• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 8, 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

Breanna Stewart

WNBA Players Call League Proposal For Fixed Salary Cap Inadequate  

The league’s collective bargaining agreement expires in less than four months.
Louis, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Nicholas DeGraves (17) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Boston University Terriers during the third period of the Frozen Four college ice hockey national semifinals at Enterprise Center

Gavin McKenna’s Penn State Commitment Cements College Hockey Supremacy

Gavin McKenna’s Penn State decision signals hockey’s rising stars now prefer NCAA.
A helmt is seen during the Texas Tech football team's spring game, Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

CFB’s Revenue-Sharing Era Muddles Future of NIL, Adds PE Questions

Athletic departments can pay college athletes a combined $20.5 million this year.
exclusive

CBS, NFL Host James Brown Discussing Contract Extension

The 74-year-old Brown has hosted a record 10 Super Bowl pregame shows.

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
Jul 6, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Mexico forward Marcel Ruiz (14) heads the ball in front of United States midfielder Brenden Aaronson (11) in the second half during the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium.

USMNT Struggles Still Produce Big Gold Cup Ratings for Fox

The U.S. team’s recent issues culminated in a loss to Mexico.
Leo Messi
June 27, 2025

TNT, Club World Cup Ride Messi to Surprisingly Solid Debut Ratings

TNT Sports carries about a third of matches in the U.S.
July 2, 2025

Paramount Settles Trump Suit Ahead of NFL Season, Skydance Merger

The deal likely allows the much larger Skydance merger deal to proceed.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
June 24, 2025

Fever vs. Aces Draws 5th-Largest TV Audience of 2025 WNBA Season

ESPN will carry seven more Indiana Fever games this year.
June 23, 2025

NBA Finals Game 7 Is Most-Watched Since 2019, but Series Drops 9%

Game 7 drew 16.35 million viewers, the most-watched NBA game since 2019.
June 19, 2025

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

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

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