The article describes research on the motivation of university teachers to develop and implement open online courses. It was determined that the practice of using open online courses is developing, which requires the involvement of teachers in both their development and use. The study was carried out using the methodology developed by S. Richi and P. Martin which was used to develop an averaged motivational profile of the developer of the online course. It was found that the leading motives of such teachers are the desire for achievement, high earnings and material incentives, recognition of merit, selfimprovement, the ability to learn new competencies, the desire to constantly have a stimulating interest. Motivating factors for teachers who do not have experience in developing online courses were identified. Additional material rewards, new experience in using educational technologies, and skills in working with a wide and diverse audience are motivating factors. The results can be of practical importance for the development of decisions aimed at encouraging teachers to develop online courses.