Tech3, the long-standing French MotoGP outfit, has officially entered a new era. A high-profile consortium led by IKON Capital has finalized a $50 million acquisition of the team, bringing in heavyweights from the American sports investment world and Formula 1.
The deal, which closed in January 2026, marks the first major team transaction since Liberty Media (the owners of F1) acquired MotoGP last year.
The New Ownership Powerhouse
The investment group features an unprecedented mix of sports business titans and active racing stars:
- David Blitzer (Bolt Ventures): Known for his stakes in the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Commanders, Blitzer is now the only individual to hold equity in franchises across all five major U.S. sports leagues plus MotoGP.
- Main Street Advisors: The fund that manages assets for LeBron James and Maverick Carter. Their involvement signals a massive push to bring MotoGP into the American mainstream.
- Pierre Gasly: The Alpine F1 driver has joined the consortium, making him the first active Formula 1 driver to hold an ownership stake in a MotoGP team.
- IKON Capital: The investment platform leading the project, headed by Damien O’Donohoe and Markus Gloel.
Management: Steiner Takes the Reins
The team will be led by one of the most recognizable figures in global motorsports: Guenther Steiner. The former Haas F1 principal, who became a fan favorite through Netflix’s Drive to Survive, has been appointed CEO of Tech3.
Steiner is joined by Richard Coleman, a veteran in sports management, who takes over as Team Principal. Outgoing founder Hervé Poncharal will remain with the team in a consultancy role to assist with the transition.
Strategic Outlook
The acquisition is a clear bet on the “Liberty Effect.” Following Liberty Media’s blueprint for F1, investors believe MotoGP is poised for a meteoric rise in valuation and global viewership.
“MotoGP is well positioned to enjoy the type of meteoric rise we’ve seen with Formula 1,” said David Blitzer in a statement. “We’re confident our investment in Tech3 is an investment in the future of motorsports.”