Entercom enters betting fray with data platform acquisition

Philadelphia-based sports entertainment network Entercom Communications has acquired sports data and affiliate platform QL Gaming Group (QLGG) to offer enhanced experiences to sports fans. The $32m deal will add sports data, analytics and insight-driven content to Entercom’s sports podcast and radio networks. QLGG operates a sports betting and DFS data and analytics platform which can also create simulation-based sports outcome predictions and forecasts games. It has also developed a sports betting app which delivers data and advanced analytics direct-to-consumer via a subscription-style model. Entercom CEO David Field said the acquisition was a perfect fit for the company’s sports audio platform. “Integrating QL’s analytics and content with our sports brands enables us to deliver unparalleled experiences for sports fans,” Field said. “The acquisition builds on our track record of digital growth and further enhances our direct-to-consumer technology portfolio with data and analytics capabilities, while also adding an innovative new subscription offering to our platform.” Co-founder and CEO of QLGG Justin Park will continue to lead the business and report to president of sports at Entercom Mike Dee and chief digital officer JD Crowley. Park said: “Between our capabilities to make bettors better and the influence Entercom’s platform provides, we can now offer a wholly unique proposition to the sports enthusiast that is second to none.” QLGG is forecasted to generated $12m in revenue in 2021, with an EBITDA margin of over 25%.