MotoGP’s Q1 revenue increased 25 per cent year-over-year (YoY) to US$94 million as Liberty Media begins its first full financial year since acquiring the championship in July 2025.
Key details:
- Revenue increases from last year’s figure of US$75 million
- MotoGP loses US$24 million, matching the loss sustained in the same period last year
- Adjusted OIBDA hit US$16 million in 2026, a YoY increase of 60 per cent
- All comparative figures are taken on a pro-forma basis as if the acquisition closed on 1st January 2024
Context:
This is only the third quarter since Liberty Media completed its acquisition of MotoGP, so it is difficult to jump to conclusions about the financial state of the championship – but these are the lowest figures recorded so far.
However, compared to last season, Q1 revenue has increased. Liberty Media attributes this to ‘increased race promotion fees related to a different mix of MotoGP events and increased sponsorship revenue from trackside advertising and new sponsors’.
Despite claiming a ‘different mix of MotoGP events’, the only change is the addition of the Grand Prix of Brazil. This replaced the neighbouring race in Argentina, so it can be assumed the new event contributed a significant jump in promoter fees. The local government invested a reported R$250 million (US$51 million) to bring MotoGP back to Brazil.
Meanwhile, the inaugural race in Brazil welcomed Estrella Galicia 0,0 as its title partner, which has been the official beer of MotoGP since 2023. MotoGP also struck a deal with Liberty-owned Quint to assume control of the series’ hospitality offering in March.
Liberty also pointed to ‘a reduction in contractual media rights fees’, which should be a matter of concern as revenue from TV deals contributes 41 per cent of the championship’s overall income. This is perhaps due to the lack of major renewals at the start of the 2026 season.
Costs also rose ‘due to higher freight costs as a result of the different order of MotoGP events in addition to increased fuel costs’. While the order of events was the same across both years (with Brazil slotting in for Argentina), there were two weeks between each race in 2025. This year, visits to Brazil and the US took place over back-to-back weekends, which likely expedited the logistical process and increased the reliance on air freight.
Comment:
“The start of our season has reinforced the strength of MotoGP as a highly competitive championship with exciting racing to date, including unpredictable results such as Jorge Martin’s comeback and continuous, thrilling on-track action,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, chief executive of MotoGP.
“Our focus remains on scaling globally as we continue investing across all commercial functions. We have officially begun our exclusive partnership with Quint to enhance our hospitality offerings and are working to complete our IRTA renewals ahead of next season.”
Go deeper:
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