• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 13, 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

Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.
Sep 22, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) walks on the field before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park.

MLB Spring Training Camps Open With Plenty of Top Talent Unsigned

The MLB free-agent market remains tight as spring training camps open.

MLB, Nike Unveil New Uniforms, and Yes, Sheer Pants Are Gone

The league and Nike are rolling out expected corrections as camps open.
Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”

Featured Today

Brady and Mahomes

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Feb 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pat McAfee and Michael Cole and Wade Barrett celebrate with Jey Uso during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium.

WWE’s Michael Cole: Pat McAfee Made Work ‘Fun’

Cole is the host of “WWE’s Greatest Moments,” which debuts on A&E this Sunday.
February 12, 2025

Can NBC Capitalize on Super Bowl, Olympics, NBA Trio in 2026?

The network will offer an arguably unrivaled confluence of events next February.
February 12, 2025

Luka Dončić Lakers Debut Peaked at 2.55M Viewers

Dončić played just 24 minutes in the Lakers’ blowout win.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
February 12, 2025

Fox Made $800M From Record-Breaking Super Bowl LIX Broadcast

The network smashes event records after historic levels of ad sales.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt (58) and linebacker Josh Sweat (19) tackle Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the first half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.
February 11, 2025

Super Bowl Set Viewership Record at 127.7M, Hints at Fox Streaming Future

The historic figure improves by 3% from last year’s game.
Kendrick Lamar
February 11, 2025

Kendrick Lamar’s Attack on Drake Peaks With Most-Watched Super Bowl Halftime Ever

A record 133.5 million viewers tuned in for Lamar’s performance.
February 11, 2025

How Did Kanye West’s Super Bowl Ad for Swastika Merch Make it..

The site was taken down Tuesday morning.