Dorna Ends as MotoGP Enters Liberty Era 2026

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - A new chapter in the history of the MotoGP World Championship has officially begun after Dorna Sports rebranded as MotoGP Sport Entertainment SL in February 2026, following the majority acquisition by Liberty Media in July 2025.

Liberty Media completed the purchase of 84 percent of the commercial rights holder in a deal valued at €4.2 billion, assuming control from the long-standing leadership of Carmelo Ezpeleta, who had overseen the championship’s commercial growth for more than three decades. The removal of the Dorna name — in place since 1988 — signals a strategic repositioning of MotoGP as a global sport entertainment platform rather than solely a racing series.

Under the new governance structure, former Formula 1 executive Chase Carey has been appointed President, while Ezpeleta remains as CEO to ensure operational continuity and regulatory stability. The leadership pairing is expected to merge Liberty’s commercial expertise from managing Formula 1 with MotoGP’s established framework under the supervision of the FIM.

Although operational headquarters remain in Madrid, Spain, strategic commercial expansion is anticipated to intensify in the United States. Liberty Media previously transformed Formula 1’s global footprint through broadcast innovation, digital distribution growth, and entertainment-driven marketing initiatives. A comparable approach is projected to enhance MotoGP’s international reach and audience engagement.

Despite the corporate rebranding, exclusive commercial rights for MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, MotoE, and WorldSBK remain secured under the same entity until at least 2060. The transition comes ahead of the 2027 technical regulation overhaul, offering a potential alignment between commercial evolution and sporting innovation as the championship prepares for its next regulatory era.

This transformation represents more than a name change; it marks a structural shift in the governance and strategic direction of premier-class motorcycle racing. The long-term impact of Liberty Media’s stewardship will begin to materialise throughout the 2026 season as the championship moves deeper into its new commercial phase.

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