Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy confirmed Thursday that the media company has signed veteran sports podcaster Ryen Russillo, who previously hosted a popular show at The Ringer. The move marks a significant addition to Barstool’s growing roster of digital talent.
“He’s hired,” Portnoy said on the latest episode of The Unnamed Show.
While exact details of Russillo’s new role remain limited, Portnoy emphasized that the agreement goes beyond traditional podcasting. “He wants to do other stuff,” Portnoy explained. “I would say it’s the same as every employee who works for Barstool, but he very clearly outlined he has interests beyond just podcasting and traditional digital.”
Russillo is expected to begin mid-October, Portnoy said, though the podcast feed from The Ringer is reportedly not being transferred.
“I think we got to start over, like, the feed. I don’t think they’re giving him the feed. Kind of a d***head move by Spotify,” Portnoy said. Portnoy acknowledged the feed situation could involve multiple parties, adding, “I have no idea. Maybe Spotify, maybe Bill Simmons, I don’t know. But like, what is the value of keeping the Ryen Russillo podcast feed?”
While Barstool did offer a competitive financial package, Portnoy downplayed money as the primary motivation for Russillo’s move.
“He’s got a good deal with us. I don’t know what he was making there. I don’t think money was the primary driver,” he said. “Obviously we made a very competitive, compelling offer, but I don’t think money was the driver….I think a lot of it’s probably maybe some of this other stuff he wants to do.”
Portnoy expressed confidence in Barstool’s ability to elevate Russillo’s profile. “I don’t want to put words in his mouth, but we have a lot of big personalities, big successful stars, and we are very good at that. Hopefully we helped take him even to another level. He’s already a star,” Portnoy said.
Russillo joined The Ringer in 2019 after a decade-long run at ESPN. He consistently delivered impact for the brand, but has been increasingly transparent about his looming free agency. The new business venture could be one of the more fascinating collaborations in the sports media landscape moving forward. Barstool’s reach has expanded significantly in recent years, buoyed by its new partnership with FS1 and Portnoy’s on-air presence as part of Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff college football coverage.
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