Friday night’s edition of ABC’s “Nightline” profiled Barstool Sports, with Tom Llamas noting while their "polarizing style is the key to their success," it could also "be their downfall.” Llamas said Barstool has “amassed a loyal band of mostly young male followers by being gritty, in your face and sometimes politically incorrect." ABC's Rebecca Jarvis said the 15-year old company has "attracted big-name investors" and is valued at around $100M. Jarvis: “But while its no-holds barred sense of humor has won the company a fervent following, it has also invited backlash.” Founder & President Dave Portnoy defended the company's content, and said, "We try to be funny. A few times in the span of maybe 15 years I would say, very few times I've said something that maybe rubs people the wrong way." Barstool CEO Erika Nardini: "We're not a sexist company. I think most people who criticize Barstool don't actually read Barstool Sports or listen to our podcasts or watch our videos.” Jarvis added since Nardini joined the company in '16, the former AOL exec has helped "increase revenue by eight times, sent brand advertising soaring 700% and commerce by 300%." Nardini: "There was something that clicked with me and Barstool. I saw what Barstool could do, just how big this brand has the potential to be and just how powerful its audience is" ("Nightline," ABC, 6/15).
