Netflix is pushing deeper into creator-led media with a new exclusive move that signals where streaming is headed next. The Netflix Barstool podcast deal will bring three of Barstool Sports’ biggest video podcasts to the platform, as Netflix accelerates plans to compete directly with YouTube’s creator dominance.
Under the agreement, Netflix will exclusively stream the video versions of three flagship Barstool shows starting in early 2026. The selected titles include Pardon My Take, The Ryen Russillo Show, and Spittin’ Chiclets. All three programs have built massive audiences on YouTube by blending sports analysis with personality-driven commentary and viral humor.
The timing is no accident. Netflix has been quietly preparing a large slate of creator and podcast content for next year. The company wants to lock in 50 to 75 titles by early 2026, according to conversations it has had with talent agents. This Barstool partnership pushes that strategy forward in a visible way.
Pardon My Take remains one of the most successful sports podcasts in the world. Hosted by Big Cat and PFT Commenter, the show mixes game breakdowns with satire and internet culture. The Ryen Russillo Show focuses more heavily on in-depth sports analysis and long-form conversations with athletes and industry insiders. Spittin’ Chiclets brings NHL coverage into a looser format, led by Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette, and Rear Admiral, with frequent detours into pop culture.
Notably absent from the deal is Barstool founder Dave Portnoy. His show, The Unnamed Show, is not part of the agreement. Netflix also did not acquire Million Dollaz Worth of Game, one of Barstool’s fastest-growing properties. That podcast ranked 33rd in U.S. audience reach in the third quarter, based on Edison Research data.
Portnoy framed the partnership as an audience expansion play rather than a platform shift. He said the Netflix deal should help introduce Barstool’s shows to viewers who may never open YouTube or podcast apps. From Barstool’s perspective, the deal trades distribution control for reach at a global scale.
Netflix highlighted the shows’ tone as a key reason for the partnership. The company pointed to their unfiltered commentary, sharp opinions, and consistent humor. That style aligns with what has historically performed well on YouTube, which Netflix is now actively targeting.
As part of the agreement, the video versions of these podcasts will be removed from YouTube and become exclusive to Netflix. This mirrors earlier Netflix podcast deals with Spotify and iHeartMedia. Audio-only versions of the shows will remain available across existing podcast platforms.
The deal includes new episodes going forward, along with selected library episodes from each show. That approach allows Netflix to seed its platform with back catalog content while ensuring a steady stream of fresh releases.
The Netflix Barstool podcast deal is not happening in isolation. Netflix has been steadily broadening its definition of content. Over the past year, it has added programming from YouTube creators like Mark Rober, invested in live and event-based sports content, and expanded its gaming offerings inside the app.
All of this points to a clear internal metric. Netflix wants more engagement minutes. Traditional scripted series remain expensive and unpredictable. Creator-led content offers faster production cycles, loyal fan bases, and repeat viewing habits.
Video podcasts also fit neatly into Netflix’s interface evolution. Long-form conversational content keeps viewers inside the app without requiring cinematic production budgets. For Netflix, podcasts represent a scalable middle ground between television and social media.
The move also strengthens Netflix’s leverage as it explores larger strategic plays. The company is reportedly interested in acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming and studio assets. While those talks remain speculative, Netflix’s current strategy suggests it wants to control as many content verticals as possible.
With the Barstool agreement, Netflix now has at least 33 shows tied to podcast and creator deals. That number is expected to grow rapidly over the next few months as the company races to hit its early-2026 content target.
For YouTube, the shift presents a new challenge. Podcasts have become one of the platform’s fastest-growing formats. Losing exclusive video rights to high-performing shows weakens YouTube’s hold on premium creator content, even if audio versions remain widely distributed.
For creators, the deal highlights a growing tradeoff. Netflix offers prestige, guaranteed distribution, and financial stability. YouTube offers ownership, algorithmic reach, and direct audience relationships. The Barstool partnership suggests some creators are now willing to prioritize scale over platform independence.
Whether this model succeeds will depend on audience behavior. Netflix users are conditioned to press play, not subscribe or comment. The real test will be whether podcast fans follow their favorite shows into a streaming environment built for binge watching rather than community interaction.
Still, the message is clear. Netflix no longer sees podcasts as side content. It sees them as a core pillar of its next growth phase. The Netflix Barstool podcast deal is less about sports and more about redefining what streaming platforms are built to deliver.
