Netflix Acquires Exclusive Video Rights to Three Podcasts from Barstool Sports

Netflix has entered into a significant partnership with Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports. This collaboration will bring the "unfiltered commentary" of Barstool's popular podcast personalities to a global audience through Netflix.

Under a multiyear agreement with Barstool Sports, Netflix has secured exclusive rights to video versions of three of the company's most-watched podcasts: "Pardon My Take," "The Ryen Russillo Podcast," and "Spittin' Chiclets." These video episodes will be available on Netflix starting in early 2026. As a result, full video versions of these podcasts will no longer be accessible on YouTube after next year. The content will initially launch in the U.S., with plans for expansion to additional markets.

The deal covers all new episodes from the podcasts as well as selected library episodes from each show. However, the audio versions of the podcasts will continue to be available on major platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Portnoy expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, "We're excited to partner with Netflix and hopefully bring new audiences to each platform."

This move marks another step in Netflix's strategy to enhance its podcast programming lineup. Previously, the company has secured licensing deals with Spotify for shows like "The Bill Simmons Podcast" and "The Rewatchables," and with iHeartMedia for at least 15 podcasts, including the radio talk show "The Breakfast Club" co-hosted by Charlamange tha God.

Lauren Smith, Netflix’s Vice President of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy, commented, "We're thrilled to team up with Barstool Sports and bring their top video podcasts to Netflix. This partnership broadens how our members connect with Barstool's leading sports voices and delivers exactly what our members crave: unfiltered commentary, sharp takes and undeniable humor. We look forward to giving fans another exciting way to engage with the conversations they love on Netflix."

"Pardon My Take," Barstool's top-ranked sports podcast, is hosted by Big Cat and PFT Commenter, who offer "sharp sports commentary and fan-favorite segments." "The Ryen Russillo Show" features the host's sports analysis and discussions with guests, while "Spittin' Chiclets" brings together Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette, and Rear Admiral to cover the latest news and trends in the NHL along with their signature pop-culture insights.

The deal was brokered by UTA, which represents Barstool Sports.

Portnoy founded Barstool in 2002. In 2016, he sold majority control of the company to Peter Chernin's Chernin Group before Penn Entertainment acquired Barstool. Just months after Penn Entertainment took full control of Barstool in 2023, Portnoy repurchased it from Penn for $1. This occurred as Penn entered into a major deal with ESPN to rebrand its online sports-betting business from Barstool Sportsbook to ESPN Bet. However, as of December 1, ESPN terminated its deal with Penn and shut down ESPN Bet. The sports giant then signed a new agreement making DraftKings the exclusive "official sportsbook and odds provider of ESPN."