Netflix is expanding its footprint in sports media through a new multi year agreement with Barstool Sports that will bring video versions of three of the company’s most popular podcasts exclusively to the streaming service starting in early 2026.
The Netflix Barstool Sports partnership reflects the platform’s growing investment in sports adjacent content that emphasizes conversation, culture and personality over live competition.
Under the deal, Netflix will stream new video episodes of Pardon My Take, The Ryen Russillo Podcast and Spittin’ Chiclets, while audio versions will remain available on existing podcast platforms.
The shows will initially launch in the United States, with plans to expand to additional markets.
Netflix has steadily increased its involvement in sports related programming over the past several years, focusing largely on documentaries and unscripted series such as Drive to Survive and Quarterback.
The Netflix Barstool Sports partnership marks a shift toward ongoing, personality driven sports conversation rather than one off productions.
Barstool Sports, founded in two thousand three by Dave Portnoy, has built a large digital audience through podcasts, blogs and video content centered on sports, pop culture and humor.
The three podcasts included in the agreement represent some of the most downloaded sports shows in the United States.
“We’re excited to partner with Netflix and hopefully bring new audiences to each platform,” Portnoy said in a statement announcing the deal.
Media analysts said the move highlights how streaming platforms are adapting to changes in sports consumption habits.
“This is about time spent, not just rights,” said Mark Ellison, a media analyst at North Shore Research.
“Netflix is betting that fans want the debates, the jokes and the personalities as much as the games themselves. The Netflix Barstool Sports partnership fits neatly into that strategy.”
Others noted that the deal allows Netflix to avoid the high costs of live sports rights while still capturing sports audiences.
“Podcast video is relatively low risk and highly scalable,” said Rachel Kim, a digital media consultant based in New York. “It also brings in younger viewers who already consume sports content in long form conversation formats.”
According to industry data from Edison Research, more than forty percent of U.S. sports podcast listeners also watch video versions of their favorite shows.
YouTube has historically dominated that space, but streaming platforms have increasingly shown interest in hosting podcast video as a way to increase engagement.
Netflix has more than two hundred sixty million global subscribers, offering Barstool Sports access to a significantly broader audience than traditional podcast platforms.
By comparison, Spotify and Apple Podcasts focus primarily on audio distribution, with limited video integration.
The Netflix Barstool Sports partnership positions Netflix as a direct competitor in the video podcast market, an area that continues to grow as creators and advertisers seek new formats.
Fans interviewed outside a sports bar in Chicago expressed mixed reactions to the announcement.
“I already listen every week, so having it on Netflix just makes it easier to throw on the TV,” said Jason Morales, a longtime Pardon My Take listener. “I probably would not have found it otherwise.”
Others raised questions about exclusivity. “As long as the audio stays free, I do not mind where the video lives,” said Sarah Klein, a hockey fan who follows Spittin’ Chiclets.
“I just hope it does not lock people out who do not have Netflix.” Netflix confirmed that audio episodes will continue to be distributed widely.
Netflix executives described the partnership as part of a broader effort to diversify sports offerings beyond live events.
“We’re thrilled to team up with Barstool Sports and bring their top video podcasts to Netflix,” said Lauren Smith, Netflix vice president of content licensing and programming strategy.
She said the shows align with audience demand for “unfiltered commentary, sharp takes and undeniable humor.”
Industry observers said similar deals could follow if the Netflix Barstool Sports partnership performs well.
“This could open the door for other major podcasts to view Netflix as a home for premium video,” Ellison said. “It is a test case for where sports media goes next.”
The Netflix Barstool Sports partnership underscores a broader shift in how sports content is packaged and distributed, emphasizing conversation and personality alongside traditional coverage.
By bringing established podcasts to a global streaming platform, the agreement highlights evolving audience preferences and the growing importance of video first sports discussion.
Both companies said the deal aims to expand reach while preserving existing access, setting the stage for further experimentation in sports media distribution.
