A major media shakeup is underway as Ryen Russillo, the well-known sports-talk host, prepares to leave The Ringer and launch his own digital production company. This new venture will be backed by a substantial investment from Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports, marking a significant shift in the sports media landscape. News of the departure, widely reported on August 28, 2025, signals a pivotal moment for all parties involved and highlights an evolving trend towards independent content creation, distribution and monetization.
Key Players in the Media Shift
Several key figures are central to this development:
- Ryen Russillo: A respected sports media personality known for “The Ryen Russillo Podcast” and appearances on “The Bill Simmons Podcast.”
- Dave Portnoy: The founder and owner of Barstool Sports, a prominent figure in the sports and entertainment media space.
- The Ringer: The sports and pop culture media company founded by Bill Simmons and owned by Spotify.
What’s Happening? Russillo’s Independent Leap
Ryen Russillo is set to depart from The Ringer upon the expiration of his current contract, a move that will end his tenure there since 2019. He will then establish his own digital production company, a venture fueled by investment from Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports. According to Front Office Sports, this strategic multi-year partnership will encompass distribution, monetization, merchandise, and other infrastructural support for Russillo’s new show. Dave Portnoy himself “semi-confirmed” the reports on social media, tweeting a semi-joking confirmation and a “Welcome to the family” message to Russillo.
Timeline of Events
The news broke on August 28, 2025, with various sports media outlets reporting on the impending move. As reported by The Sporting News, Russillo had recently discussed his looming free agency and professional uncertainty on “The Ryen Russillo Podcast” as his contract with The Ringer neared its end. He is expected to officially launch his new company and debut his show under the Barstool-backed setup once his Ringer contract expires later this year.
Geographic Impact: From Ringer to Barstool
This significant career shift involves Russillo transitioning from The Ringer, a company with a strong presence in podcasting and digital media, to an independent production company backed by Barstool Sports, headquartered in New York City. This move signifies a shift in Russillo’s operational base and potentially his content direction, aligning him with Barstool’s established brand and audience.
Motivations Behind the Move
Desire for Creative Control and Reach
The move appears to be driven by Russillo’s desire for greater creative control over his content and a broader reach for his audience. For Barstool Sports, investing in Russillo’s new venture represents an opportunity to add a proven voice with a loyal following and immediate mainstream credibility to its growing media roster. According to Larry Brown Sports, this strategic alignment also reflects a larger trend in sports media where prominent personalities seek independence while leveraging powerful networks for extensive distribution and resources.
Impact on All Parties
This move has far-reaching implications for Russillo, Barstool Sports, and The Ringer.
Ryen Russillo’s Newfound Autonomy
For Ryen Russillo, this move grants him complete content autonomy, expanded reach through Barstool’s extensive distribution capabilities, and potentially increased financial opportunities through new monetization streams and merchandise. He gains the freedom to shape his content and brand without the constraints of a larger media organization.
Barstool Sports’ Expanding Influence
For Barstool Sports, it marks another successful acquisition of a major talent, further solidifying its position in the sports media landscape. By adding Russillo to its roster, Barstool enhances its credibility and broadens its appeal to a wider audience. CrispNG highlights the potential for synergistic growth between Russillo’s content and Barstool’s existing platform.
The Ringer’s Evolving Strategy
The Ringer, while losing one of its most prominent and versatile personalities, is expected to continue its evolution. RealGM Wiretap reports that the company recently added respected NBA analyst Zach Lowe to its lineup to refresh its content strategy. This development underscores the dynamic nature of the sports media industry, where independent ventures and strategic partnerships are increasingly defining the future of content creation.
Sources of Information
The primary source for this breaking news is Front Office Sports, with reports also published by CrispNG, RealGM Wiretap, The Sporting News, Larry Brown Sports, and Sports Illustrated, among others. Dave Portnoy’s social media activity also served as a confirmation of the reports.
Conclusion
Ryen Russillo’s departure from The Ringer and subsequent partnership with Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports represents a significant shift in the sports media landscape. This move underscores the growing trend of prominent media personalities seeking independence and creative control, while also highlighting the strategic value of established platforms like Barstool Sports in providing distribution and monetization opportunities. The long-term impact of this media shakeup remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly signals a new era of content creation and distribution in the sports media industry.
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