In a significant move within the streaming wars, media mogul Dave Portnoy has thrown his weight behind Netflix, securing a major multi-year partnership for his company, Barstool Sports.
A Major Shift in Video Podcasting
The deal, announced by Portnoy himself to his 3.7 million followers on X, will see the video versions of three of Barstool's most popular podcasts migrate exclusively to Netflix. Starting in 2026, fans of 'Pardon My Take', 'The Ryen Russillo Show', and 'Spittin' Chiclets' will require a Netflix subscription to watch the episodes.
This marks a strategic play by Netflix to capture a larger share of the lucrative video podcast industry, a domain long dominated by YouTube. While audio versions will remain available on platforms like Spotify, the visual content becomes a Netflix exclusive.
Netflix's Aggressive Push into Sports Content
This partnership is part of a broader push by Netflix into sports and sports-adjacent programming. The streaming service is not just focusing on talk; it's diving into live events. This Friday night, it will exclusively stream the blockbuster boxing showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul from Miami.
Furthermore, in a landmark move for March 2026, Netflix has secured the rights to broadcast the New York Yankees' Opening Day game in San Francisco. Lauren Smith, Netflix’s Vice President of Content Licensing, stated the Barstool deal "broadens how our members connect with Barstool’s leading sports voices and delivers exactly what our members crave: unfiltered commentary, sharp takes, and undeniable humour."
The Wider Streaming Battle Intensifies
Netflix is not stopping with Barstool. A similar agreement is in place with Spotify to bring video podcasts from its owned network, The Ringer, to Netflix early next year. This will include the highly popular 'The Bill Simmons Podcast'.
This flurry of activity underscores a rapid shift in how sports and related commentary are consumed, moving decisively away from traditional broadcasters. The trend was further highlighted on Wednesday night when the New York Knicks' NBA Cup victory was streamed on Amazon Prime, a platform that also broadcasts weekly NFL games.
The battle for viewers' attention is heating up, and with Barstool Sports now in its corner, Netflix has secured a powerful arsenal of content to challenge YouTube's long-held supremacy in the video podcast arena.
