After a tumultuous start, Barstool Sports was banned by Ohio State from hosting its college football show in Columbus, and Dave Portnoy was barred from entering Ohio Stadium for the week 1 heavyweight matchup between Texas and Ohio State.
It would seem that few schools would want to work with the brand. Well, that is not the case, as a Power 4 conference has reached out to Barstool Sports and welcomed it with open arms.
Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports broke the news that Brett Yormark, Big 12 Commissioner, and Big 12 ADs talked with Dave Portnoy on a 40-minute call about the possibility of a partnership between the Big 12 and Barstool, describing it as a "blank canvas."
Interesting: Brett Yormark and Big 12 ADs held a 40-minute call today with Dave Portnoy, offering him a “blank canvas” of engagement opportunities and emphasizing their full support of integrating the Barstool brand across league campuses, starting this week with Iowa State-Iowa.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 3, 2025
Dave Portnoy responded to the report, saying, "Barstool Sports is very excited to work with the Big 12 Conference."
I can not confirm or deny this conference call took place. Gun to head I’d say it probably took place and @barstoolsports is very excited to work with @Big12Conference https://t.co/3dv09OsamL
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) September 3, 2025
It did seem that there was a hint of the possibility of this partnership happening. Jamie Pollard, Iowa State's athletic director, took a dig at Ohio State on a post on X, announcing the location of the Barstool College Football Show.
Iowa State is not Ohio State - Dave Portnoy and @barstoolsports will be live from the Reiman Plaza Saturday as part of Fox's Big Noon Kickoff. @Big12Conference @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/FeTTE0ynAX
— Jamie Pollard (@IASTATEAD) September 3, 2025
This could be a massive opportunity for both brands, as they both can cross-promote on each other's platforms. Yormark and the Big 12 have been known to create unique partnerships, as they announced their partnership with the WWE in November of 2023.
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