Ryen Russillo Is Trending: 5 Bombshell Revelations From the ESPN Alum’s Latest Podcast Episode

Sports media star Ryen Russillo is reportedly preparing to exit Bill Simmons’ The Ringer, where he has hosted the popular “The Ryen Russillo Podcast” since 2019, to launch his own production company backed in part by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. Sources told Front Office Sports the investment deal is “on the five-yard line,” suggesting the paperwork could be finalized within days. A separate report from Awful Announcing echoes that timeline, adding that Russillo’s new venture will focus on audio, video, and live-event programming—formats he has dominated for more than a decade. While neither Russillo nor Portnoy has commented publicly, both have hinted at big announcements on social media, fueling speculation about the project’s scope and target audience. Why Russillo is leaving The Ringer Russillo’s current contract with The Ringer is believed to expire this fall. During a recent episode of his show, he admitted he was “not sure what’s next” once the deal lapses, calling 2025 “a crossroads year” for his career. Industry insiders say he has been looking for greater creative control and equity—two benefits a standalone company can provide. What Portnoy brings to the table Portnoy’s reported investment would give the startup immediate brand recognition and distribution power through Barstool’s massive digital footprint. Barstool’s audience skews toward the same 18-45 demographic that tunes in to Russillo for NFL, NBA, and college-football analysis, making the partnership a natural fit. Potential programming slate • Flagship daily sports podcast hosted by Russillo • Weekly gambling show leveraging Barstool talent • Live college-football roadshows during marquee games • Short-form YouTube segments and TikTok clips to capture younger viewers • A membership tier with bonus episodes, merch drops, and meet-ups Contract logistics and non-compete questions Neither The Ringer nor parent company Spotify has responded to requests for comment, leaving open questions about any non-compete clauses that could delay Russillo’s launch. Similar high-profile departures—including Pat McAfee’s move to ESPN—have featured negotiated “cooling-off” periods. If Russillo’s agreement follows that pattern, the new company might not fully roll out until early 2026. What this means for The Ringer Russillo’s podcast consistently ranks among The Ringer’s top five downloads. Losing him would create a significant traffic gap and potentially accelerate talent-retention concerns at the network. Bill Simmons could pivot by elevating staff contributors like Kevin Clark or tapping new voices to fill the vacated slots. Why the move matters in sports media • Direct-to-consumer trend: High-profile hosts are increasingly opting for ownership instead of salary deals. • Bundling vs. unbundling: While giants like ESPN are embracing consolidation, independent brands such as Russillo’s are betting on niche loyalty. • Gambling integration: Partnering with Portnoy positions the new outlet to monetize the rapidly expanding sports-betting market. Next steps and timeline – Late August: Deal terms finalized, equity split announced – September: Soft-launch of social handles and teaser content – October–November: Limited podcast run to maintain audience engagement during NFL mid-season – January 2026: Full platform roll-out backed by a marketing blitz tied to the College Football Playoff and NFL postseason Bottom line Ryen Russillo’s expected departure from The Ringer signals another seismic shift in the sports-media landscape. By teaming up with Dave Portnoy, he gains financial backing and an instant audience bridge. If the venture delivers on its promise of high-quality analysis, personality-driven content, and interactive fan experiences, it could become the next must-follow destination for sports die-hards in 2026 and beyond.