MotoGP has formalized a new multi-year framework agreement with its five participating manufacturers to govern the sport’s commercial and competitive direction from 2027 through 2031. The deal, which mirrors the structure of a Formula 1-style "concorde" agreement, ensures long-term stability for the championship under the ownership of Liberty Media and the promotional oversight of the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group.
What the 2027–2031 Agreement Changes
The framework agreement establishes a unified vision between the sport’s promoter and the five manufacturers currently on the grid: Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, KTM, and Yamaha. According to an official statement from MotoGP, the agreement focuses on three primary pillars: commercial development, global fan engagement, and the long-term sustainability of the series.
While the agreement secures the competitive landscape, it also marks a shift in how the sport manages its revenue and marketing. Unlike previous cycles, this agreement was reached with unanimous consent from all manufacturers. Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing and chair of the Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers Association (MSMA), noted that this represents the first time in the sport’s history that all manufacturers have reached a completely unanimous position on such a deal.
How Revenue and Negotiation Sticking Points Were Resolved
Negotiations between the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (formerly Dorna Sports) and the MSMA were centered on the distribution of revenue. Reports indicate that manufacturers initially pushed for a percentage-based revenue model similar to the structure used in Formula 1. However, the promoter maintained that annual payouts would remain fixed figures rather than fluctuating percentages of total commercial intake.
The resolution of these negotiations provides the sport with a clear financial roadmap. This stability is critical for the series as it prepares for the 2027 technical regulation overhaul, which will feature new engine specifications and an increased focus on sustainable fuels.
Why This Deal Matters for the Future of MotoGP
This agreement is the first to be signed under the ownership of Liberty Media, which acquired the sport to expand its global footprint. By aligning the manufacturers through 2031, MotoGP has effectively cleared the path for the next phase of its promotional strategy.
The deal complements the existing long-term agreement between MotoGP and the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM), which is secured through 2060. This multi-layered structure creates a high degree of regulatory and commercial certainty for stakeholders.
Key Details of the Current Grid
The current competitive landscape remains dominated by European engineering. Since the departure of Suzuki at the end of the 2022 season, the grid has been limited to the five current manufacturers.
- Ducati: Currently holds a significant competitive advantage, having secured the last six constructor’s titles.
- Aprilia: Continues to challenge for top honors, with recent seasons marking their most competitive era in the modern MotoGP format.
- Manufacturer Consistency: All five manufacturers have committed to the 2027–2031 cycle, preventing the risk of further departures that plagued the series in previous decades.
The agreement with the 11 independent teams participating in the series has also been settled, according to MotoGP, though specific financial details regarding those arrangements are expected to be disclosed in subsequent updates.