Dave Portnoy is looking back on how he turned Barstool Sports from a small free sports newspaper into a media company, according to CBS News. He discusses that journey in his new memoir, Cancel Me If You Can.
Portnoy said he quit a sales job he disliked to start the company, which began as a four-page publication he handed out for free. He told CBS Saturday Morning that he kept pushing forward because the work felt better than staying in the job he had.
He said Barstool’s goal has been to stay honest and authentic with readers. Portnoy also said he wanted the company to function like Saturday Night Live, giving young talent a place to grow, and he pointed to Alex Cooper, who later created the podcast Call Her Daddy, as one example.
Barstool Sports has expanded beyond publishing over the years. According to CBS News, the Barstool Fund helped more than 400 businesses pay bills and stay open during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic.
Portnoy also told CBS Saturday Morning that he has considered getting more involved in politics and sees that as a civic duty. He said he is glad he wrote the memoir, but does not plan to write another book.
