Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, has built an empire in the sports media industry and beyond. As of 2025, his net worth stands at an impressive $150 million. His success can be attributed to his ability to reinvent the media landscape, leveraging both his entrepreneurial skills and his larger-than-life persona.
Click here to read about 50 Cent Net Worth in 2025.
Early Life
David Portnoy was born on March 22, 1977, in Swampscott, Massachusetts. He grew up in a Jewish working-class family and attended Swampscott High School before enrolling in the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a degree in education in 1999. After college, Portnoy moved to Boston, where he worked for the Yankee Group, an IT market research firm. But it was in the world of entrepreneurship that Portnoy truly began to shine.
The Birth of Barstool Sports
In 2003, Dave Portnoy founded Barstool Sports, originally as a print publication in the Boston area. The magazine focused on providing sports predictions, fantasy sports, and gaming ads. However, it wasn’t until 2007 when Barstool made its transition to the digital space that the brand began its meteoric rise. Portnoy served as the chief content creator, with his unique combination of snarky commentary, sports insights, and sometimes controversial takes. The website quickly gained traction and became one of the most influential sports media outlets on the internet.
One of Portnoy’s most notable contributions to Barstool’s success came in 2017, when he launched his famous pizza review show, “One Bite with Davey Pageviews”. This series became a sensation, especially in Manhattan, where he aimed to review every pizza shop in the city, combining sports with food in a way that resonated with fans everywhere.
Major Deals and Barstool’s Growth
In 2016, Portnoy sold a stake of Barstool Sports to Peter Chernin’s The Chernin Group for $10-$15 million. This marked a significant shift as Chernin invested more money, gradually increasing its stake in Barstool. By 2018, Chernin owned 60% of the company, though Portnoy retained full control over content.
The real game-changer for Portnoy and Barstool came in 2020, when Penn National Gaming acquired 36% of Barstool Sports for $163 million. This deal was part of a larger move to bring sports betting into Barstool’s operations, tapping into a highly lucrative market. At the time, Penn Gaming also had the option to acquire more of the company.
In August 2022, Penn Gaming exercised that option, acquiring the remaining 50% of Barstool at a valuation of $390 million, bringing the total cost of the acquisition to $550 million. Portnoy’s stake in the company was reportedly worth over $90 million.
The $1 Re-Acquisition of Barstool Sports
However, in an unexpected turn of events, Dave Portnoy re-acquired 100% ownership of Barstool Sports from Penn Gaming in August 2023 for a nominal fee of $1. This deal restored Portnoy to his previous position as the brand’s sole owner. The decision to sell Barstool back to Portnoy for such a small price was part of a larger strategy by Penn Gaming, which had incurred significant losses from their ownership of the brand.
Other Ventures and Investments
In addition to his work with Barstool, Portnoy has diversified his investments in several areas. He is a major figure in sports media, having been a prominent host on the “Shark Tank“ TV series. He is also heavily involved in philanthropy, with a $500,000 donation to the Barstool Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping small businesses stay afloat.
Portnoy also has been known for his entrepreneurial ventures, including the launch of his E-commerce platform and investments in startups and sports betting.
Personal Life
Dave Portnoy married Renee Satherthwaite in 2009, but the couple divorced in 2017. In 2021, Portnoy started a relationship with Silvana Mojica. In terms of family life, Portnoy is private but has spoken about his close relationship with his parents.
Real Estate
In terms of real estate, Dave Portnoy has made several high-profile purchases. He owns a $2.2 million Nantucket home, a $14 million Miami waterfront mansion, a $9.75 million house in the Hamptons, and more recently, in September 2023, he bought a $42 million waterfront mansion on Nantucket.
Net Worth Breakdown
As of 2025, Portnoy’s net worth is estimated at $150 million. His wealth has been accumulated through a combination of business ventures, media deals, and investments. Additionally, Portnoy’s role in the sports media landscape, his appearances on Shark Tank, and his business acumen have helped him cement his place as one of the richest entrepreneurs in the entertainment industry.
FAQs
How did Dave Portnoy get his net worth?
Dave Portnoy’s net worth comes from the success of Barstool Sports, which he founded in 2003. His wealth also grew through investments, including his stake in Vitamin Water, the sale of Barstool to Penn National Gaming, and the recent re-acquisition of Barstool for a nominal fee of $1.
What other business ventures does Dave Portnoy have?
In addition to his work with Barstool Sports, Dave has launched various ventures, including an E-commerce platform, sports betting, and philanthropy projects. He’s also been involved in real estate and has made several high-profile purchases, including a $42 million waterfront mansion.
