In a jaw-dropping revelation that underscores the immense financial power of Saudi Arabia's sporting ambitions, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has publicly declared he rejected a staggering $10 million offer to make a personal appearance at an event in the Kingdom.
The media mogul, known for his outspoken and often controversial persona, detailed the extraordinary proposition on his social media channels. The offer, which equates to nearly £8 million, was made for Portnoy to simply attend a sporting event, a sum he described as "life-changing" money.
Principle Over Profit: The Stance Against 'Sportswashing'
Portnoy's refusal was not made in isolation. He framed his decision as a matter of principle, directly linking it to the controversial practice of 'sportswashing'—where a nation uses high-profile sporting events to improve its international reputation and divert attention from human rights concerns.
"I'm not going to be a pawn in their game," Portnoy stated emphatically, making his position on the Kingdom's recent investments in golf, football, and boxing explicitly clear. His rebuff is a significant public relations challenge for Saudi event organisers, demonstrating that even vast wealth cannot automatically secure all desired endorsements.
Loyalty to the Team: An Employee's Similar Rejection
In a twist that adds a deeper layer to the story, Portnoy revealed this was not the first time a member of the Barstool family had snubbed Saudi advances. He disclosed that one of his own employees, identified as presenter Frank Fleming, had previously rejected a separate $1 million offer to attend the same event.
Portnoy expressed immense pride in Fleming's decision, highlighting a shared company ethos. "He turned it down on his own volition... That tells you something about the people we hire," Portnoy remarked, painting a picture of a workplace that values integrity over immense personal gain.
Industry-Wide Implications and Reactions
The story has ignited a fierce debate across the sports and media landscape. It raises profound questions about:
- Ethical Boundaries: At what point does financial incentive outweigh personal or corporate ethics?
- Market Value: The revelation of such colossal offer amounts has sent shockwaves through the industry, setting a new benchmark for celebrity and influencer appearance fees.
- Corporate Culture: Portnoy's praise for his employee underscores the powerful role company culture plays in guiding individual decisions.
This incident firmly positions Portnoy and his employee in the centre of a global conversation about money, morality, and the modern dynamics of international sport. While many athletes and personalities have accepted lucrative deals to work with Saudi-backed ventures, this very public double rejection shows a formidable resistance to their financial draw.
