Barstool Big Noon Kickoff?

HUGE news leaked today about a potential football partnership between Big Noon Kickoff on FOX and EVEN other Barstool sports content appearing on FS1 this upcoming sports season. It’s all being led by Dave Portnoy possibly becoming a regular seat on Big Noon Kickoff this fall. This could be the biggest media connection since the Sirius days of the Stool.

For those not as dialed into the media world, FOX recently let go of multiple on-air talents, some amid recent allegations I won't get into. With those departures, FOX now has major holes to fill, and with Dave having already appeared within the FOX universe multiple times, this may be a partnership that sticks.

If this deal gets finalized and officially announced, the next question becomes: what is the other content? Of course, we can assume Big Cat and Brandon Walker...maybe even T-Bob, would be involved in all the football content FOX wants to roll out. And it’s safe to say shows like Advisors likely won’t be heading to the network side. But other offerings, like Mostly Sports, could be a perfect fit for a FS1 morning sports show.

The main focus, however, seems to be on Big Noon Kickoff, as FOX is clearly looking to compete with ESPN’s College GameDay, which is undergoing its own shakeup with legendary host Lee Corso retiring after Week 1. Ironically enough, ESPN is expected to move former Barstool soldier Pat McAfee into the lead spotlight. Nothing against Desmond Howard or Kirk Herbstreit, but we all know McAfee is the guy who can stir up views.

If this deal goes down, FOX could bring in Portnoy, Big Cat, Brandon Walker (#1 college football personality BTW), and T-Bob to add the entertainment value their current lineup is lacking. With College GameDay in transition, this could be a perfectly timed power move by Barstool and FOX. Fans on social media have been vocal about the lack of quality sports shows, and FOX looks ready to fix that by partnering with the company that can deliver the best mix of entertainment and legitimate sports talk.

And for the longtime Stoolies, who would’ve thought this kind of deal would ever be on the table? The continued growth and expansion led by Dave Portnoy is revolutionary in so many ways. If FOX pulls this off, it’s a massive win in finally escaping the shadow of ESPN in sports content. Also do we begin again to see more Barstool sponsored events like Bowl games, tournaments, or just random barstool "broadcasts" for weeknight games!! Stoolies will flock to network TV to watch our favorites on FOX or FS1...or dare I say, even late-night ANUS on FS2. Hah, what a world that would be.

Still, the reality is setting in: Barstool personalities may soon become the faces of Big Noon Kickoff this fall.