1 from every Rainbowberry Smoothie sold in June to The 519, a Toronto-based organization supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community. "At a time when some brands are pulling out of Pride, we're proud to show up louder," said Ruth Tal, Founder of Fresh. "Our values haven't changed - and our support won't either." Join us in celebrating Pride with joy, flavour and purpose. Follow @freshrestaurants for more. About Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar: Fresh has been a trailblazer in Toronto's plant-based dining scene since 1991. Founded by Ruth Tal as a humble juice bar on Queen West, we've grown into a beloved restaurant brand, known for delivering innovative, fresh, and nourishing plant-based meals. With 7 locations across the Greater Toronto Area, Fresh continues to inspire those who want to eat with freshness in mind. Visit us at
Winnipeg Free Press
an hour ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Dominican prosecutors in Wander Franco trial seek 5-year prison sentence
PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — Dominican prosecutors requested on Monday that suspended Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco, who faces charges of sexual abuse involving a girl who was 14 years old at the time of the alleged crimes, be sentenced to five years in prison. The prosecutors said in court there is sufficient evidence to prove Franco had a relationship with the minor for four months and that he transferred large sums of money to the minor's mother to consent to the illegal relationship. The prosecutors also requested the minor's mother be sentenced to 10 years in prison, arguing she sexually trafficked her daughter. In a previous hearing, prosecutors described the evidence presented as 'convincing' and 'compelling.' Documents that prosecutors presented to the judge last year and were viewed by The Associated Press alleged that Franco, through his mother Yudelka Aybar, transferred 1 million pesos ($17,000) to the mother of the minor on Jan. 5, 2023, to consent to purported abuse. Franco was in his third major league season when his career was halted in August 2023. He agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021. He is currently on Major League Baseball's restricted list after initially being placed on administrative leave. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. ___ AP MLB:
Winnipeg Free Press
an hour ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘Welcome to Wrexham' poster boy Paul Mullin leaves club on a season-long loan deal
WIGAN, England (AP) — Paul Mullin, the poster boy of a Wrexham team soaring through England's soccer leagues following its takeover by Hollywood celebrities, has left the club to join third-tier Wigan on a season-long loan deal. 'I'm excited for the next part of my story,' Mullin told Wigan's official website on Monday. 'I've scored a lot of goals over the last few years, but more than anything, I give my absolute all for the club that I'm playing for, and I'm going to do that again with Wigan.' Wigan said the loan deal was subject to the approval of the English Football League and the Football Association, and international clearance. Mullin helped Wrexham become the first team in the history of English football's top five divisions to secure three successive promotions, and there is a giant mural of the 30-year-old striker in the center of the city. He formed such a close bond with Ryan Reynolds, one of the club's owners, that he even appeared in the last 'Deadpool' movie. But Mullin, who had been Wrexham's player of the season in each of the three previous years, was only a bit-part performer when the team won promotion to the second tier last season. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. It was a sudden turn of events for a player who has had a leading role in the popular 'Welcome to Wrexham' fly-on-the-wall documentary created by Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to follow their progress as rookie soccer club owners. McElhenney once hailed Mullin as 'one of the greatest football players in the world.' Mullin has scored 110 goals in 172 games for Wrexham. ___ AP soccer:
