BANGKOK — Singha Corporation strengthens its Global Sports Partnership strategy, extending its collaboration with MotoGP for the 13th year. MotoGP is the world’s most-watched motorcycle racing programme in 220 countries, and Singha’s partnership will cover seasons 2025 and 2026.
Voravud Bhirombhakdi, Senior Executive Vice President and Executive Director of Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd., and Deputy CEO of Boon Rawd Trading Co., Ltd., said on March 6 that Singha and MotoGP have been working together since 2014.
“We recently announced the extension of our partnership until 2026. This year’s highlight will be the participation of Thai racers in MotoGP for the whole season for the first time, with Thailand having the honor to be the opening field of the season,” said Voravud.
“Singha Corporation’s beverage brand ‘Leo’ has come up with a host of fun activities to entertain MotoGP fans. The mission is to turn a Thai brand into a global brand with global recognition and to support Thai athletes to compete at a world-class level,” he added.
Beyond Singha, energy giant PTG Energy has also announced an investment of 8.9 million dollars to secure rights as a main sponsor of MotoGP Thailand until 2026, further demonstrating Thailand’s corporate commitment to the championship.
Government Investment in MotoGP
Thailand has hosted MotoGP events since 2018, with the government subsidizing license fees paid to the event owners. The latest 5-year contract renewal (2021-2025) involves government budget support for licensing fees of 26.6 million dollars (900 million baht), or 5.9 million dollars (200 million baht) annually, from the full licensing value of 53.3 million dollars (1,800 million baht).
MotoGP recently made headlines when Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed questions about contract renewal, stating that business details unrelated to politics were under review. This came after Newin Chidchob, Chairman of Chang International Circuit where MotoGP events are held, posted that the government might not renew the MotoGP contract, with 2026 potentially being Thailand’s final race.
“It’s a world-class big event where the government invests no more than 500 million baht annually, with private sector support of at least 300 million baht yearly,” Newin said, expressing regret about the possible non-renewal. “This event generates economic circulation and business stimulation exceeding 5,000 million baht.”
Negotiations for Better Terms
Subsequently, Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, clarified that negotiations for renewing the MotoGP licensing rights are ongoing, with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) handling the process.
“The past 7 years have shown significant economic value,” said Sorawong. “In the new contract negotiations, Thailand should receive some benefits and special privileges from the rights holder, as Thailand is essentially a regular customer.”
These developments come as Formula One owner Liberty Media has purchased MotoGP in a deal worth an enterprise value of $4.5 billion. The US media company will acquire approximately 86 percent of Dorna, the commercial rights holder of the global motorcycling series. This ownership change could impact future negotiations, as MotoGP reported sponsorship revenue of $83.14 million in 2024.
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