• Loading stock data...
Saturday, June 21, 2025

Is Barstool Backing Out of College Sports Events?

  • Barstool Sports has been the sponsor of the Arizona Bowl since 2021.
  • The company was sold back to founder Dave Portnoy in 2023.
Arizona Bowl/X

Since Barstool Sports’ ownership transition from PENN Entertainment back to founder and president Dave Portnoy in August, the company has been evaluating its content strategy and financial future.

Now, the new era may see the sports media brand reverse course on its strategy of sponsoring college sports events—namely the future of the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl looks to be up in the air. After Wyoming defeated Toledo 16-15 in this season’s game, Barstool personality Dan “Big Cat” Katz said it was unlikely that the partnership would continue. “Don’t think so unless something drastic changes,” he posted on X. “Was a lot of fun doing it but unless the financials drastically change on doing it that’s probably it.” 

Barstool agreed to a multiyear naming rights deal in 2021, but that year’s edition of the Arizona Bowl was canceled after Boise State withdrew due to COVID-19 issues ahead of the game. Last year’s matchup was streamed on Barstool.tv but the 2023 game was shown on The CW. Barstool personalities provided commentary for both editions. Barstool did not reply to a request by Front Office Sports for comment.

Beyond the Arizona Bowl, the company has also sponsored the Barstool Sports Invitational, a four-team college basketball tournament, for the past two years. After November’s edition, Barstool president Dave Portnoy posted on X: “That last game was the worst sporting event I’ve ever sat through and the end of the Barstool Invitational for good.”

Last summer, Barstool streamed a Korn Ferry Tour golf event that the PGA Tour called a test for a potential “multi-event model” in 2024. There has not been an update on any long-term partnership.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Chip Caray Will Not be Suspended for Accidental Homophobic Slur: Sources

The verbal stumble was followed by over 30 seconds of silence.
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field

‘More Is More’: The Elite Luxury Jewelers Decking Out Athletes

Meet the elite group of luxury designers crafting the biggest statement pieces.
Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas (6) is shown during the first quarter of their game against South Dakota Saturday, September 7 , 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Sues Miami for ‘Tampering’ With Football Transfer

Xavier Lucas signed NIL deals in Madison before transferring to Miami.

Pac-12 Still Playing Conference Tetris As Realignment Heats Up

Sacramento State is leaving the Big Sky for the Big West.

Featured Today

Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.
Jan 24, 2017; Davidson, NC, USA; The Davidson Wildcats student section cheers during the first half against the Duquesne Dukes at McKillop Court at John M. Belk Arena. Davidson defeated Duquesne 74-60.
June 6, 2025

Every College Wants a Flashy Basketball GM Hire Right Now

The role is more important than ever, and the definition is ever-evolving.
August 31, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; The Goodyear blimp flies over Ohio Stadium during the first half of Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game between the Akron Zips and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
June 6, 2025

Why the Goodyear Blimp Is at Every Major Sports Event

The airship wasn’t built to cover sports. Now it’s a regular presence.

Pacers Force Game 7, Could Spark Big Ratings Boost for NBA Finals

Game 7 could boost NBA Finals ratings after a slow start this year.
June 17, 2025

Streaming Tops Linear for First Time, Sports Still Key to TV’s Resilience

Streaming hits another critical milestone in an accelerating media transition.
June 17, 2025

Stanley Cup Final Delivers Drama but Struggles for Eyeballs in U.S.

U.S. viewership fell while Canadian audiences for the event rose slightly.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Ted Leonsis unpacks basketball’s global rise, media rights, and portfolio ownership.
June 17, 2025

Zaslav Takes Pay Cut, TNT Sports Future Unclear in WBD Shake-Up

The TNT Sports parent company retools its executive pay after shareholder pushback.
Tyrese Haliburton
June 16, 2025

NBA Finals Ratings Up Again in Game 4 but Still Down Overall

More than nine million people watched Games 3 and 4.
Thunder
June 16, 2025

NBA, ABC Air Finals Lineup Intros After Fan Complaints

ABC aired player intros for the first time in 12 years Monday. 
Anthony Slater
exclusive
June 13, 2025

Top Warriors Reporter Anthony Slater Leaving The Athletic for ESPN

Anthony Slater starts at ESPN later this summer.