Netflix has announced an exclusive agreement with Barstool Sports to bring three of the company’s most prominent video podcasts directly to its platform—a strategic move marking the streaming giant’s third major foray into the podcasting world. The arrangement includes the well-known shows “Pardon My Take,” “The Ryen Russillo Show,” and “Spittin’ Chiclets,” each recognized for their energetic engagement with listeners, distinct humor, and insightful conversations centered on athletics and popular culture.
Through this collaboration, Netflix seeks to strategically position itself against YouTube, the current leader in video podcast streaming, by expanding its offerings beyond traditional entertainment. The company has reportedly been developing an ambitious slate of shows planned for release in early 2026, demonstrating its commitment to diversify into areas previously unexplored by its core business of movies and TV series. By securing these exclusive Barstool Sports podcasts, Netflix aims to deepen audience engagement and attract sports enthusiasts drawn to the lively commentary and personality-driven discussions that define these productions.
“Pardon My Take,” hosted by Big Cat and PFT Commenter, offers an irreverent blend of sports insights, humorous takes, and cultural observations that have earned a devoted fan base. “The Ryen Russillo Show” features host Ryen Russillo delivering thoughtful sports analysis and conducting substantive conversations with notable figures from the athletic world, showcasing a balanced mix of intelligence and personality. Meanwhile, “Spittin’ Chiclets,” led by former NHL players Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette, along with commentator Rear Admiral, focuses broadly on hockey discourse intertwined with elements of pop culture and personal storytelling, appealing to listeners who crave authenticity and camaraderie.
Interestingly, the newly inked deal does not include any shows hosted by Barstool’s well-known founder, Dave Portnoy, whose own project, “The Unnamed Show,” remains separate from the transaction. Also excluded is Barstool’s widely popular “Million Dollaz Worth of Game” podcast, which ranks thirty-third in U.S. audience reach, according to Edison’s third-quarter data. Despite these exclusions, Portnoy publicly expressed optimism, emphasizing his belief that the Netflix deal would introduce Barstool content to entirely new viewer demographics and create further opportunities for brand expansion.
Netflix executives highlighted the “unfiltered commentary, incisive perspectives, and undeniable humor” embedded within these particular programs as key reasons behind the partnership. Their decision reflects confidence in the distinctive voices and loyal audiences that Barstool’s content routinely commands. As part of the agreement, the video versions of these shows will be removed from YouTube, where they have traditionally been distributed, and will now be hosted exclusively on Netflix. However, the audio-only versions will remain accessible on other streaming platforms, ensuring that existing listeners can continue to follow along. The arrangement encompasses both newly produced episodes and select archival content, offering subscribers an extensive library to explore.
This development follows earlier collaborations between Netflix, Spotify, and iHeartMedia, all components of the company’s wider push into podcast-related ventures. Beyond podcasts, Netflix has shown increasing interest in incorporating different types of media—such as programming from digital creators like Mark Rober, sports specials, and interactive games—into its platform. This cross-genre integration forms part of an evolving strategy aimed at increasing viewer retention and total screen time by providing a more immersive entertainment ecosystem.
Currently, Netflix’s portfolio of podcast-related deals encompasses at least thirty-three distinct shows. Industry insiders report that representatives from Netflix have conveyed to Hollywood talent agencies their intention to have an impressive inventory of fifty to seventy-five titles ready for release in the near future. The streamer’s growing investment in audio-visual podcasting, coupled with efforts to potentially acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming assets, indicates an ambitious plan to solidify its dominance as the world’s premier multi-format entertainment service—one capable of seamlessly merging narrative series, live conversation, sports culture, and digital interactivity into a unified viewing experience.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/netflix-adds-barstool-sports-video-podcasts-deal-rival-youtube-2025-12
