Barstool Sports is nearing a mega-deal with a new betting partner.
According to Sportico, Dave Portnoy’s company is discussing a partnership with DraftKings Sportsbook that should pay out eight figures a year.
The deal hasn’t been signed or announced as yet because of previous contractual obligations with PENN Entertainment and likely won’t be before the end of the current NFL season. But Barstool is on the verge of a contract that would see them rake in huge profits in exchange for hosting DK odds and promoting the betting platform.
The outlet will not be lending its name to the sportsbook, however, DK will make use of Portnoy, as well as other talent from Barstool such as Big Cat and Frank The Tank.
NEWS: @barstoolsports is getting back into sports betting.
@stoolpresidente's company is in advanced talks with @DraftKings on a multi-year marketing deal.Would be announced after Super Bowl (can't be earlier, due to $PENN separation). Details 👇
https://t.co/jHz9VXVkBI— Eben Novy-Williams (@novy_williams) January 24, 2024
Per Sportico:
“The sale back to Portnoy included “certain non-compete and other restrictive covenants,” Penn said at the time. It included a clause that Penn would receive 50% of the gross proceeds if Portnoy sells the company in the future. Barstool is also prevented from getting back into betting before the end of this current NFL season and playoffs, according to sources.”
It’s understood that the deal will rival the likes of what other media platforms have landed with betting companies. Dan Le Batard’s Meadowlark Media came to a $50 million understanding with DraftKings while FanDuel has another significant deal in place with Bill Simmons’ The Ringer.
Portnoy bought Barstool back for just $1 after selling it to PENN for $388 million. The latter ate the loss but has since struck a 10-year deal with ESPN worth $1.5 billion over the novel ESPN BET.
