Barstool Sports CEO Departs Company

Erika Ayers Badan

Erika Ayers Badan, the CEO of Barstool Sports, has announced her decision to step down from her position. Ayers Badan, who joined the company in 2016, has played a pivotal role in Barstool’s growth and success over the years.

Erika Ayers Badan, formerly known as Erika Nardini, took on the role of CEO at Barstool Sports in 2016, following the company’s acquisition by The Chernin Group. With her leadership and strategic vision, Ayers Badan has guided Barstool Sports through a period of remarkable expansion and achievement.

Under Ayers Badan’s guidance, Barstool Sports experienced exponential growth, culminating in its sale to PENN Entertainment for a staggering $500 million. This monumental sale, which began in 2020 and concluded in February 2023, marked a significant milestone in Barstool’s journey. Ayers Badan’s ability to navigate the complexities of the sports media industry and drive substantial revenue growth has been instrumental in the company’s success.

One of Ayers Badan’s notable achievements as CEO of Barstool Sports was the rebranding of the company’s sports betting platform. Formerly known as Barstool Sportsbook, the platform underwent a transformation and was rebranded as ESPN Bet following a partnership between Barstool and ESPN. This collaboration allowed Barstool Sports to tap into a wider audience and leverage ESPN’s extensive network.

In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Ayers Badan expressed her sadness about stepping down as CEO of Barstool Sports. She reflected on the incredible journey she had been a part of and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead the company. Ayers Badan acknowledged the significant growth and achievements of Barstool Sports during her tenure and emphasized her trust in founder Dave Portnoy to continue steering the company forward.

Dave Portnoy, in response to Ayers Badan’s departure, took to social media to express his appreciation for her contributions to Barstool Sports. He highlighted her unique fit for the role and credited her with being instrumental in the company’s success. Portnoy’s acknowledgment of Ayers Badan’s leadership and the positive impact she had on the company further emphasizes the significance of her role as CEO.

While Ayers Badan has announced her departure from Barstool Sports, she has made it clear that she will continue to support Portnoy in his endeavors. Her commitment to assisting him demonstrates the strong bond and partnership they have developed throughout their time working together. As for her own future plans, Ayers Badan expressed her intention to explore new opportunities and build something meaningful.