Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has expressed frustration with the recent election of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. During a livestream and other media appearances, Portnoy criticized Mamdani as inexperienced and warned that his policies could negatively impact the business climate in the city.
Portnoy, who founded Barstool in 2003, currently maintains a major office in Manhattan, although some operations have moved to Chicago. He discussed the possibility of relocating the company to Hoboken or Jersey City, but noted that moving employees would significantly disrupt their lives.
In previous statements, Portnoy expressed concern about Mamdani’s approach to government and questioned his suitability for leadership. He described Mamdani as a “Democratic socialist” and raised worries about how his platform could affect businesses and investment in the city.
Mamdani, 34, who was born in Uganda, ran on a platform including rent freezes, city-run grocery stores, and expanded public housing. Critics argue that such measures could challenge the traditional business environment, though supporters see them as steps toward affordability and equity.
Business leaders reacted differently to the mayor-elect’s victory. Some, like Bill Ackman, publicly offered support for constructive engagement, while others expressed concerns about potential challenges for the city’s economy. Palantir CEO Alex Karp also voiced doubts about the city’s future under Mamdani’s leadership.
Despite his opposition to Mamdani, Portnoy emphasized that he does not want to negatively affect his employees in New York. He remains torn between his personal political views and his responsibility to the company’s staff, noting that any decision to move the office would be carefully considered.