Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy announced on Monday that his long-standing ban from NFL events appears to have been lifted.
The development comes at a critical moment for the media personality, as his New England Patriots prepare to compete in the upcoming Super Bowl.
Portnoy shared the news on social media, suggesting that tensions between his company and the league office have finally cooled after nearly a decade.
In a post on X, he compared the resolution of the conflict to the conclusion of the film Rocky IV.
‘I’m hearing that the NFL ban on Barstool Sports has been lifted,’ Portnoy wrote. ‘This hasn’t been 100% confirmed but the Cold War may be over.’
The dispute between Portnoy and the NFL dates back to 2015 and the ‘Deflategate’ controversy involving Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
Dave Portnoy has revealed that his Barstool Sports’ ban from NFL events has been lifted
Portnoy and three other Barstool employees organized a sit-in at the league’s New York headquarters to protest Commissioner Roger Goodell’s handling of the investigation.
The group handcuffed themselves to the floor of the lobby and were subsequently arrested when they refused to leave. Following the incident, the NFL took strict measures to distance itself from the brand.
The league previously cited the protest as grounds for denying access, stating at the time that they do not credential individuals ‘involved in such antics.’
This policy resulted in the revocation of Super Bowl week credentials for Barstool employees, preventing them from broadcasting from the prominent Radio Row.
With the Patriots returning to the Super Bowl, Portnoy’s potential presence at the game would signal the official end of one of the modern era’s most publicized media feuds.
The news serves as a subplot to a stunning resurgence for the New England Patriots on the field during the 2025 season.
Portnoy’s Patriots, led by quarterback Drake Maye, have reached next month’s Super Bowl
Under head coach Mike Vrabel, the franchise has roared back to life this season, defying preseason expectations to claim the AFC Championship.
On Sunday, the Patriots secured their ticket to Levi’s Stadium with a gritty 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium.
Quarterback Drake Maye led the offense in the freezing conditions, doing just enough to overcome the Broncos’ defense on the day.
They will now face Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 8 in Santa Clara, California.
