Liberty Media reports MotoGP’s revenue and losses for first quarter of 2026

An increase in revenue was cancelled out by rising operational costs as MotoGP posted a loss for the first quarter of 2026

Liberty Media has published its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, revealing that its newly-acquired MotoGP business posted a loss of $24million.

Following its takeover by Liberty last year MotoGP has been consolidated within the Formula 1 Group, with its financial performance now publicly disclosed through stock market filings.

On Thursday, the American media company released its full financial and operating report for Q1, covering the period between January and March 2026.

Primary revenue, derived from race hosting fee, TV licence and sponsorship, rose from $64m to $83m over the first three months of the year, representing a healthy growth of 30% over the same period last year. MotoGP held three grands prix in the first part of the year, with the season opener in Thailand followed by races in Brazil and the US.

MotoGP said the increase in revenue was “primarily due to increased race promotion fees related to a different mix of MotoGP events and increased sponsorship revenue from trackside advertising and new sponsors” but it was “partially offset by a reduction in contractual media rights fees.”

Other related revenue, comprising money earned from the World Superbike Championship and hospitality, was fractionally lower in the first quarter.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO Dorna Sports

Photo by: Alexander Trienitz

Total revenue attributed to the MotoGP business was $94m in Q1, up from $75m last year.

However, there was also a significant jump in operating costs, which went up from $65m last year to $78m in 2026. Liberty noted the increase was primarily due to higher freight costs arising from calendar changes and fuel prices.

After taking amortisation and depreciation into account, MotoGP posted a loss of $24m - unchanged from the same quarter in 2025.

“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. Our focus remains on scaling globally as we continue investing across all commercial functions,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, MotoGP CEO.

“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.”

Despite opening 2026 with a quarterly loss, MotoGP remains in a strong financial position, having posted a profit of $54m in 2025 on revenue of $573m.