MotoGP delivered a significant increase in revenue during the opening months of 2026, although higher operating costs resulted in a $24 million loss for the first quarter under new owner Liberty Media.
The financial figures, published as part of Liberty Media’s latest quarterly earnings report, offer one of the clearest looks yet at MotoGP’s business performance since the American company completed its takeover of the championship.
MotoGP generated total revenue of $94 million between January and March, compared to $75 million during the same period last year. Primary income sources such as race hosting fees, television rights, and sponsorship climbed sharply, with core revenue increasing from $64 million to $83 million.
According to Liberty Media, the growth was largely driven by stronger race promotion fees and increased sponsorship income linked to trackside advertising and new commercial partners. However, the gains were partially offset by lower media rights revenue.
MotoGP held three grands prix during the quarter, beginning with the season opener in Thailand before races in Brazil and the United States.
Despite the encouraging rise in revenue, expenses also increased considerably. Operating costs rose from $65 million to $78 million, mainly due to higher freight expenses caused by calendar changes and rising fuel prices. After depreciation and amortisation were included, MotoGP ended the quarter with a $24 million loss, matching the result from the same period in 2025.
Source: Autosport
MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta remained optimistic about the championship’s direction, pointing to competitive racing and growing global interest early in the season.
He also highlighted MotoGP’s new hospitality partnership with Quint as part of the sport’s broader commercial expansion plans. Liberty Media has already made it clear that increasing MotoGP’s international reach and commercial value remains a major objective following the takeover.
While the first-quarter loss may appear concerning on paper, MotoGP’s wider financial outlook remains stable. The championship reportedly posted a profit of $54 million across 2025 with annual revenue reaching $573 million, underlining the long-term growth potential Liberty Media sees in the series.
