Begin Secures MotoGP Broadcast Rights, Liberty Media Expands Sports Portfolio

The UAE-based streaming service, Begin, has added motorcycle racing’s premier series, MotoGP, to its expanding sports rights portfolio. This move reflects Begin’s strategy of diversifying into non-cricket sports to attract a broader audience and build a sustainable platform value. The deal encompasses broadcast rights for the entire 2026 MotoGP season, beginning with the season-opening Thailand Grand Prix on March 1st.

Begin’s Strategic Expansion

Begin will broadcast all aspects of each MotoGP race weekend, including practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the Grand Prix races themselves. The 2026 season features 21 races following the Thailand event, culminating in the Grand Prix of Valencia on November 22nd. While MotoGP doesn’t currently race in Pakistan or the Indian subcontinent, the series includes prominent Asian markets like Qatar (April 12th), Japan (October 4th), Indonesia (October 11th), Malaysia (November 1st), and Thailand.

Jonathan Mark, Begin’s chief executive, stated that adding MotoGP aligns with the platform’s deliberate expansion into new sports categories. He emphasized the importance of securing globally established properties with enduring competitive value and international relevance. Sportcal reported Mark’s comments on the benefits of focusing on non-cricket sports, citing reduced competition and the opportunity to cultivate underserved fanbases.

Liberty Media’s Growing Presence in Motorsports

Alongside Begin’s acquisition of broadcast rights, MotoGP has forged a new partnership with Quint, a travel and events company. This multi-year exclusive agreement designates Quint as the manager of hospitality offerings across all 22 Grand Prix races, responding to increasing demand for premium experiential packages. MotoGP.com details the partnership, with MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta highlighting the commitment to delivering a hospitality experience that matches the sport’s energy and ambition.

This collaboration is particularly significant given Liberty Media’s recent acquisitions. In January 2024, Liberty Media acquired approximately 90% of Quint for $313 million. Crash.net reports that Liberty Media also finalized the purchase of 84% of MotoGP through Dorna Sports in July 2024, a deal valued at $3.1 billion.

Financial Performance

Liberty Media’s full-year financial results, released in late February, revealed a revenue of $4.48 billion for the 2025 fiscal year. Revenue from the motorcycle series increased by 14% year-over-year in 2025, reaching $573 million, with operating income growing by 86% to $54 million (both figures are pro-forma).

Recent Race Results

The 2026 season commenced with the Thailand Grand Prix, where Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing secured a dominant victory. Motorsport.com reports that Bezzecchi led every lap, finishing 5.5 seconds ahead of the competition. This marked his seventh career MotoGP victory and third consecutive win, having triumphed in the final two races of the 2025 season. Aprilia.com highlights the strong performance of Aprilia Racing, with two riders on the podium.