In a significant move that underscores Netflix’s aggressive expansion into live sports and sports media, the streaming giant has secured a multi-year exclusive deal with Barstool Sports.
Barstool heads to Netflix
Starting in early 2026, video episodes of three flagship Barstool podcasts—Pardon My Take, Spittin’ Chiclets, and The Ryen Russillo Show—will be available only on Netflix.
Audio versions will continue to be distributed across all major podcast platforms, ensuring fans can still listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever they get their shows.
The announcement, made on December 17, 2025, came directly from Pardon My Take hosts Dan “Big Cat” Katz and PFT Commenter during a recent episode.
Some pretty big sports media news…
Pardon My Take is partnering with Netflix and taking their show off of YouTube
Thoughts to follow pic.twitter.com/PvCPQQH9Xl
— Jack Settleman (@jacksettleman) December 17, 2025
“In 2026, January—we don’t have the exact date—but we have come to a deal with Netflix,” Katz shared excitedly.
“So Pardon My Take is going to be on Netflix.” He described the partnership as “surreal” and a “big deal for the podcast,” emphasizing how it will allow the team to better compensate behind-the-scenes staff and share in the show’s success.
PFT Commenter chimed in with his signature humor: “We want more pie. And cake. And we want to eat the cake too,” adding that Netflix “sounds like they’re going to be a great partner.”
How to watch
This shift means full video episodes will vanish from YouTube, where these shows have built massive followings. Pardon My Take, Barstool’s flagship sports comedy podcast known for irreverent takes, celebrity interviews, and viral segments, boasts over 650,000 YouTube subscribers and routinely racks up hundreds of thousands of views per episode.
Similarly, the hockey-focused Spittin’ Chiclets—hosted by former NHL player Paul “BizNasty” Bissonnette, Ryan Whitney, and Rear Admiral—has cultivated a dedicated fanbase with its mix of insider stories and pop culture banter.
The Ryen Russillo Show, featuring in-depth sports analysis and long-form guest conversations, rounds out the trio with Russillo’s sharp, thoughtful breakdowns.
The deal includes both new episodes and select archival content, giving Netflix subscribers access to a deep library of fan-favorite moments.
Lauren Smith, Netflix’s VP of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy, expressed enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to team up with Barstool Sports and bring their top video podcasts to Netflix.”
This Barstool partnership is the latest in Netflix’s calculated foray into video podcasts, following an October 2025 deal with Spotify to bring select Ringer podcasts—including The Bill Simmons Podcast—exclusively to the platform starting early 2026.
By snagging top-tier sports talk shows from both Barstool and The Ringer, Netflix is making a bold statement in the video podcasting arena, directly challenging YouTube’s dominance where these programs have thrived.
Netflix’s broader sports ambitions are equally ambitious.
Sports on Netflix
For the second consecutive year, the streamer will broadcast an NFL Christmas Day doubleheader on December 25, 2025: Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders followed by Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings.
These games, produced in partnership with CBS Sports, will feature high-profile talent and global streaming in multiple languages. Adding to the holiday flair, Kelly Clarkson will kick off the broadcast with a performance, and Snoop Dogg is set to headline the halftime show during the Lions-Vikings matchup.
Further signaling its commitment, Netflix recently hired longtime ESPN anchor Elle Duncan as its first full-time sports personality.
Duncan, who hosted her final SportsCenter on December 16, 2025, will lead coverage for major events. Her move from ESPN represents a talent poach that highlights Netflix’s intent to build a credible, on-air sports presence.
As Netflix transitions from a pure entertainment streamer to a sports media contender—with live events, documentaries, and now exclusive podcasts—it positions itself to capture the passionate, engaged audiences that flock to sports content.
For fans of Pardon My Take, Spittin’ Chiclets, and The Ryen Russillo Show, the switch to Netflix may require a subscription adjustment, but it promises enhanced production values and wider reach.
In an era where platforms battle for eyeballs, Netflix is clearly betting big on sports talk to keep viewers tuned in longer.
