Ryen Russillo is set to depart The Ringer as his contract nears its end, moving toward the creation of his own production company with significant backing from Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. A longtime radio host who joined The Ringer in 2019 after a prominent run at ESPN alongside Scott Van Pelt, Russillo has been open about his free-agent status in recent months, signaling a potential shift in his career.
Under the plan, Russillo will launch a new digital production company to host his podcast and other projects. The arrangement is expected to include a multi-year distribution, monetization, and infrastructure partnership with Barstool, with investments and support anticipated from Portnoy and Barstool Sports. The parties are reportedly close to finalizing the deal, described as being “inside the five-yard line” but not yet completed.
Portnoy’s own social media activity has added fuel to the speculation, with comments that stopped short of a full confirmation but hinted at the likelihood of the arrangement moving forward. The evolving Barstool landscape, boosted by recent national media partnerships and Portnoy’s visibility in college football programming, provides a backdrop for Russillo’s next chapter.
The potential collaboration opens several possibilities: Russillo and Barstool could launch a joint show, integrate him into Barstool’s broader media ecosystem, or place his content on Barstool’s distribution channels with opportunities for monetization and merchandise. The move also underscores a broader trend in the industry toward creator-owned brands and independent ventures that retain control over content and revenue streams.
What this means for fans and the industry is a continued push toward independent production backed by established media platforms. Russillo’s move could empower him to steer his brand more directly, while Barstool expands its roster of high-profile talent and sports-focused content, further blurring the lines between traditional media and creator-led enterprises.
Key takeaways
– Ryen Russillo is leaving The Ringer when his contract ends.
– He plans to launch his own production company, with significant backing from Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports.
– A multi-year distribution, monetization, and infrastructure deal with Barstool is being negotiated.
– The arrangement signals a broader move toward independent, creator-owned content in sports media.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate a new era for Russillo’s programming, with greater control over format, sponsorships, and distribution. If the partnership comes to fruition, it could reshape not only Russillo’s career path but also Barstool’s role in high-profile sports content and the ongoing shift toward creator-driven media.
Summary
Ryen Russillo is transitioning from The Ringer to an independent production venture backed by Barstool Sports and Dave Portnoy, with a potential multi-year partnership to follow. The move represents a notable example of talent pursuing creator-owned opportunities while leveraging Barstool’s expanding distribution and monetization capabilities, signaling continued evolution in the sports media landscape.