Dave Portnoy is once again the sole owner of Barstool Sports. Founded by Portnoy in 2003, the controversial media outlet had been acquired by gambling company PENN Entertainment earlier this year for $551 million. PENN had purchased a minority stake in the outlet for $163 million in 2020. “PENN Entertainment and Barstool Sports have gone our separate ways,” Portnoy said in a video posted to X. “So that is right, for the first time in a decade, I own 100% of Barstool Sports.”
The move comes after PENN entered into a new agreement with ESPN to rebrand the outlet’s betting content. The division away from Barstool comes as a move to cut ties with the company after the initial relationship caused problems for Penn. “Every time we did something, it was one step forward, two steps back,” Portnoy said in his video announcement on Tuesday. “We got denied licenses because of me. You name it. So the regulated industry probably not the best place for Barstool Sports and the type of content we make.” The relationship had also caused stock prices to tank. Penn’s stock was up 14% in the hours after the new agreement with ESPN.
As mentioned, the decision comes after PENN entered into a new agreement with ESPN. Under the 10-year deal, Barstool Sportsbook will be rebranded as ESPN Bet. Per Penn’s announcement, ESPN will receive $1.5 billion as part of the deal and a further $500 million in warrants tied to media, marketing, and other services. The service will be continued to be called theScore Bet in Canada. PENN also operates the theScore media outlet, which primarily focuses on esports coverage on platforms such as YouTube.
“This transformative, exclusive agreement with ESPN marks another major milestone in PENN’s evolution from a pure-play U.S. regional gaming operator to a North American entertainment leader. ESPN Bet will be deeply integrated with ESPN’s broad editorial, content, digital and linear product, and sports programming ecosystem. ESPN Bet will also benefit from PENN’s operational experience, extensive market access and proprietary technology platform, which successfully debuted in the U.S. this July,” said Penn CEO Jay Snowden.
During a recent interview with Page Six, Dave Portnoy weighed in on Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. The BFFs podcast host also shared his thoughts on some beef between Kim Kardashian and her ex-husband Kanye West. According to Portnoy, Swift shouldn’t let Kim attend her tour, and should send her to jail if she even tries. “If I were Taylor, I would have security waiting at the entrance and I would throw handcuffs on her and drag her to jail,” he told the outlet. “It would surprise me if she didn’t [attend]. That would be a very Kim move.”
“A lot of people don’t actually know the story but they edited her phone call and called her a liar,” he explained. “The phone call came out a few years later and it backed up everything that Taylor Swift said, so that was kind of what started me on the Swiftie path.“ Portnoy continued, “When everyone was crucifying her I was like, ‘This is not right,’ so now I’ve just grown to be a huge fan.” Famously, Kanye crashed Swift’s acceptance speech at the MTV VMAs in 2009. She won an award for Best Female Video, but Ye insisted the award should have gone to Beyonce. Things between them have been weird ever since.
Kanye West takes the microphone from Taylor Swift and speaks onstage during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on September 13, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
Kanye later issued an apology, retracted it, and then the duo randomly appeared to be on good terms again. Kanye even claimed in 2015 that they’d be coming out with a collab. In 2016, however, Kanye released “Famous,” which includes a questionable line about Swift. “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why? I made that b*tch famous,” he says in the song. He claimed to have gotten approval from Swift for the lyric, but her team denies this.
After various digs at each other, Kim got involved in 2016. She claimed that they had a recording of Swift agreeing to the line, which she later released. Swift released the unedited recording in 2020, revealing that she never agreed to Ye referring to her as “that b*tch.” Kim responded, calling Swift’s release of the recording “self-serving.”
Last week, Barstool founder and one-time failed Boston mayoral candidate Dave Portnoy got into a little Instagram beef. “If he [Tom Brady] wants to fuck her [Kim Kardashian], go fuck her in a motel and gossip and tell your friends … We’re not dating the Kardashians, Tom. If you go down to that level, we all go down. We’re better than that,” Portnoy, who is currently dating a woman 18 years his junior, ranted on Instagram. This turned into beef when Real Housewives of New York City star Sonja Morgan commented “Awesome. Does that mean Dave will take me to a motel? ,” on a Page Six Instagram post.
Portnoy, who had to issue an apology for union-busting at Barstool in 2019, responded “With all due respect….gross.” to Morgan’s comment. Later, he went on to claim that he “didn’t know who she was” and found her “too old”. For reference, Morgan is 59 and Portnoy is 46. As mentioned earlier, Portnoy is currently dating a 28-year-old influencer. Subsequently, Portnoy received a lot of backlash for this response to Morgan. However, Portnoy is doubling down on the beef.
Portnoy Claims Previous DM From Morgan
Speaking on the BFFs Podcast, Portnoy continued his beef with Morgan. Specifically, he claimed that Morgan had previously DM’d him the same motel sex offer that she made in Page Six‘s Instagram comments. “Sonja Morgan from ‘The Real Housewives of New York City’ responded to my video saying she wanted to f–k me in a motel. She actually DMed it to me,” Portnoy claimed. However, Portnoy, who does not show the DM during the episode, said he ignored the message. That’s when Morgan reportedly took the comment to Page Six‘s replies.
It sounds plausible given that Morgan, for whatever reason, wants to genuinely fuck Portnoy. However, the Barstool founder does not show the DM in question. Furthermore, the interaction must be taken with a grain of salt. Portnoy is obviously trying to push a narrative. He is, purportedly, the victim of this older woman’s advances. “Page Six tweeted at me, so like, are you going to fuck Sonja Morgan? To which I responded, ‘gross.’” Morgan is yet to respond to this latest claim.
In case you don’t know, Dave Portnoy is a bit of a controversial person. Overall, Portnoy has been able to build a sports media empire off of some problematic means. However, he still boasts a wild amount of wealth, and he truly does not care what you think of him. At this point, Barstool Sports remains one of the biggest entities in the sports world. Although it has faced numerous controversies over the years, it continues to be a force in the industry.
If you follow Dave Portnoy, then you are well aware of the fact that sometimes, he gets himself into trouble with his mouth. For instance, he recently had some bizarre comments about Tom Brady and his newfound friendship with Kim Kardashian. “If he wants to f—k her, go f—k her in a motel and gossip and tell your friends. … We’re not dating the Kardashians, Tom,” Portnoy said. “If you go down to that level, we all go down. We’re better than that.” The fact that he referred to Tom Brady as “we” is weird, but hey, it is par for the course.
Following his comments, Sonja Morgan from Real Housewives Of New York City decided to chime in. “Awesome. Does that mean Dave will take me to a motel?” she said, according to Page Six. In the end, Dave Portnoy clearly didn’t love this response, as he simply said “with all due respect…gross.” Needless to say, these two will not be linking up, anytime soon. As for the Tom Brady and Kim K stuff, it doesn’t seem like the two are actually dating. Instead, the two were just chatting it up at the infamous Michael Rubin party.
If there is one thing for certain, it is that Dave Portnoy will continue to be a controversial figure in the industry. Let us know what you think about all of this, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from the sports world and beyond. We will always keep you informed.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy — famously known as El Presidente, aka The Mogul, aka Davey Pageviews — is one of the most recognizable faces in the American sports media industry. Famously known as the founder of the multi-million dollar online media outlet Barstool Sports, he’s also a stock trader, who often appears on Fox News’ business segments, and a pizza enthusiast. Over the course of Barstool’s 20-year existence, he accumulated a massive following on his Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages. However, Portnoy’s controversial takes have turned him into a polarizing presence online and in the sports world.
Portnoy’s Upbringing
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 15: Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy attends Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 15, 2022, in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Portnoy was born in Swampscott, Massachusetts, on March 22, 1977. He attended Swampscott High School, where he met ESPN’s football analyst Todd McShay. He later enrolled at the University of Michigan where he graduated with a degree in education in 1999.
While at Michigan, he launched thegamblingman.com, a website where he shared his sports betting picks. David moved to Boston and began his post-college career at IT market research firm, Yankee Group. He spent four years working for the company before eventually leaving the company to focus on starting his own Barstool Sports.
Portnoy’s personal life has been a topic of interest among his fans, with many curious about his relationship status and hobbies. He married his ex-wife Renee Satterthwaite, known as the “First Lady of Barstool Nation” among fans, in 2009. However, their marriage ended in 2017 after Portnoy’s affair with a woman named Jordyn Hamilton became public. As expected, Portnoy’s also an avid sports enthusiast, particularly of the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins. According to Celebrity Net Worth, David Portnoy’s net worth is estimated to be between $100 – $120 million.
In 2003, Portnoy founded Barstool Sports, a four-page sports newspaper he distributed by hand on Boston’s subway platforms and street corners. The paper was initially written solely by Portnoy but eventually expanded to include freelance writers, including former classmate Todd McShay.
The newspaper initially struggled but gained popularity in 2004. Portnoy began featuring photos of women in bikinis on the front page. In 2007, Barstool transitioned into a blog, where he cultivated his persona as “El Presidente,” a blunt and candid character that appealed to young men and became a mainstay of bro culture.
The blog quickly gained a following for its humorous takes on sports and pop culture and expanded to cover the latest news. Over the years, under Dave Portnoy’s guidance, Barstool Sports transformed into a multimedia company that includes podcasts, video content, and merchandise.
Despite facing criticism for disparaging and offensive comments towards women and other marginalized groups, Barstool Sports grew in popularity. They attracted investment from The Chernin Group, which purchased a majority stake in 2016. Four years later, Penn Entertainment acquired a 36% stake in the company, bringing Barstool’s valuation to $450 million. In February 2023, Penn Entertainment acquired the remaining stake in Barstool Sports for $388 million, with Portnoy retaining creative control over the content.
Portnoy’s love of pizza became a significant part of his public persona. He started reviewing pizza places in 2007 on his blog and social media channels, leading to the launch of his YouTube channel, One Bite With Davey Pageviews. The page featured Portnoy’s reviews of different pizza places across Manhatten, and eventually, globally. His pizza reviews are known for their honest and straightforward approach. It often features Portnoy taking large bites out of the pizza while giving his thoughts on the taste and texture. Eventually, this led to several partnerships with renowned pizza companies, including DiGiorno. In 2021, Portnoy also launched his frozen pizza brand, One Bite Pizza.
Controversies
I’d agree with you that if Clark did exactly what Reese did and I went after Reese and not Clark then it would be fair to suggest it’s rooted in race. However they didn’t do remotely the same thing and if you can’t see that then race is clouding your perspective not mine https://t.co/vypfHx9bbQ
Dave Portnoy has been embroiled in many controversies since Barstool Sports’ inception in 2003. Portnoy caught backlash after making light of sexual assault victims, saying, “If you’re a size 6 and you’re wearing skinny jeans, you kind of deserve to be raped, right?” He later issued an apology for this comment. Portnoy’s decision to post a naked photo of Tom Brady’s 20-month-old son in 2011 resulted in a visit from Massachusetts State Police. He eventually pulled the photo from his blog.
In 2016, Barstool Sports faced accusations of racism after publishing a post that mocked Colin Kaepernick. Portnoy defended the post, stating that it was meant to be a joke and that the company did not condone racism. However, the incident led to several advertisers pulling their support from the site.
Additionally, Portnoy has faced backlash for Barstool’s use of derogatory language and the alleged treatment of female employees. He was criticized in the past for making inappropriate comments toward women and accused of promoting sexual harassment, which he denied. ESPN’s Sam Ponder, for example, called him out for a string of statements he made toward her, including suggesting that she needed to be more “slutty.” Ultimately, the controversies surrounding Portnoy have led many publications and news outlets to describe Barstool as a place that fosters misogynistic culture.
Despite the controversies, Portnoy and Barstool Sports have used their platform to support various charitable causes over the years. One notable example is the Barstool Fund, which Portnoy launched in December 2020 to support small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund initially started with $500,000 of Portnoy’s money and quickly gained momentum.
The Barstool Fund received widespread praise for its transparency and direct approach to providing financial assistance to small businesses. As of April 2023, the fund has raised nearly $42 million. Portnoy has been actively involved in the fund’s efforts, regularly sharing updates and encouraging donations on his social media channels.
In addition to the Barstool Fund, Barstool Sports have also supported other charitable causes, including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Portnoy has also used his platform to raise awareness and funds for various social issues, such as a Veteran’s Day fundraising campaign for mental health.
After Portnoy made a reported $100 million from selling his sports media company, Barstool Sports. Since then, he has continued to grow his wealth. Portnoy has made substantial investments in real estate over the years, is an avid stock trader, and dabbles in cryptocurrencies, too. Near the end of 2022, Portnoy launched a watch company, Brick Watch Company. That same year, he filed a lawsuit against news publisher Insider for publishing two stories alleging sexual misconduct against Portnoy. He dropped the lawsuit in February 2023.
Boosie Badazz called out Dave Portnoy on Twitter, Tuesday, for calling Angel Reese a “classless piece of shit.” In response to the controversial tweet, Boosie called the Barstool founder a “bitch.” Portnoy originally made the comment in response to Reese taunting Iowa’s Caitlin Clark after LSU defeated the team in the National Championship.
“DAVE POTNEY YOU A BITCH ” Bossie wrote on Twitter. “KEEP SENDING YO NUDES TO OTHER DUDES U FUCKING RACIST BITCH FREAK MONSTER.” The rapper also called out Keith Olbermann, who expressed a similar sentiment to Portnoy. “U A RACIST” he began. “Larry Bird daughter did the same thing as ANGEL n u call her that REALLY SMH. YOU THE ONE WITH NO CLASS AT ALL. Thanks @KeithOlbermann YOUVE JUST SHOWED THE WORLD HOW MUCH OF A RACIST YOU R. THEY CANT SAY NOTHING TO YOU, BUT I CAN MF n I got time.”
Boosie’s Attack On Dave Portnoy
DAVE POTNEY YOU A BITCH KEEP SENDING YO NUDES TO OTHER DUDES U FUCKING RACIST BITCHFREAK MONSTER
Portnoy later explained his remark, revealing that he bet on Iowa to win and was emotional in response to the result. “I’m in a pretty big full-fledged internet war,” Portnoy said. “That bet is a major part of probably what transpired and I can explain… I call her ‘a classless piece of shit’ and off we go… It is classless by the way… If someone does something that I don’t like in a game I’m watching, I tweet.”
He also argued that Reese’s taunt was substantially different from Caitlin Clark’s own trash-talking. “I think you’re basically lying if you’re saying what Caitlin Clark did and Angel Reese did are the same thing — they’re not,” Portnoy said. “I like trash talking. If you hit a big shot in the moment or you’re talking s–t in the moment, back and forth… I don’t care. That is not what Angel Reese did. Find me one example in any sport, of anybody, after somebody wins a championship, confetti coming down, not in a close game — and find me a player stalking the best player on the other team. It is not sexist. It does not happen. If a man did that, he would be called ‘classless’ and nobody would be saying anything.”
Over the weekend, Portnoy found himself at the center of a feud with Angel Reese. Following Reese’s taunts of Caitlin Clark, Portnoy called Reese classless and idiotic. Many felt that it was a racially motivated comment, and the backlash has lasted all the way to today. Consequently, Gillie Da Kid and Wallo have been hit with some second-hand backlash. This subsequently led to a response in which Gillie and Wallo addressed their fans. Below, you can see Wallo explain how they don’t stand for what Portnoy said. Moreover, they made it clear that they own 100 percent of their podcast and that the deal with Barstool is simply for licensing.
Gillie Da Kid & Wallo Speak
Gillie & Wallo speak on barstool sports president Dave Portnoy calling Angel Reese “a classless piece of shit” after she taunted Caitlin Clark pic.twitter.com/Z1t3QeEx4l
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) April 3, 2023
Throughout the clip, Gillie can be heard saying “we love you Dave.” Overall, fans were not happy with this response or attitude. Immediately after the clip started making the rounds, Gillie Da Kid and Wallo were ripped to shreds for their commentary. Various fans felt that Gillie is typically very loud, but when it comes to the money source, he is extremely quiet. Furthermore, some Twitter users felt like the two are selling out black women for their brand. Needless to say, they have only entrenched themselves deeper into the controversy.
It is certainly not the best look when you think about the conversation surrounding Reese. Many are making some ugly claims about the LSU champion. Additionally, Barstool’s problematic history is being placed at the forefront. At this point, it remains to be seen whether or not Gillie Da Kid and Wallo will reconsider their partnership with Barstool, especially when you consider the recent backlash. Subsequently, let us know your thoughts on the situation, in the comments below.
Everybody knows what barstool stands for and what they are on. When you decide to get money with them you decide to endorse this type of bullshit. I don’t wanna see none of these videos no more. Stand on your decision or separate but stop playing both sides. https://t.co/QfpWcgjsEt
There’s a little bit of a double standard happening in women’s college basketball, and Shaquille O’Neal is coming to Angel Reese’s defense. Louisiana State University reigned over Iowa State this past weekend, taking home the 2023 NCAA national championship. The victory came with controversy after LSU star Angela Reese enjoyed her win by making John Cena’s famous wrestling gesture. She even pointed at her ring finger and taunted Iowa State star, Caitlin Clark. When Iowa beat Louisville last week, Clark made the same motion to mock the defeated.
Later, Clark was even praised by Cena who took to social media with kind words. However, following Angel Reese’s similar display, she was deemed “classless” and rude by the general public. However, she has a fierce defender in Shaq, who has been firing off responses on Twitter. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy shared a video of Reese and added, “Classless piece of sh*t.” In the comments, Shaq added, “And so is your mother.”
We’re not sure if Portnoy has reacted to Shaq’s immature diss, but he wasn’t the only one to feel the wrath. Countdown podcast host Keith Olbermann also hopped on the microblogging site with Reese criticism. “What a f*cking idiot,” he wrote in a retweet of Reese’s gesture. “Doesn’t matter the gender, the sport, the background – you’re seconds away from a championship and you do something like this and overshadow all the good. Mindless, classless, and what kind of coach does this team have?”
Shaq replied, “Shut your dumb ass up leave angel reese alone.” Later, Olbermann apologized, admitting he wasn’t familiar with what led to Reese’s moment. “I apologize for being uninformed last night about the back story on this.” He added, “I don’t follow hoops, college or pro, men or women. I had no idea about Clark. Both were wrong.” Clark was accused of using the gesture to various teams throughout the season but didn’t face the same backlash. Reese has been unapologetic for her behavior, stating she’s from Baltimore, where people trash talk on the court. Conversations about the controversy continue to run rampant online. Was Angel Reese out of line?
,” on a Page Six Instagram post. 
” Bossie wrote on Twitter. “KEEP SENDING YO NUDES TO OTHER DUDES U FUCKING RACIST BITCH
