MotoGP has signed a five‑year commercial agreement, guaranteeing each of the six manufacturer‑backed teams a fixed €8 million per season from 2027 to 2031.
The Deal
On the sidelines of the Czech Grand Prix, MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MotoGP SEG) and the brands Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, Honda and Yamaha confirmed the new contract. The six satellite teams, including Red Bull KTM Tech3, also took part in signing the pact. The agreement mirrors a “landmark moment” for the series, with all parties locking in the same guaranteed sum.
Fixed‑Fee Rationale
When asked why a revenue‑share model was rejected, Red Bull KTM Tech3 CEO Guenther Steiner explained that a predictable, even distribution was preferable to seasonal fluctuations. “Everyone wants more,” Steiner told Motorsport.com, “but a share that dips when profits fall is risky.” Steiner cited the need for a firm foundation after Liberty Media’s recent acquisition of MotoGP, arguing the sport must first prove that a profitable future is attainable before revisiting profit‑splitting. He added that a fixed purse allows teams to plan budgets, plan investments and increase marketing spend without waiting for future negotiations.
Liberty Media and Investment
The EU Commission cleared Liberty Media’s purchase of MotoGP at the end of June 2025, after which the series entered a brand‑new growth phase. Liberty’s strategy focuses on expanding the calendar and enhancing fan engagement. Steiner described the current deal as a compromise that “builds on what everyone is happy with” instead of cramming in immediate distribution changes.
Post‑Pandemic Sports Expansion
Steiner also referenced the larger trend of giant sports oversaturation that accelerated during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Formula 1 now hosts 24 races plus six sprint events, while MotoGP has expanded to 22 races with sprint races at each weekend. He praised Liberty Media’s balance, concluding that “24 races can be commercially successful” if each one delivers a distinct experience. Steiner warned against “cookie‑cutter” racing, suggesting that variety keeps audiences engaged.
Outlook for MotoGP
With 11 teams and a secure financial footing, MotoGP is set to cement a stable foundation for the next contract cycle. The fixed‑fee model insists on steadiness, while still leaving room for future adjustments based on market growth. In a world where fans now consume sport through naked-on‑any‑device channels, the series’ insistence on predictable revenue could be a decisive factor in maintaining competitiveness over the next decade.
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