FOX Sports has announced a wide-ranging deal with Barstool Sports, bringing founder Dave Portnoy to the network as a regular contributor to its flagship college football pregame show, Big Noon Kickoff.
The partnership marks the most high-profile mainstream television collaboration for Portnoy and the Barstool brand, known for its irreverent sports coverage and digital-first sensibility. FOX Sports CEO and executive producer Eric Shanks hailed the move as a way to connect with a new generation of sports fans.
“Dave has built a one-of-a-kind brand that connects with a new generation of sports fans — authentic, bold, and original. Their unique voice and loyal fanbase makes them a natural fit for our evolving multiplatform content strategy,” Shanks said in a statement.
Under the agreement:
Big Noon Kickoff will add Portnoy as a recurring on-air personality, with other Barstool figures, including Dan “Big Cat” Katz, also set to appear alongside the show’s existing panel of Rob Stone, Brady Quinn, Matt Leinart, Mark Ingram, and Chris “The Bear” Fallica.
Barstool will contribute a live two-hour daily studio program airing on FS1, featuring rotating Barstool personalities and FOX Sports talent. The launch date and further details will be announced later.
Barstool’s digital content, including the Barstool College Football Show, will also be featured across FOX’s digital platforms, expanding both brands’ reach to younger audiences.
The collaboration will extend to college basketball and potentially horse racing coverage later in the year.
Portnoy, a Michigan alumnus, brings a passionate and outspoken voice to Big Noon Kickoff, a move seen as a direct play against ESPN’s popular College GameDay and Pat McAfee’s presence.
“In our two-decade history, we've never had the chance to work with so much talent and resources. We can't wait to collab and bring our voice to FOX Sports’ airwaves,” Portnoy said in a statement, promising to “defend the kings of the conference” from the desk in reference to his alma mater.
FOX Sports has recently overhauled much of its studio programming, canceling several daily shows as it repositions itself against its competitors. Executives hope the partnership with Barstool will bolster TV ratings, drive digital engagement, and appeal to viewers in the key 18–34 demographic.
Barstool previously attempted a TV move with ESPN in 2017, but its show was canceled after one episode following criticism over Barstool’s brand and commentary. Portnoy repurchased Barstool from Penn Gaming in 2023 after the company pivoted to the ESPN Bet brand, allowing him to regain full creative control over the company’s direction.
The 2025 season premiere of Big Noon Kickoff, featuring Portnoy, is set for August 29, when defending national champion Ohio State hosts Texas in Columbus.