Dave Portnoy, a name synonymous with sports media, has carved out a unique niche that elicits strong opinions from fans and critics alike.
In 2003, Portnoy launched Barstool Sports as a humble weekly newspaper. Fast forward to today, and it has evolved into a formidable media empire, boasting a significant online presence and a variety of engaging content, including the popular Barstool Beach House.
His rise to fame is marked by a blend of controversy and charisma, particularly through his One Bite pizza reviews, which have garnered a massive following. Regardless of where you browse online, Portnoy's influence is unmistakable.
Reflecting on his journey reveals a series of notable events. Initially, Barstool transitioned to a blog format in 2007, marking the beginning of its digital dominance. The company, originally based in Milton, Massachusetts, relocated to New York City in 2009.
Portnoy's One Bite pizza reviews debuted in 2013, leading to the creation of an app and merchandise that track his pizza ratings. This segment of his brand has become a cultural phenomenon.
However, not all moments have been celebratory. In 2019, Portnoy faced backlash after he was removed from Super Bowl media night for using a fake press credential. This incident escalated when security escorted him out during the Patriots-Rams game, resulting in a criminal trespassing charge and a one-year ban from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The fallout from the "Call Her Daddy" podcast in 2020 showcased another layer of controversy. Hosts Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn had a public dispute with Portnoy over contract negotiations. After initially signing a three-year deal, tensions rose when they sought higher compensation. Portnoy offered them $500,000 and ownership of the show; Cooper accepted, while Franklyn declined.
In April 2021, a private video featuring Portnoy and Sydney Raines surfaced online. Raines later shared her experience with the media, noting that she felt supported despite the unexpected exposure.
Portnoy's legal battles continued when he filed a lawsuit against Insider in April 2022, claiming defamation after allegations surfaced regarding his sexual conduct. He vehemently denied the claims, stating he would not settle and aimed to dismantle those he believed were attacking him. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2022, and although he filed an appeal, it was dropped in 2023.
In November 2023, Portnoy confirmed his breakup with Mojica after three years together. He expressed that differing expectations led to their separation.
In February 2024, Portnoy adopted a dog named Miss Peaches from an Atlanta shelter, launching merchandise to support the organization. Miss Peaches quickly gained her own following, even appearing on Lucky One Vodka Lemonade cans.
Following Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's breakup with Bryan in October 2024, Portnoy revealed on his podcast that Bryan harbored animosity towards him. This prompted Portnoy and co-host Josh Richards to create a diss track titled "Smallest Man," poking fun at Bryan's appearance.
By April 2025, Portnoy claimed his net worth had reached approximately $150 million.
In July 2025, it was announced that he would host Fox's Big Noon Kickoff. However, complications arose when Ohio State University barred him from participating in an August broadcast due to internal decisions regarding talent appearances.
The university clarified that only their main set team would be present inside Ohio Stadium during the show’s final hour, emphasizing that Portnoy was not part of that group.
