North Star Network (NSN) has acquired AlAireLibre.cl as part of its expansion efforts into the LatAm sports media market.
The acquisition is one of several recently made by NSN, which has also been trying to develop its presence in the UK via acquisitions of MrFixitTips and SportsMole.co.uk in the past month.
AlAireLibre.cl was founded in 2018 and was originally owned by the Cooperativa Group. The Chilean sports journalism platform covers a wide range of sports, with a particular focus on the national soccer team.
Other LatAm acquisitions include that of Lakersbrasil.com in April 2023, as well as partnerships with a range of Brazilian football fan club sites later that year. Some of these include NotciasDoMengao.com.br, which covers Flamengo, PortalDoSaoPaulino.com.br, covering Sao Paulo and PortalDoPalmeirense.com.br, covering Palmeiras, among others.
On the acquisition, NSN Co-Founder Julien Josset said: “I want to thank the Grupo Cooperativa team for their trust and professionalism. AlAireLibre is a reference sports media brand in Latin America. Working closely with the legacy team and our internal experts, we are confident we can take this brand to the next level.”
Cooperativa Group CEO Luis Ajenjo added: "The initial relationship with North Star Network until reaching this positive conclusion allowed us to get to know a highly professional and committed team with whom we resolved multiple details of an unprecedented negotiation. We wish them great success in this new stage of AlAireLibre.cl.”
Regulated sports betting is set to become a lucrative market in Brazil with the developing legalisation of the market. In July, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional measure for the launch of sports betting in Brazil, with later developments to the legislation coming in the months to follow, also drawing praise from the IBIA.
