Barstool Sports, the fantastically popular network of sports sites that began in Massachusetts in the early 2000s, announced that it has been sold to The Chernin Group for an undisclosed fee. Barstool founder David Portnoy made the announcement during a patented "Emergency Press Conference" in Times Square, where he revealed that the company "with the exception maybe of Trent in Iowa" would be relocating under one roof in New York.
"I am no longer the majority owner of Barstool Sports," Portnoy began with in his press conference, flanked by his "lieutenants and generals" (who oversee the various Barstool sites in other cities). He then described the upcoming timeline of changes. In "six to eight months," Barstool will move to New York.
"Do I like Manhattan," Portnoy asked rhetorically. "No. Do I like being in Manhattan? No. Do I like these people looking at me during this press conference? No. But it's the right move, because in my heart of hearts, I believe Barstool Sports is better at what we do."
In reference to his new owner, Portnoy referenced Peter Chernin as the "big swinging dick at the cracker factory," who he negotiated with over six months. And he stressed that this was not him "cashing out." The network of sites, which garner 6.7 million unique views a month (and over 200 million page views a month), has grown steadily over the years, attracting a large demographic of fans.
"We're trying to take this site and crank it the fuck up," Portnoy said in closing, alluding to the ambition he has for Barstool over the coming years.
