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Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is telling his story his way — unapologetic, unfiltered, and true to form — in his new book Cancel Me If You Can. Portnoy announced the upcoming publication for sale in June of 2026 as he tells his story, only the way he can tell it.
Known for building one of the most polarizing media brands in modern sports, Portnoy details the journey from handing out a homemade sports newspaper on the streets of Boston in 2004 to leading a nine-figure digital empire that has reshaped how fans consume sports and pop culture. Portnoy announced the release via his social media platforms.
“22 years ago I started a paper route. Turned it into empire. Created a lot of fans and enemies along the way. Sold it for 600 milly. Bought it back for a buck,” wrote Portnoy on X. “Sometimes life is actually stranger than fiction.”
The book dives into how he created Barstool Sports by rejecting the traditional, polished coverage from sports television and instead giving fans the irreverent, local voice they didn’t know they were missing.
According to a release by the publisher, Portnoy’s story covers both the evolution of Barstool and his own rise as one of the most recognizable — and controversial — figures in digital media.
True to his reputation, Portnoy doesn’t shy away from confrontation or criticism. He addresses the backlash, the controversies, and the constant scrutiny that come with being one of the internet’s most polarizing personalities.
In Cancel Me If You Can, he makes clear that his approach hasn’t changed: he’ll bet on himself every time.
The book also highlights the expansion of the Barstool brand beyond sports talk. Portnoy’s ventures into sports betting, viral pizza reviews, and philanthropic efforts — including donations to small businesses and dog shelters inspired by his rescue dog, Miss Peaches — have made him a cultural figure far beyond the sports world.
Cancel Me If You Can explores the mix of timing, risk-taking, and relentless self-belief that fueled Barstool’s rise, while pulling back the curtain on the personal and professional struggles that came with it. The book is set to release on June 30, 2026 through publisher Simon & Schuster.
1st things 1st. This cover fucks.
Anyway 22 years ago I started a paper route. Turned it into empire. Created a lot of fans and enemies along the way. Sold it for 600 milly. Bought it back for a buck. Sometimes life is actually stranger than fictionhttps://t.co/5dM4FteEWM pic.twitter.com/PLBPVTEzkn
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) October 22, 2025
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