'F1 owner clears major hurdle in billion-dollar MotoGP bid' - report

Liberty Media, the owners of F1, is set to receive European Union backing for a multi-billion dollar takeover of MotoGP, according to reports. 

Liberty's proposed takeover of Dorna and MotoGP was announced in April 2024 and would pay about $3.8 billion to assume control of the motorcycle racing championship - but the bid had to receive permission from the EU Commission.

The Commission - the watchdog of the 27 members of the EU - was investigating whether the bid broke anti-trust and competitive laws, with the investigation opened in December 2024 - known as Phase II. 

As a result of the investigation, the decision from the EU to approve the takeover was pushed back to July 1st, 2025, with Reuters now reporting that the Commission has decided to rubber-stamp the deal, without demanding any concessions from Liberty.

There had been fears that Liberty owning both F1 and MotoGP could cause a monopoly on broadcast rights in the EU with both being owned by the same company, and whether the largest shareholder, John Malone would therefore have an unduly large influence that could shut rival broadcasters out from bidding for rights.  

"There is a very large and growing market for audiovisual entertainment well beyond sports, and the transaction will enhance MotoGP's ability to compete in this highly competitive market," a Liberty Media spokesperson explained as quoted by Reuters.