Barstool Sports Returns to its Unrestricted Nature after Acquisition and Split with Penn Entertainment

In 2003, Dave Portnoy founded Barstool Sports as a digital sports brand that quickly gained popularity among young men through its presence on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and podcasts like Pardon My Take. Despite selling a majority stake to The Chernin Group in 2016 and being later acquired by Penn Entertainment in 2020, Barstool Sports has now returned under the ownership of Dave Portnoy. After a deal with ESPN to launch ESPN Bet and subsequently being sold back to Portnoy for $1, the media company has expressed a commitment to remaining true to its roots.

Portnoy has expressed that Barstool Sports is now free to operate without censorship and restrictions, allowing it to return to its wild and unrestricted nature. The brand has recently entered into a sports betting deal with DraftKings and continues to focus on its culture and sports creator content. Following its split with Penn, the company has emphasized its commitment to its staff and creators, signalling a new chapter for the popular digital sports brand.

Barstool Sports has had previous success with media deals, including streaming the NYPD vs. FDNY annual hockey game and securing college sports rights. With this newfound independence, the company is seeking out new opportunities for growth and expansion in the world of digital media.