Barstool Sports Founder Addresses Salary Claims Amid Talent Departures

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has responded to claims made by former employee Grace O'Malley regarding her salary and compensation during her time at the company. O’Malley, who left Barstool in December 2024, alleged during a January 2025 podcast appearance that she “didn’t make anything” beyond her base salary while working there.

Portnoy, 47, addressed O’Malley’s comments in a detailed statement, revealing that her base salary was $175,000 annually. He also noted that she earned 70% of revenue generated from her personal social media accounts, totaling an additional $75,000 in 2024. “I think we treated Grace great,” Portnoy said, emphasizing that Barstool does not underpay its talent.

O’Malley, who co-hosted the “PlanBri Uncut” podcast with Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, claimed that LaPaglia was paid significantly more. Portnoy acknowledged the pay disparity, attributing it to LaPaglia’s larger following and higher profile. “Bri was a much bigger personality,” he explained, adding that Barstool splits revenue 50-50 with talent once their base salary is recouped.

Barstool Sports, founded in 2003, has faced scrutiny over its compensation practices in recent years. Other personalities, including Dan “Big Cat” Katz and Kevin Clancy, have shared their salary experiences. Katz revealed he became a millionaire around 2018, while Clancy started at $50,000 before earning six figures. Meanwhile, newer employees like Sas (Harry Settel) have reported earning less than $100,000 annually.

O’Malley’s departure and subsequent comments have reignited discussions about pay equity and transparency within the company. Barstool has long been known for its unconventional business model, which includes revenue-sharing agreements with its talent. Portnoy defended the company’s practices, stating, “I just don’t like it when people make it seem like we scam our creators, because we f—ing don’t.”

As Barstool continues to grow, the debate over fair compensation for its talent remains a hot topic. O’Malley has since joined Alex Cooper‘s Unwell Network, while LaPaglia remains a prominent figure at Barstool. The company’s ability to retain top talent while addressing these concerns will be critical to its future success.