Dave Portnoy Biography: David Scott Portnoy born March 22, 1977 is an American entrepreneur and prominent social media figure, best known as the founder and owner of the sports and pop culture media company Barstool Sports. The platform is known for its blend of sports commentary, pop culture content, blogs, and podcasts. In July 2020, Portnoy gained further national attention when he conducted an interview with then-President Donald Trump at the White House.
Dave Portnoy Biography
Portnoy, born on March 22, 1977, in Swampscott, Massachusetts, USA, is a producer and writer. He is best known for his work on Barstool Yak (2021), The Barstool Rundown: Live from Houston (2017), and Call Her Daddy (2018). He was formerly married to Renee Portnoy. David Portnoy is a well-known American businessman, philanthropist, and internet personality, best recognized as the founder of the popular digital media company Barstool Sports.
Dave Portnoy Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
David Scott Portnoy
March 22, 1977 Swampscott, Massachusetts, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Employer | Barstool Sports |
| Spouse |
Renee Portnoy
(m. 2009; sep. 2017) |
| Category | Lifestyle |
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About Dave Portnoy
David Scott Portnoy is an American businessman and social media personality. He is the founder and owner of sports and popular culture company Barstool Sports.
Dave Portnoy Wiki
- Born: 22 March 1977 (age 48 years), Swampscott, Massachusetts, United States
- Height: 1.79 m
- Spouse: Renee Portnoy (m. 2009–2017)
- Alma mater: University of Michigan
Early Life
Portnoy grew up in Swampscott, Massachusetts, the son of Michael Portnoy, a lawyer, and Linda Portnoy, a high school teacher. He comes from a Jewish background. Attended Swampscott High School, where one of his classmates was future ESPN analyst Todd McShay. He later earned a degree in education from the University of Michigan. During his time at Michigan, Portnoy launched a website called thegamblingman.com, where he shared his personal sports betting picks.
Personal Life Marriage and Family
Dave Portnoy was married to his long-time partner, Renee Portnoy, in 2009. However, the couple reportedly separated in 2017. While some sources claim the two are officially divorced, others suggest the legal process may still be ongoing. Renee Portnoy is an accomplished equestrian, having started riding horses at the age of eight. In 2010, she began working with SmartPak, an equine supply company, and later competed in equestrian events. She also gained popularity online as a former Vine personality and continues to maintain a following on social media.
Dave Portnoy at a Glance
- Category: Richest Politicians › Presidents
- Net Worth: $150 Million
- Birthdate: March 22, 1977 (Age: 48)
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Entrepreneur, Businessman
- Nationality: American
Controversies and Public Scrutiny
Portnoy is no stranger to controversy. In 2019, a short explicit video involving him and an unidentified woman was leaked online. Rather than avoid the subject, Portnoy responded by hosting a press conference under the banner of “Team Portnoy,” where he commented on the content of the video and addressed public speculation. His past behavior and remarks, especially regarding women, have drawn criticism and were a factor in his brief and turbulent relationship with ESPN, which quickly distanced itself from him.
Education & Career
Born on March 22, 1977, in Swampscott, Massachusetts, David Scott Portnoy was raised by Michael Portnoy, a lawyer, and Linda Portnoy, a high school teacher. He is of Jewish heritage and holds American nationality, identifying as white Caucasian. After graduating from Swampscott High School, Portnoy attended the University of Michigan in 1995 and earned a degree in education. In 1999, he moved to Boston, where he worked at the Yankee Group, a market research firm specializing in IT.
After four years, Portnoy left his corporate role to start his own venture—Barstool Sports. The company would go on to become a media powerhouse. A self-described libertarian, he even ran for mayor of Boston in 2013 following the retirement of long-time mayor Thomas Menino. In 2019, Portnoy faced legal scrutiny when he was accused of threatening to fire employees over unionization efforts. The matter was later settled with the National Labor Relations Board.
What Is Dave Portnoy’s Net Worth 2025
Dave Portnoy is a prominent American sports media personality and internet entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $150 million. He amassed his wealth primarily through the success of Barstool Sports, the digital media brand he founded. Portnoy began monetizing Barstool by selling a majority stake to The Chernin Group in 2016. In January 2020, Penn Gaming acquired 36% of the company for $163 million, with an option to purchase the remainder at a later date. Penn Gaming exercised that option and bought out the company completely, valuing Barstool at $390 million. Altogether, Penn paid approximately $550 million to fully acquire Barstool Sports. These deals significantly contributed to Portnoy’s current financial standing.
FAQs
How did Dave Portnoy start Barstool Sports?
Dave Portnoy launched Barstool Sports as a print publication in the early 2000s, focused on sports betting and pop culture, which later transitioned into a digital media empire.
Who owns Barstool Sports now?
Barstool Sports is now fully owned by Penn Entertainment (formerly Penn Gaming), which completed its full acquisition of the company in August 2022.
How much did Penn Entertainment pay for Barstool Sports?
Penn Entertainment paid a total of $550 million to acquire 100% ownership of Barstool Sports through multiple transactions completed between 2020 and 2022.
What role did The Chernin Group play in Barstool’s growth?
The Chernin Group acquired a majority stake in Barstool Sports in 2016, helping to fund and scale the company’s digital transformation and broader media presence.
Is Dave Portnoy still involved with Barstool Sports?
While Penn Entertainment owns Barstool Sports, Dave Portnoy continues to be a public face and active personality associated with the brand, maintaining influence over its content and direction.
How did Dave Portnoy’s net worth reach $150 million?
Portnoy’s net worth grew significantly through the strategic sale of Barstool Sports in stages, along with his continued involvement in digital media, brand partnerships, and internet ventures.