Infront moves into motocross with Youthstream acquisition
By Team TMX on 31st Jan 19
Infront today announced the acquisition of Youthstream, the owner of the exclusive television, marketing and global promotional rights to the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship until the 2036 season.
The agreement covers several other events including the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship, the FIM Snowcross World Championship, the European Motocross Championship and the Motocross of European Nations. The management of the Monaco-based company will remain unchanged under the direction of President Giuseppe Luongo together with David Luongo as CEO and Daniele Rizzi as COO.
Infront's President & CEO Phillippe Blatter said: "We are very glad to welcome the Youthstream team to the Infront Group. Under the proven management and expertise, the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship has become the premier event of off-road motorsport. Following the successful ownership and management of the FIM Superbike World Championship from 2007 to 2012, this acquisition provides us once again with a long-term property ownership in international motorsport further strengthening our comprehensive portfolio. We will collaborate very closely to further optimise fan experience, content offering and ultimately grow the global community in motocross."
Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo said: "We have been successfully building this company over more than three decades and are now very much looking forward to continue to further develop our ambitious vision for motocross together with Infront as one of the leading players in global sports business. This agreement comes at the right moment for the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship and allows Youthstream to accelerate its international development. I am sure that the synergies we will generate will be of great benefit for all properties we represent.
Julien Ternisien, Infront Vice President Summer Sports, said: "The FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship is an exciting property with a clear potential to grow even further. We are looking forward to taking the sport to the next level of commercial success by activating our extensive media and sponsorship network as well as our full suite of innovative sports solutions. This goes hand in hand with improving media sales and accelerating digital marketing activities, including further improving the MXGP-TV OTT platform for fans all over the world.
FIM President Jorge Viegas added: The FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship series is one of motorsports fastest growing and most promising properties. We are confident that Infronts strong market position, resources and marketing capabilities combined with the strong track-record and proven expertise of Youthstream will help raise the bar even higher in terms of growth and popularity for the series.
The FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship is considered the best off-road motorsport event in the world. Taking place across 20 top race tracks in Europe, USA, Russia, Argentina and Asia, including China and Indonesia, from March through to September/October, culminating in the prestigious Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations closing the eight-month season. The series was inaugurated in 1957 and is currently divided into two classes: MXGP and MX2.
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