Chilean and Bolivian basketball harnessing betting data in global push

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Sports data company FeedConstruct is expanding its reach in Latin America, coinciding with the growth of various betting markets across the cultural region.

The BetConstruct-owned platform has penned deals with the top tier basketball competitions in Chile and Bolivia, the LNB in the former and Libobásquet in the latter.

Also included in the deal is the second tier Chilean league, the LNB2. London-based FeedConstruct has become the exclusive betting partner for data and video content of all three leagues.

Ani Isakhanyan, SoftConstruct’s Head of Rights and Content, said: “We are excited to welcome both LNB and LNB2 of Chile and the Bolivian Libobásquet to our growing portfolio of international basketball rights.

“Basketball is experiencing a massive surge in popularity across Latin America, contributing to a global fanbase that now exceeds 3.3 billion. Both Chile and Bolivia represent key markets with highly competitive league structures and passionate local followings.

“Recognising that basketball is one of the top sports worldwide, these partnerships allow us to deliver premium content from two vibrant markets to our global partners.”

Chile preparing for betting boom?

Terms of the deals will see FeedConstruct collect data and video content from hundreds of LNB and Libobásquet matches annually, distributing this coverage to its betting operator partners.

A stated aim of the partnership is to expand Latin American basketball’s reach to a more global audience via FeedConstruct’s networks. The leagues may have also taken note of the growing value and presence of the betting industry, both locally and internationally.

Brazil’s market launch in early 2024 shone a spotlight on the growth seen in Latin American betting, and international bookmakers are now paying attention to Spanish-speaking Latin American markets beyond Brazil.

In Chile, betting remains largely unregulated and technically illegal, but regulatory change may be on the horizon as Bill No 14,836 moves slowly through Congress. The prospect of a new betting market opening has prompted overseas stakeholders to take note and in the case of actors like the UK’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), lend a hand.

Marcos Galindo, President of the Chilean National Basketball League (LNB Chile), said: “We have built a positive and collaborative relationship with FeedConstruct, and this initiative represents an important step forward for the development and visibility of Chilean basketball.

“Strengthening our digital and international presence through FeedConstruct allows us to reach new audiences and supports the continued professional growth of our league.

“We value partnerships that contribute to the sustainable expansion of the sport and help showcase the quality and competitiveness of Chilean basketball at both a regional and international level.”