The premier motorcycle racing championship has finalized a fresh two-year media contract that will take effect in 2027 and run through the 2028 season. Under the agreement, ESPN becomes the sole rights holder for MotoGP in the United States and will also continue its established presence in key Latin American markets. The arrangement guarantees live transmission or same-day delayed coverage of every Grand Prix, while streaming the action on Disney+ expands the series’ digital footprint.
Scope and delivery of the new ESPN deal
Beginning in 2027, each MotoGP round will be broadcast across ESPN’s linear channels as well as its streaming platforms, providing American viewers with immediate access to the sport’s full calendar. In Latin America, the championship will maintain its extensive coverage through ESPN networks, and the Disney+ Plan Premium service will host the streaming component. The contract also allows for sublicensing of selected events in Argentina and Brazil to free-to-air stations, a move aimed at deepening engagement in two of the region’s most enthusiastic markets.
Why the agreement matters for U.S. audiences
American fans have endured a fragmented viewing experience over the last few years, with rights hopping between BeIN Sports, NBC, TNT Sports and Fox on short notice. Those shifts often resulted in races being aired on secondary channels or delayed, leaving viewers uncertain about where and when to watch. By consolidating the rights under ESPN, the series gains a stable, widely-available platform that mirrors the successful approach taken with Formula 1 in the United States. Liberty Media, which acquired MotoGP in 2024, views the partnership as a cornerstone of its strategy to grow the sport’s profile in the lucrative American market.
Historical backdrop of U.S. broadcast contracts
Before 2020, MotoGP’s U.S. presence was anchored by a long-term agreement with BeIN Sports, a partnership that included on-site reporting crews. A subsequent four-year deal with NBC Sports brought the series to a major network but still left many events off live television. In 2024, a last-minute contract with TNT Sports arrived only hours before the season opener, offering only modest improvements. The following year, Fox Sports assumed the rights, again announced on short notice, and even moved the Austin race to the business-focused Fox Business channel. The pattern of abrupt announcements and channel shuffling created confusion among the fan base.
Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta described the ESPN partnership as “an important milestone in MotoGP’s growth strategy across the Americas.” He highlighted ESPN’s global reputation and its deep connections with audiences in both the United States and Latin America as essential factors for expanding the sport’s reach. ESPN’s Head of Global Sports & Talent Office, Freddy Rolón, echoed the sentiment, noting that the network’s 25-year relationship with the championship in Latin America provides a solid foundation for the new U.S. extension.
The agreement arrives at a moment when MotoGP is enjoying record attendance figures and rising global viewership. By securing exclusive rights with a broadcaster that spans television and streaming, the series positions itself to attract new fans while delivering consistent, high-quality coverage to its established audience. The combined television-plus-streaming model reflects the broader shift in sports media consumption, ensuring that MotoGP remains accessible across devices and platforms throughout the Americas.
