Felt Like We Were Getting Screwed Dave Portnoy Opens Up About Why Barstool Rejected Sophie Cunningham’s Show and What Really Happened Behind the Scenes

When it comes to sports media and the personalities that dominate it, few names are as controversial, outspoken, and influential as Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports. Known for his blunt commentary, unfiltered opinions, and fearless approach to both business and culture, Portnoy rarely holds back when discussing his decisions—especially those that involve some of the biggest rising stars in sports.

Recently, Portnoy made headlines not for launching a new show or celebrating a high-profile partnership but for openly discussing why Barstool Sports ultimately passed on developing a show with WNBA star Sophie Cunningham. The revelation has stirred considerable buzz in both the sports and media communities, sparking conversations about power dynamics, creative control, and the sometimes tricky negotiation processes behind content deals.

In a candid interview, Portnoy didn’t mince words. He admitted that despite Sophie Cunningham’s growing popularity and undeniable talent, the Barstool team felt the terms and conditions offered in the negotiations weren’t aligned with what they expected or deserved. In his words, “It just felt like we were getting screwed.”

So what exactly happened? Why did Barstool reject an opportunity with a rising WNBA star, and what does this tell us about the evolving media landscape and the business of sports entertainment? Here’s a deep dive into the story behind the headlines.

Sophie Cunningham’s Rising Star and Media Potential

Sophie Cunningham has become one of the more recognizable figures in women’s basketball in recent years. Her sharp shooting, confident demeanor, and outspoken personality have earned her a dedicated fan base both on and off the court. Beyond basketball, Cunningham has cultivated a presence on social media, podcasts, and interviews, making her a natural fit for a digital media platform looking to expand its female sports content.

For Barstool Sports, known for its edgy, often provocative approach to sports coverage, partnering with Cunningham seemed like a promising prospect. The idea of giving a platform to a confident female athlete with a strong voice fit well within Barstool’s brand evolution and their efforts to diversify content.

Sources close to the negotiations said there was initial enthusiasm on both sides. Talks centered on a potential podcast or digital show hosted by Cunningham, where she would share her insights, interact with fans, and bring fresh perspectives on women’s basketball and sports culture.

Where Things Went Wrong

According to Portnoy, the talks quickly ran into friction when it came to contract terms and creative control.

“We were excited about Sophie as a talent,” Portnoy said in the interview. “But the problem was that when we started talking numbers and rights, it felt like the deal was weighted way more in their favor.”

One of the sticking points reportedly involved the ownership of content and revenue splits. Barstool has a business model where creators retain a significant stake in their work, but they also expect partnerships to reflect their contribution and brand value.

“It wasn’t just about money,” Portnoy explained. “It was about control and fairness. We don’t want to get taken advantage of, and frankly, it felt like the way the deal was structured, we would have been.”

Sources familiar with the negotiations echoed that Barstool wanted to keep editorial control and brand alignment intact. They felt that too many restrictions were being imposed, potentially limiting the type of content Cunningham could create.

The Importance of Brand Alignment

For platforms like Barstool, brand alignment is critical. The company built its reputation on a particular style—unfiltered, raw, and sometimes controversial. This personality attracts a loyal audience, but it also means that any new content must resonate with their tone and ethos.

Cunningham, as a professional athlete, has her own image and values to protect. According to insiders, her team wanted to ensure the content was polished and aligned with her personal brand, which may have clashed with Barstool’s edgier approach.

“Both sides were coming from different worlds,” said one industry expert. “Barstool wants something gritty and authentic, sometimes irreverent. Sophie and her team wanted something more controlled and carefully managed. That difference is hard to bridge.”

What This Means for Athletes and Digital Media

The fallout from the failed deal highlights the growing pains of athlete-driven media content. More athletes want to control their narratives and capitalize on their fame beyond their sport. Digital platforms like Barstool offer powerful opportunities, but they also come with expectations and compromises.

“For athletes, it’s a balancing act,” said a sports media consultant. “They want to expand their brand and reach new audiences but don’t want to lose control or alienate their existing fans. Platforms want unique content but also want to protect their brand.”

This dynamic means negotiations can be tricky, especially when the parties come from very different cultures—one from professional sports management and the other from independent digital media.

Portnoy’s Perspective: No Hard Feelings, Just Business

Despite the public attention and some fan disappointment, Portnoy insists there are no hard feelings.

“We respect Sophie,” he said. “She’s a great player and has a bright future. We just couldn’t make the deal work in a way that made sense for us.”

Portnoy also highlighted how tough the business side of sports media can be.

“Everyone wants a piece of the pie, and sometimes it’s just not the right fit. That happens. We move on, and we keep looking for new talent and new opportunities.”

What’s Next for Sophie Cunningham?

For Sophie Cunningham, the rejection from Barstool Sports is unlikely to be a major setback. With her rising profile and strong social media following, other platforms and brands will surely come knocking.

“Every big name athlete faces these moments,” said a PR strategist. “It’s part of figuring out where they want to go with their brand. Sophie will find a partner that aligns with her vision and gives her the freedom she wants.”

The Bigger Picture: Changing Media Landscape for Women’s Sports

This episode underscores a broader shift in how women’s sports stars are navigating media opportunities. As the WNBA and other women’s leagues grow in popularity, athletes have more leverage and options than ever before.

But with greater opportunity comes greater complexity. Negotiations over ownership, revenue, creative control, and brand fit are increasingly prominent—and sometimes challenging.

It’s a sign that the business side of women’s sports is maturing and that athletes are learning to assert themselves not just on the court but in boardrooms and studios.

Final Thoughts

The story of Barstool Sports and Sophie Cunningham’s show deal is a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of sports, media, and business. It reveals how personalities like Dave Portnoy and athletes like Cunningham are navigating a rapidly changing landscape with passion, ambition, and occasional friction.

While the deal didn’t come to fruition, it opens the door for conversations about fairness, control, and creative collaboration in sports media. For fans and insiders alike, it’s a reminder that behind every headline is a complex negotiation—and sometimes, feeling “like we were getting screwed” is just part of the game.