Melbourne, Australia is poised to kick off the 2026 Formula 1 season on March 8th, but the story extending beyond the track is one of significant financial growth for the sport’s parent company, Liberty Media. The American media conglomerate reported $4.48 billion in revenue for the 2025 fiscal year, with Formula 1 contributing a substantial $3.87 billion to that total, marking a 14% increase in annual revenue. This surge in earnings comes as Liberty Media expands its motorsport portfolio, now including the top-tier MotoGP series.
The financial results, unveiled earlier today, demonstrate a robust performance for F1, with operating income rising to $632 million – a 28% year-over-year increase. Adjusted OIBDA (operating income before depreciation and amortization) also saw a healthy jump, climbing 20% to $946 million. These figures underscore the growing commercial appeal of Formula 1 under Liberty Media’s stewardship, fueled by strategic investments in fan engagement and global expansion.
Expanding the Portfolio: The MotoGP Acquisition
A key driver of Liberty Media’s recent success is the acquisition of MotoGP, finalized in July 2025 after initial discussions in April 2024. The company now holds an 84% stake in the motorcycle racing series, having invested $3.1 billion in the deal. This move signals Liberty Media’s ambition to become a dominant force in global motorsport, diversifying its holdings beyond Formula 1.
The initial financial returns from MotoGP are also promising. Revenue for the motorcycle series increased by 14% year-on-year in 2025, reaching $573 million. Operating income experienced an even more substantial boost, growing by 86% to $54 million. Adjusted OIBDA for MotoGP rose to $201 million, both figures calculated on a pro-forma basis, reflecting the integration of the series into Liberty Media’s financial reporting.
Revenue Streams and Fan Engagement
Looking at Formula 1 specifically, the majority of its income is derived from three core areas: race promotion revenue (26.7%), media rights fees (31.3%), and sponsorship fees (21.7%). The remaining 20.3% comes from other sources, including hospitality, freight, and licensing. F1 officials have reported growth across all revenue sectors, indicating a broad-based increase in commercial activity.
Growth in media rights revenue is partially attributed to the increasing popularity of F1 TV, the sport’s subscription-based streaming service, and revenue generated from the Netflix film about the sport. Liberty Media has also focused on expanding its fanbase, reporting a 4% increase in total fan attendance during the 2025 season, reaching 6.75 million. Live viewership of races also saw a significant jump, rising 24% year-on-year.
Commercial partnerships continue to be a vital component of F1’s financial success. Recent highlights include a new sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered and a broadcast rights extension with ESPN across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Dorna Sports Rebranded as MotoGP Sports Entertainment SL
The integration of MotoGP into the Liberty Media family has already led to organizational changes. Earlier this month, Dorna Sports, the former promoter and organizer of MotoGP, was officially rebranded as MotoGP Sports Entertainment SL. This marks the complete of the Dorna name, which had been a fixture in the world of motorsport for over 30 years. The promoter holds a long-term agreement covering the MotoGP series through 2060, and also manages the WorldSBK series.
Personnel changes have also occurred, with Chase Carey, formerly the head of the F1 Group, taking on the role of president at MotoGP Sports Entertainment SL, replacing William Jackson. These moves demonstrate Liberty Media’s commitment to leveraging its expertise and resources to further develop the MotoGP series.
Derek Chang, president and chief executive at Liberty Media, summarized the company’s achievements, stating, “2025 was an exceptional and productive year for Liberty, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead. We delivered on our key strategic objectives – strengthening Formula 1’s growth trajectory, [and] completing the MotoGP acquisition.”
As the 2026 MotoGP season prepares to begin this weekend in Thailand, and with the Formula 1 season set to launch in Melbourne on March 8th, Liberty Media appears well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory in the world of motorsport. The next key date for investors and fans alike will be the release of Liberty Media’s first-quarter earnings report, providing further insight into the financial performance of both Formula 1 and MotoGP.
What are your thoughts on Liberty Media’s expansion into MotoGP? Share your opinions in the comments below.
