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Cancel Me If You Can
In his unfiltered style, Dave Portnoy details the journey of how he built his polarizing media empire, Barstool Sports, while refusing to bend the knee to those who tried to tear him down, staying true to himself and blocking out the haters.
Dave Portnoy is a gambler. From his days playing Little League baseball, he has always bet on himself and his future, which is exactly how he built his digital media empire, Barstool Sports. It all started in 2004, when Dave wrote what he knew and passed out a four-page broadsheet newspaper all over Boston. The idea was simple but not everyone wanted their sports takes from SportsCenter anchors in suits. Fans wanted something local, raw, and unapologetic—written in the same language and tone you might hear at your local sports bar. So, Dave gave it to them.
More than twenty years later, Barstool has grown into a nine-figure company with over 300 employees and 150 active brands. But the story doesn’t end there. Dave continues to expand Barstool and his personal brand, launching into the world of sports betting, giving honest pizza reviews, building generational media stars, and giving back to dog shelters and small businesses with the help of his own famous rescue dog, Miss Peaches.
Though he didn’t set out to be a political lightning rod, it happened—and he’s fully aware that half the internet hates him while the other half loves him. The truth? He doesn’t care, as long as people take interest. He’s always been brutally honest, and he always will be. Dave’s journey hasn’t been perfect. He’s failed—publicly and personally—and he’s constantly willing to risk it all. Why? Because he already knows what it’s like to lose everything and start over, time and time again. So why not?
In Cancel Me If You Can, Dave lays it all the hard work, the timing, the luck, the poisonous relationships behind the curtain, and the balls it took to get to where he is today. This isn’t a memoir or a business book—it’s another bet on himself. But honestly, would you really want to bet against him? The odds are against it.
Dave Portnoy is a gambler. From his days playing Little League baseball, he has always bet on himself and his future, which is exactly how he built his digital media empire, Barstool Sports. It all started in 2004, when Dave wrote what he knew and passed out a four-page broadsheet newspaper all over Boston. The idea was simple but not everyone wanted their sports takes from SportsCenter anchors in suits. Fans wanted something local, raw, and unapologetic—written in the same language and tone you might hear at your local sports bar. So, Dave gave it to them.
More than twenty years later, Barstool has grown into a nine-figure company with over 300 employees and 150 active brands. But the story doesn’t end there. Dave continues to expand Barstool and his personal brand, launching into the world of sports betting, giving honest pizza reviews, building generational media stars, and giving back to dog shelters and small businesses with the help of his own famous rescue dog, Miss Peaches.
Though he didn’t set out to be a political lightning rod, it happened—and he’s fully aware that half the internet hates him while the other half loves him. The truth? He doesn’t care, as long as people take interest. He’s always been brutally honest, and he always will be. Dave’s journey hasn’t been perfect. He’s failed—publicly and personally—and he’s constantly willing to risk it all. Why? Because he already knows what it’s like to lose everything and start over, time and time again. So why not?
In Cancel Me If You Can, Dave lays it all the hard work, the timing, the luck, the poisonous relationships behind the curtain, and the balls it took to get to where he is today. This isn’t a memoir or a business book—it’s another bet on himself. But honestly, would you really want to bet against him? The odds are against it.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published June 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 651 reviews
July 2, 2026
Honestly I could just listen to Dave Portnoy talk all day long so the audiobook was perfect 😂
But really, if you are looking for a crass, honest and wild come up story this is it. Dave’s story will have you laughing, crying, and wanting to know more. A one of a kind underdog story.
But really, if you are looking for a crass, honest and wild come up story this is it. Dave’s story will have you laughing, crying, and wanting to know more. A one of a kind underdog story.
July 19, 2026
➡️ The book cover says it all.
If you're a die-hard Stoolie, a sports fan, a pizza aficionado, or just an unapologetically arrogant Bostonian, this memoir is an absolute must-read.
➡️ Nobody says it like Dave.
Dave's "Dave and Goliath" memoir tracked the chaotic, unfiltered rise of gritty Barstool Sports to a massive cultural powerhouse.
The memoir pulled zero punches, with Dave emphatically and crassly excoriating his corporate and media nemeses with sheer, hilarious vigor.
➡️ WHY 4.5 STARS?
While the business side of Dave's journey was incredibly gripping, the book left a few blind spots. I would have liked to hear more about his childhood and his immediate family.
That said, this unapologetically arrogant Bostonian enjoyed and savored every chapter of Dave's iconic memoir.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Dave himself. Dave's distinct delivery added an entirely new layer of entertainment to his story.
➡️ No desire to cancel Dave here.
And if I did, Dave has a huge, devoted fan base, and I would not possess the temerity to try.
4.5 stars.
June 30, 2026
Read it in one sitting. It is definitely Dave Portnoy in writing. Appreciated his honesty which is his brand.
July 6, 2026
I’ll round down to 4.5 ⭐️ for the terrible title and cover art. Otherwise, a compelling read, and even if you hate Portnoy and/or Barstool and the Barstool culture, you gotta admire a guy who sticks to his guns and never wavers, even in the face of cancellation and instant ruin. He’s funny and brutally honest; both come through in the book.
He started the Barstool Fund (to save small businesses) during Covid, and bought his company back for $1 - largely to protect his employees - when he could’ve ridden off into the sunset, a $100+ million man. There’s a lot to respect there, even if he sometimes is a mean, arrogant, petty and insufferable jackass. He talks at some length about his relationship w his erstwhile wife, Renee, which was of interest to me.
A lot of compelling chapters, detailing a lot of things I didnt know about.. The Chernin Group purchase, the Penn purchase, the Call Her Daddy drama, the Business Insider chronicles, Barstool Van Talk and Sam Ponder, his relationship w Big Cat and PFT.. I finished it quickly.
Oh, and he pillories Nate. Fuck Nate.
He started the Barstool Fund (to save small businesses) during Covid, and bought his company back for $1 - largely to protect his employees - when he could’ve ridden off into the sunset, a $100+ million man. There’s a lot to respect there, even if he sometimes is a mean, arrogant, petty and insufferable jackass. He talks at some length about his relationship w his erstwhile wife, Renee, which was of interest to me.
A lot of compelling chapters, detailing a lot of things I didnt know about.. The Chernin Group purchase, the Penn purchase, the Call Her Daddy drama, the Business Insider chronicles, Barstool Van Talk and Sam Ponder, his relationship w Big Cat and PFT.. I finished it quickly.
Oh, and he pillories Nate. Fuck Nate.
July 14, 2026
To start this review off, I want to say that I was embarrassed buying this book. I'm a fan of Barstool and a couple of their podcasts, but the title and the photo on this book are absolutely brutal. It sounds like Dave went against his editors quite a bit, and this was probably another case of that.
But we should never judge a book by its cover, so let's get to the content. The writing style is pretty conversational, but in that chunky way where you can tell someone is writing instead of talking. I think maybe it's the same vibe as how Dave writes his blogs. It does add the effect of making this a little more raw, and it feels like you're really hearing Mr. Portnoy's thoughts.
Going into this, I thought it was gonna be more focused on the rise of Barstool, but that's not really what it was. It kind of follows the rise of Barstool, but in a disorganized way. I found myself getting lost with the years and the success. It felt like on one page Dave would say he was broke with all the money going into Barstool, and then you flip the page and he has two homes. Oh, that brings me to another thing: he openly contradicts himself several times in the book, but then will explode at others for doing the same kind of thing.
Rambly review, so let me sum it up. There are some really funny stories in here, told in a super authentic way. Dave is sometimes super self-aware and then sometimes absolutely not; it's just him being human, and hey, I can appreciate that. I didn't like the format. I wish that they had either committed to covering each story as a standalone story instead of trying to tie the story of Barstool into it, OR I wish it had been more focused on the company itself, with a third-party writer covering the rise of Barstool and lots of interviews with Dave and the employees. I thought the numbers that Dave revealed were super interesting, and I wish more of that was involved.
But we should never judge a book by its cover, so let's get to the content. The writing style is pretty conversational, but in that chunky way where you can tell someone is writing instead of talking. I think maybe it's the same vibe as how Dave writes his blogs. It does add the effect of making this a little more raw, and it feels like you're really hearing Mr. Portnoy's thoughts.
Going into this, I thought it was gonna be more focused on the rise of Barstool, but that's not really what it was. It kind of follows the rise of Barstool, but in a disorganized way. I found myself getting lost with the years and the success. It felt like on one page Dave would say he was broke with all the money going into Barstool, and then you flip the page and he has two homes. Oh, that brings me to another thing: he openly contradicts himself several times in the book, but then will explode at others for doing the same kind of thing.
Rambly review, so let me sum it up. There are some really funny stories in here, told in a super authentic way. Dave is sometimes super self-aware and then sometimes absolutely not; it's just him being human, and hey, I can appreciate that. I didn't like the format. I wish that they had either committed to covering each story as a standalone story instead of trying to tie the story of Barstool into it, OR I wish it had been more focused on the company itself, with a third-party writer covering the rise of Barstool and lots of interviews with Dave and the employees. I thought the numbers that Dave revealed were super interesting, and I wish more of that was involved.
July 20, 2026
I gotta give it to him that this kept me entertained given his absurdity. He’s unapologetically himself and that is rare in this day and age.
Read
July 5, 2026No mention of Miss Peaches until the last line of the epilogue however, $10 of all sales of this book go towards saving our puppies. I think today is the last day. Go Miss Peaches!
July 25, 2026
Dave Portnoy is an absolute legend. This book was a great read. He really worked his way up and created an incredible media and gambling empire. He got rich doing what he loved aka the dream. He spilled a lot of tea along the way about everyone and everything. Alex/sofia/suitman and all his hand picked hires. He did not make this just a puff piece. He mentioned his enemies who tried to take him down along the way and all the bottles he popped with their names engraved. Really enjoyed it! He narrates it himself and it’s very authentically him. What he did during Covid with his Barstool fund and small business grants was so commendable. They could never make me hate him.
July 8, 2026
dave portnoy they could never make me hate you
July 13, 2026
I just want to thank my eyes for not bleeding or falling out of my head while I forced them to read this vile, delusional preschool ass writing.
Truly disgsuting to read, I thought he was kinda bad before but this made me sick to my stomach multiple times
He also is so stupid the writing is like a drunk guys instagram caption
He would say “I think XYZ happened” instead of just googling it
Truly disgsuting to read, I thought he was kinda bad before but this made me sick to my stomach multiple times
He also is so stupid the writing is like a drunk guys instagram caption
He would say “I think XYZ happened” instead of just googling it
July 8, 2026
They could never make me hate Dave
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
July 13, 2026
4.5/5. A must-listen-on-audiobook type of book.
I originally stressed out about defending my stance on reading this book but I'll just say it - I really enjoyed listening to Dave Portnoy's book. I absolutely love a rags to riches success story, and having followed Barstool since probably 2010, this was the exact peek behind the curtain I thought it would be. Dave owns his shit, fiercely rallies for his people, and is 100% authentically himself. The story of Barstool IS interesting, full stop, and I loved hearing longer form details about events like the sale to Penn, and especially things I had no idea about (won't give spoilers but so many good stories about his relationships with other employees, etc).
The one knock I had were his random inserts about things like his hate for Mamdani in the middle of a chapter set in like 2013, when part of his schtick also claims to be "I just stay out of politics." (Note on the Reader: I am (obviously) a bleeding heart liberal. I'm the type of person Dave Portnoy makes fun of on social media for being woke and following COVID protocols. I can listen to Dave's views that I don't agree with, but Mamdani has nothing to do with the Barstool story and that's my beef.)
I originally stressed out about defending my stance on reading this book but I'll just say it - I really enjoyed listening to Dave Portnoy's book. I absolutely love a rags to riches success story, and having followed Barstool since probably 2010, this was the exact peek behind the curtain I thought it would be. Dave owns his shit, fiercely rallies for his people, and is 100% authentically himself. The story of Barstool IS interesting, full stop, and I loved hearing longer form details about events like the sale to Penn, and especially things I had no idea about (won't give spoilers but so many good stories about his relationships with other employees, etc).
The one knock I had were his random inserts about things like his hate for Mamdani in the middle of a chapter set in like 2013, when part of his schtick also claims to be "I just stay out of politics." (Note on the Reader: I am (obviously) a bleeding heart liberal. I'm the type of person Dave Portnoy makes fun of on social media for being woke and following COVID protocols. I can listen to Dave's views that I don't agree with, but Mamdani has nothing to do with the Barstool story and that's my beef.)
July 12, 2026
Ate this book up. Highly rec the audio book version. Dave Portnoy is truly a one of a kind guy
July 3, 2026
Long-time stoolie (slightly cringe to use that term), so this is a bit of a surreal experience to re-read things I experienced in real time. I didn’t realize how many seminal entertainment-related memories in my life involved el pres and barstool, but each section was a nice time capsule into a previous world, for humanity and for myself.
Good behind the scenes stories about the inner-workings of barstool, particularly the relationship with Big Cat and PFT. Pretty astonishing in hindsight that it was all kept relatively hidden.
I feel as I imagine many do, these days - we gravitated toward an initial iteration of Dave. He was an underdog, so it was fun to watch him fight back, if sometimes repetitive. Now, as the clear superior in the power imbalance, it feels petty and unnecessary. Dave obviously doesn’t care, but at nearly 50, its time to grow up
Good behind the scenes stories about the inner-workings of barstool, particularly the relationship with Big Cat and PFT. Pretty astonishing in hindsight that it was all kept relatively hidden.
I feel as I imagine many do, these days - we gravitated toward an initial iteration of Dave. He was an underdog, so it was fun to watch him fight back, if sometimes repetitive. Now, as the clear superior in the power imbalance, it feels petty and unnecessary. Dave obviously doesn’t care, but at nearly 50, its time to grow up
August 3, 2026
If you’re between print or audiobook, def do the audiobook version. It’s gold.
July 9, 2026
I listened to this mainly for the CHD drama. It was interesting to hear all the backstory of how Barstool was founded. It was a lot of Dave Portnoy to listen to, but fun hearing it directly from him. I had to skip the political chapter bc I can’t get behind him there, and I wish he was a little less aggressive with the little digs towards certain people. He really is unapologetically himself, which I can respect, however, there are certain things he said I can’t agree with or support.
July 6, 2026
I came for the CHD tea but stayed for a really entertaining story and enjoyed this book thoroughly. While Dave is a definitely a jerk and has made a lot of questionable choices, I think his story is inherently interesting and it’s clear his work ethic, loyalty, and dgaf personality has really shaped the success of barstool. I was cackling the whole time listening to the audio book. Loved hearing the mention of my CITO girls too!
July 27, 2026
Dave is so fascinating and though I don’t agree with some of his takes, I admire that he is real 100% of the time
July 21, 2026
“How’s he pullin that?” The story of barstool sports. Pretty entertaining. Still can’t get over how he engraves the names of his enemies on champagne bottles and pops them when he defeats them
July 12, 2026
I can’t help it , I love him.
August 6, 2026
Hearing about the hustle and growing pains of the company's infancy was the best part. Otherwise was predictably too filled with patting himself on the back.
August 2, 2026
As a longtime Stoolie, I was laughing my way through this entire book reliving the early Barstool moments that made me a fan in the first place.
Whether you love him or hate him, you’ve got to respect Dave’s grind. The book does a great job of showing just how relentless he was in building Barstool from the ground up. For longtime fans, the nostalgia alone makes it worth the read.
Whether you love him or hate him, you’ve got to respect Dave’s grind. The book does a great job of showing just how relentless he was in building Barstool from the ground up. For longtime fans, the nostalgia alone makes it worth the read.
July 15, 2026
Dave being Dave. Laughed out loud multiple times while reading and enjoyed the blast from The past Barstool lore, from Barstool Blackout tour to the rundown.
August 2, 2026
Oh Dave, you really know how to leave a girl speechless! 😂
August 3, 2026
Real ones remember when I was a Barstool affiliate. Love him or hate him, I can’t fault the media empire he created. Don’t agree with a lot of the points made in the last three chapters but I’ll always have a soft spot for El Pres
August 14, 2026
Honestly just read it for the Call Her Daddy drama, didn’t enjoy all the hate towards feminists, liberals and Mayor Mamdani throughout the book and then a whole chapter about him liking Trump🙃🙃
August 5, 2026
I listened to the audiobook. It was a quick, easy, & fun listen - he’s just so funny to me lol I enjoyed hearing about the history of Barstool. From the conception of the company, to how it evolved, to where it stands today. The company drama mixed in was a nice bonus. (CHD, PMT, etc.) It was interesting and felt like a deep dive episode of ‘Tea by the Sea’
August 2, 2026
Baffled at the people reading this even though they don’t like Dave or barstool and then rating this a 1 and complaining it’s awful. I mean, no shit.
Great read if you’re a barstool or Dave fan or just not blatantly anti Dave or Barstool. I laughed out loud a lot. I respect the depth that’s there and the overall grit.
Great read if you’re a barstool or Dave fan or just not blatantly anti Dave or Barstool. I laughed out loud a lot. I respect the depth that’s there and the overall grit.
July 24, 2026
Audio booked this bc included in my Spotify on a long drive (primarily to get the CHD tea before Sofia releases her book)
He is not my cup of tea as one could guess but I did get some good chuckles on his narration approach
He is not my cup of tea as one could guess but I did get some good chuckles on his narration approach
July 22, 2026
Unsurprisingly, I love Dave’s humor. Unsurprisingly, I hate Dave’s politics.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 651 reviews