Solving the EU's Dilemma: A Simple Fix for Liberty’s MotoGP Takeover
GORDO (THE)
It's no secret that the EU and American regulators/elected officials are moving slowly on the deal that would see Formula One and MotoGP under the same ownership. Originally the deal was to close at the end of 2024, now it will be perhaps June 2025 before the deal is either given blessing or shot down in flames.

The deal for Liberty Media to buy a controlling interest in Dorna, the MotoGP rights holder, means Liberty will own both the MotoGP and World Superbike championships.

Let’s face it: no one would hang a giant congratulatory laurel wreath on Dorna’s shoulders for their care and management of the World Superbike Championship. Frankly, Dorna has done little more than put their foot on the throat of World Superbike, only lifting it when absolutely necessary to let the championship gasp for a lungful of oxygen. As of 2025, the WSBK championship is a shadow of its former self. For example, in 2012—the season before Dorna took over—there were 14 rounds, including stops in the United States, Moscow, and Australia. It was truly a world championship.

In 2025, there are only 12 rounds, three of which are in Spain/Portugal, with no USA round in sight.

There is a seemingly simple solution to the problem if EU investigators are uneasy with MotoGP, Formula One and World Superbike being under the same ownership—Liberty Media.

The solution is to require Dorna to sell the World Superbike Championship to the runner-up in the bidding process to acquire Dorna. Reports from Spain suggest that companies like Apple, Disney, and Netflix expressed interest in the deal, although this interest has not been confirmed.

Or, and I only suggest this as a wildly optimistic alternative, make Dorna return WSBK ownership back into the hands of the blue-blazers—the FIM.

A great deal has changed since the Liberty's Dorna takeover was first announced. Their CEO, Greg Maffei, has left the company and the EU has opened an official investigation of the Dorna take-over. Moreover, Dorna's strongest OEM partner, KTM, is facing bankruptcy and has stated that they intend to leave MotoGP after the 2025 season. Dorna's talks with manufacturers who might be willing to take-over KTM's involvement in the Moto3 class if it were to become a one-make championship ala Moto2 have not been fruitful, reportedly.

Putting the World Superbike Championship in the hands of a rival who would be motivated to nurture and grow the series instead of stifling its potential under the shadow of MotoGP could breathe new life into the sport. A fresh owner with a vested interest in elevating WSBK as a premier championship might bring innovation, better global representation, and a renewed focus on competition.

EU regulators should let Liberty keep MotoGP, but entrust WSBK to an owner dedicated to its growth and success.
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