When it comes to Dave Portnoy, few figures in the business and media world command the kind of attention and influence he does. Known as the outspoken, relentless, and savvy founder of Barstool Sports, Portnoy has built a media empire from scratch, revolutionizing sports coverage, gambling entertainment, and social media presence. His larger-than-life persona has turned him into a cultural icon, but it’s his wealth and financial moves that often raise eyebrows and stir curiosity. How did Portnoy accumulate such a massive fortune, and how does he continue to grow it? Let’s dive deep into Dave Portnoy net worth, from the founding of Barstool Sports to becoming a $150 million mogul in 2024.
Dave Portnoy’s Information
Field | Information |
Personal Information | |
Full Name | David Scott Portnoy |
Nickname | El Presidente |
Gender | Male |
Birthday | March 22, 1977 |
Age | 47 years old (as of 2024) |
Birthplace | Swampscott, Massachusetts, USA |
Current Residence | Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA |
Zodiac Sign | Aries |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Caucasian |
Religion | Jewish |
Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
Weight | 181 lbs (82 kg) |
Hair Color | Brown |
Eye Color | Brown |
Education | University of Michigan (Degree in Education) |
Professional Information | |
Profession | Entrepreneur, Media Personality, Blogger |
Family | |
Father | Michael Portnoy |
Mother | Linda Kaufman Portnoy |
Siblings | None |
Personal Life | |
Sexuality | Straight |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Spouse | Renee Satterthwaite (m. 2009, div. 2017) |
Children | None |
Financial Information | |
Net Worth | $150 million (as of 2024) |
Source of Income | Barstool Sports, Investments, Real Estate |
Social Media |
Who is Dave Portnoy?
Born in Massachusetts in 1977, Dave Portnoy grew up in a middle-class family with a passion for sports. He attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in education. However, Portnoy always had an entrepreneurial spirit. After a short stint in corporate America, he decided to pursue something that combined his love for sports and his drive for success—an endeavor that would soon revolutionize the media landscape. In 2003, Barstool Sports was born.

From his early days of handing out a four-page sports and gambling print publication on the streets of Boston, Portnoy showed a knack for understanding the pulse of the everyday sports fan. What began as a free handout at subway stations quickly grew into an online sensation, garnering millions of followers and eventually becoming the powerhouse brand that Barstool Sports is today. Known as “El Presidente,” Portnoy’s fearless approach to business and life is what sets him apart.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Swampscott, Massachusetts, Dave Portnoy had an ordinary childhood, but his vision was anything but typical. His passion for sports was clear from a young age, and his ability to captivate an audience would serve him well in the future. Portnoy attended Swampscott High School, where he was actively involved in sports. After graduating, he headed to the prestigious University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he graduated with a degree in education in 1999. However, teaching was never in the cards for him.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him down a different path—one that combined sports and media. Despite holding a degree in education, Portnoy realized that his heart wasn’t in teaching. Instead, he saw an opportunity to shake up the sports media industry. This realization set him on a path that would eventually lead to the creation of one of the most influential digital media companies in sports entertainment.
Founding of Barstool Sports (2003)
In 2003, Portnoy launched Barstool Sports in Boston. The initial idea was simple: create a free sports and gambling newspaper that offered tips and advice to the local audience. Portnoy began by handing out these four-page publications at subway stations, covering everything from fantasy sports to betting odds. The publication quickly gained traction, and the die-hard sports fans of Boston started paying attention.
As readership grew, Portnoy saw an opportunity to expand Barstool Sports into more than just a local publication. By 2009, the company transitioned fully to an online platform, expanding its reach beyond Boston to cities across the country. This move was pivotal to Barstool’s exponential growth, turning it from a small-time paper into a national sensation with a digital footprint.
The Growth of Barstool Sports
As Barstool Sports moved online, its audience exploded. Portnoy was quick to adapt to the digital age, using social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram to reach an even larger audience. From sports to pop culture and gambling, Barstool Sports tapped into the desires of a new generation of sports enthusiasts. With millions of fans across its platforms, Barstool quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the sports media industry.
Portnoy’s brash, unapologetic style as “El Presidente” endeared him to fans and set the tone for Barstool’s irreverent content. The company became known for its boundary-pushing humor and its deep connection with the sports gambling world, making it the go-to site for fans who wanted more than just traditional sports commentary. The introduction of podcasts, live streams, and merchandise further expanded Barstool’s reach.
Major Deals and Valuation Milestones
The biggest leap for Barstool Sports came in 2020, when Penn National Gaming (now Penn Entertainment) acquired a 36% stake in the company for $163 million in cash and stock. This deal was a game-changer, placing Barstool at the forefront of the booming sports betting industry. With Penn Entertainment as a partner, Barstool Sports was poised to capitalize on the rapidly growing online sports gambling market.

Just three years later, in 2023, Penn Entertainment acquired the remaining 64% of Barstool Sports for $388 million, bringing the total valuation of the company to a staggering $551 million. This milestone solidified Barstool’s status as a major player in the digital media and sports gambling world. Portnoy, now even wealthier, maintained control of the company after Penn divested its interest in 2023.
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Other Business Ventures and Media Presence
In addition to his role at Barstool Sports, Portnoy has ventured into other areas. His YouTube series Davey Day Trader Global (DDTG) gained massive popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he live-streamed his stock market strategies. His irreverent approach and high-energy broadcasts attracted millions of viewers, and he became a central figure in the retail investor movement.
Portnoy has also invested in various stocks, including Tesla (TSLA), Spirit Airlines (SAVE), and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. He is known for his unconventional stock-picking strategies, which he often shares with his audience.
The Barstool Fund (2020-2021)
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dave Portnoy launched The Barstool Fund to support small businesses struggling to survive. The fund, which raised over $40 million, helped hundreds of businesses stay afloat during the pandemic. Portnoy’s philanthropic efforts through the fund earned him widespread praise, and his commitment to supporting small businesses further enhanced his public image.
Dave Portnoy’s Additional Insights
Category | Details |
Business Ventures | |
Founder of Barstool Sports | Established in 2003 as a print publication for sports news |
One Bite Pizza Reviews | Portnoy is known for reviewing over 1,000 pizzas with his famous “One Bite” rating system |
Davey Day Trader Global | Portnoy’s venture into stock trading, streaming his trades online |
Barstool Fund | Raised over $40 million to help small businesses during COVID-19 pandemic |
Key Investments | |
Bitcoin | Made substantial investments in Bitcoin during its rise in popularity |
Penn Entertainment Stake | Sold a stake in Barstool Sports to Penn Entertainment, retaining equity and a seat on the board |
Real Estate Investments | Owns a luxury mansion in Nantucket, Massachusetts |
Stock Market Investments | Invested in Tesla, Spirit Airlines, AMC, GameStop, and more |
Pizza Reviews Highlights | |
Top-Rated Pizza | Lucali’s in Brooklyn, rated 9.4/10 by Portnoy |
Lowest-Rated Pizza | Pizza Kitchen in Toledo, Ohio, rated 0.0/10 |
Public Appearances & Media | |
Podcast Appearances | Regularly appears on Barstool Sports podcasts like “The Dave Portnoy Show” |
Television Appearances | Featured on CNBC, Fox Business, and other major financial networks |
Barstool Sports Content | Hosts live streams, interviews, and content across Barstool’s platforms |
Philanthropy | |
Barstool Fund | Raised millions for small businesses struggling during the pandemic |
Charitable Donations | Regularly donates to charitable causes, including children’s hospitals and cancer research |
Political Engagement | |
Political Views | Libertarian-leaning, vocal about freedom of speech and individual rights |
Endorsements | Publicly supported candidates and causes but maintains an independent stance |
Lifestyle & Hobbies | |
Favorite Vacation Spot | Nantucket, where he owns a mansion and frequently vacations |
Passion for Sports | Avid Boston sports fan, often seen at major sporting events |
Luxury Cars | Known to own luxury vehicles, including a Tesla |
Favorite Foods | Besides pizza, he loves seafood, particularly lobster rolls |
Public Persona | |
Known for | Brash and outspoken personality, not afraid to speak his mind |
Catchphrases | Famous for saying, “One bite, everybody knows the rules” in his pizza reviews |
Social Media Following | Amassed millions of followers across platforms like Twitter and Instagram |
Dave Portnoy Net Worth 2024
As of mid-2024, Dave Portnoy’s net worth is estimated to be around $150 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His wealth primarily stems from the sale of his stake in Barstool Sports to Penn Entertainment. The initial deal in 2020, where Penn bought 36% of Barstool, was valued at $163 million. By 2023, Penn acquired the remaining stake for $388 million, boosting Portnoy’s financial standing.
Beyond his involvement with Barstool, Portnoy’s wealth is also attributed to his savvy stock market investments. From Tesla to Bitcoin, Portnoy has been vocal about his investments and even launched his own stock-picking live stream, Davey Day Trader Global, where he regularly shared his insights. His bold, risk-taking approach in the market has undoubtedly played a role in his financial success.
Portnoy also has significant real estate holdings, including a $42 million mansion on Nantucket Island. This harborfront property broke records as one of the most expensive homes ever sold in Massachusetts. With his various financial interests and ongoing ventures, Portnoy’s net worth is expected to grow even further in the coming years.
Social Media Influence and Public Persona
Portnoy’s influence extends far beyond his financial success. His social media presence, especially on platforms like TikTok and Twitter, has made him a cultural icon. Known for his brash, no-holds-barred style, Portnoy doesn’t shy away from controversy, which only seems to fuel his popularity. His pizza review series, One Bite, where he reviews pizzas from various pizzerias across the country, has become a viral sensation, garnering millions of views.
On TikTok and YouTube, Portnoy also shares his thoughts on the stock market, sports betting, and more, engaging millions of fans who tune in to see what the self-proclaimed “El Presidente” has to say next. His ability to connect with fans on a personal level has been key to Barstool’s continued growth.
Controversies and Legal Issues
While Portnoy has enjoyed immense success, his career has not been without controversy. His outspoken nature has often landed him in hot water, particularly when it comes to his views on politics and culture. He has been involved in several legal disputes, including lawsuits related to defamation and intellectual property.
Despite the controversies, Portnoy has remained a resilient and influential figure, turning negative press into opportunities for growth. His ability to navigate the complexities of the public eye has only added to his larger-than-life persona.
Conclusion
Dave Portnoy’s journey from passing out newspapers on Boston’s streets to building a digital media empire is nothing short of remarkable. His influence on sports media, stock market culture, and social media is undeniable, and his continued success is a testament to his business acumen.
With major deals, high-profile investments, and ongoing ventures, Portnoy’s wealth and influence show no signs of slowing down. Whether through his pizza reviews, stock market picks, or sports commentary, Portnoy remains at the forefront of digital media and entertainment.
FAQs
What is Dave Portnoy’s net worth in 2024?
Dave Portnoy’s net worth is estimated at $150 million as of 2024, largely due to his role in the sale of Barstool Sports to Penn Entertainment.
What is the biggest deal in Dave Portnoy’s career?
The biggest deal in Portnoy’s career was the acquisition of Barstool Sports by Penn Entertainment in 2020 and 2023, with a total valuation of $551 million.
How did Dave Portnoy start Barstool Sports?
Portnoy founded Barstool Sports in 2003 as a free sports and gambling newspaper in Boston. It later transitioned into a digital platform.
What is Davey Day Trader Global?
Davey Day Trader Global (DDTG) is Portnoy’s stock-picking live stream where he shares his unconventional investment strategies with his audience.
What is The Barstool Fund?
The Barstool Fund was a philanthropic initiative launched by Portnoy during the COVID-19 pandemic to support small businesses struggling financially.
What other businesses does Dave Portnoy own?
In addition to Barstool Sports, Portnoy has investments in stocks, real estate, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.