DONE DEAL: Ken Roczen Signs $245 Million Contract to Join Ducati
In a groundbreaking move that will reshape the motocross and supercross landscape, Ken Roczen has reportedly signed a staggering $245 million deal to leave Suzuki and join Ducati. This record-breaking contract marks one of the most significant rider transfers in the sport’s history.
Roczen, a two-time AMA Motocross champion and one of the most talented riders of his generation, had been a key figure for Suzuki since 2023. Despite his success aboard the RM-Z450, speculation had been swirling about his future, and now it’s official—he will be heading to Ducati as they make their highly anticipated entrance into motocross.
Ducati, known primarily for its dominance in road racing and MotoGP, has been developing a motocross program for some time. Signing Roczen signals their serious intentions to compete at the highest level right away. The German rider’s experience, skill, and massive fan base make him the perfect ambassador for Ducati’s off-road ambitions.
Sources close to the deal suggest that Ducati’s offer was too lucrative for Roczen to turn down, with a combination of salary, endorsements, and performance bonuses pushing the total package to nearly a quarter of a billion dollars. This deal also underscores Ducati’s commitment to investing heavily in motocross, a discipline they have never previously competed in.
Roczen’s debut aboard the Ducati motocross bike is expected in the 2026 season, as the brand finalizes testing and development. With this move, Ducati instantly becomes a major player in the motocross world, and fans will be eagerly awaiting Roczen’s first race on the all-new machine.
Stay tuned for more updates as this historic transition unfolds.
