• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 12, 2025

Sources: Don’t Expect a Barstool-MLB Streaming Deal

  • The Barstool-initiated talks didn’t progress beyond the preliminary stage.
  • MLB has faced criticism in the days since news of a possible collaboration was reported.
Daniel Kucin Jr.-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Midweek Major League Baseball games won’t be streamed by Barstool Sports, at least any time soon.

The New York Post reported last week that a deal to stream non-exclusive MLB games had a “50-50” chance of going through, although two sources with knowledge of the talks told Front Office Sports that wasn’t the case. MLB executives didn’t strongly consider a collaboration when Barstool contacted the league’s front office and nothing has changed in the days since.

While there are multiple factors on why the deal wasn’t seriously considered, sources said the major one appears to be the blowback over an MLB collaboration with a brand that has been roundly criticized for misogynistic content and targeted online harassment.

Sportico reported Friday that league officials were “surprised to read the Post article” because the talks didn’t progress far. Still, MLB has not publicly said the deal wouldn’t happen, leaving the league open to criticism on social media and elsewhere. 

There have been no negotiations since the Post report last week, a source told Front Office Sports. Messages left with MLB and Barstool seeking comment were not returned. 

On Aug. 5, Barstool founder Dave Portnoy said the company discussed a broadcast deal with one of the four major sports leagues, days after the site inked a deal to sponsor and stream the Arizona Bowl. 

That deal, however, has already led the Pima County Board of Supervisors to withdraw nearly $40,000 in funding. 

Before the Aug 10. vote, the Arizona Daily Star reported that supervisors reviewed statements and tweets from Portnoy, including a May 2010 post in which he wrote, “Though I never condone rape, if you’re a Size 6 and wearing skinny jeans, you kind of deserve to be raped, right?”

Barstool’s controversial history aside, it would make sense for MLB to partner with a platform that has a younger audience. Only 14% of fans 18-34 surveyed consider themselves avid baseball fans, according to an April Statista survey. That’s lower than the NBA (24%), NFL (27%), and on par with the NHL.

Barstool would also potentially be attractive since it’s owned, in part, by Penn National Gaming, which uses Barstool branding for its online sportsbook that is expected to expand to 10 states by the end of the year. 

Penn National Gaming is already an authorized MLB gaming operator. The league also counts BetMGM and DraftKings as official gaming partners.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.

The Yankees’ $319M Roster Flopped. Now Comes the Hard Part: 2026

The MLB club’s current contracts limit its flexibility somewhat for next year.
Inside NCAA Headquarters located in Indianapolis on Friday, March 10, 2023. Ncaa President Charlie Baker

NCAA Approves Plan to Let D-I College Athletes Bet on Pro Sports

The proposal still needs to be approved by D-II and D-III committees.
exclusive

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Aces

WNBA Finals Most Viewed In 25 Years Despite Possible Aces Sweep

Games 2 and 3 have averaged more than 1.2 million viewers.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Alyssa Lang Joins ESPN NBA Sideline Reporter Ranks

Lang has been a host and reporter for ESPN and SEC Network since 2018.
Spectrum
October 10, 2025

ESPN Streaming Service at Core of New Spectrum Plan

The No. 1 U.S. distributor further blends linear and streaming TV.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Oregon Ducks inside linebacker Will Straton celebrates a stop as the Oregon Ducks host the Oregon State Beavers Sept. 20, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
October 9, 2025

CBS Eyes Breakthrough As Big Ten Ratings Still Lag Behind SEC

The network will air No. 7 Indiana at No. 3 Oregon on Saturday.
Netflix
October 9, 2025

Netflix Claims Bigger NFL Package ‘Doesn’t Really Fit’ Sports Strategy

Roger Goodell has signaled media-rights conversations could restart next year.
Dana Evans
October 8, 2025

WNBA Starts Finals With Best Viewership Since Inaugural Season

Game 1 averaged 1.9 million viewers on ESPN.
Mar 19, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; USA shortstop Trea Turner (8) throws to first base for an out during the first inning at LoanDepot Park.
October 7, 2025

Fox Picks Up Media Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The network will repeat its role in the international baseball tournament.