Media & Entertainment Acquisitions in Kentucky

Connect Media, a Los Angeles-based B2B media company, has acquired Louisville-based Networld Media Group, a business-to-business news and events operator serving the restaurant, retail, banking and self-service technology sectors. The deal expands Connect Media's media and events footprint into adjacent verticals and grows the combined team's headcount to more than 60 employees; terms were not disclosed.

Unrivaled Sports has acquired YTH Sports, the operator of the Soccer Youth brand and the All‑American Series, bringing soccer programming into Unrivaled’s portfolio of youth sports properties. YTH Sports’ founder Scott Hacker and his team will join Unrivaled Sports as the company integrates the brand and its nationwide event series into Unrivaled’s platform.

Equine Network, a tech-enabled membership services platform backed by Growth Catalyst Partners, has acquired The Horse (TheHorse.com and The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care). The purchase adds The Horse’s vetted equine health content, digital library and custom marketing services to Equine Network’s information and membership offerings to expand audience reach and capability in equine health education.

Hudl, the Lincoln, Nebraska-based sports performance analysis and video platform, has acquired livestreaming leader BlueFrame Technology to expand its broadcasting and livestream capabilities. The acquisition integrates BlueFrame’s end-to-end streaming and production tools into Hudl’s product suite, enabling athletic programs (K-12 and collegiate) to monetize livestreams and reach more fans.

Industry Dive has acquired Mobile Payments Today from Networld Media Group in a divestiture that adds payments-focused coverage and audience to Industry Dive’s B2B media portfolio. The acquisition gives Industry Dive a foothold in the payments market and will transition Mobile Payments Today content into Industry Dive’s planned Payments coverage.