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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.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 30, 2026
Read it in one sitting. It is definitely Dave Portnoy in writing. Appreciated his honesty which is his brand.
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.
June 30, 2026
Dave is so funny! A must read!
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
July 1, 2026
Gave it a try thinking maybe it would redeem him wrong. It is arrogant, frat bro garbage, giving icky SA culture vibes.
July 4, 2026
This is not a typical read for me, but it is fast paced and overall a good read. I was initially drawn to this book because the original ghost writer was a comedian I enjoy supporting, Francis Ellis. I knew Dave rewrote the book after being unhappy with Francis’ version but I was surprised to see that nearly all of Francis’ writing had been cut.
Dave is unapologetically authentic (hence why he needed his words), and the story of Barstool is truly one of a kind. The company itself can often be cringe and Dave can be insufferable, but aspects of the company are uniquely entertaining and provide a breath of fresh air in the sports industry that has been dominated by ESPN and other Goliaths for decades.
Dave provides insight on feuds with PMT and expands on how he was able to buy his company back for $1 since his NDA with PENN and ESPN had cleared. He also highlights the barrage of fabricated accusations that were made against him throughout the years and continually recited by media outlets as facts despite already exonerating himself in the court of public opinion.
Dave reflects on the poor decisions he has made that have reverberated in the media throughout the years. The most puzzling one to me was his decision to reblog a photo taken by paparazzi of Tom Brady’s naked 2 year old son and comment on the child’s genitalia. Even while acknowledging it was a mistake, Dave still argues that those who identify the photo as child pornography are the ones sexualizing the child. The logic is flawed and elementary. An innocent picture of a child can be normal to you and I, but to a bad actor, the picture is CSAM. The majority of CSAM on the internet is innocent pictures of children posted by parents that is then exploited by bad actors. This is done when the bad actors either use the innocent photos to share on platforms in order to grant them access to more explicit CSAM or by altering the photos with deepfakes or AI to create child pornography. A joke about Brady’s son’s genitalia is not worth platforming child pornography. Later in the book, Dave says that anyone who searched and watched his sextapes that were leaked without his consent committed a felony. How about the irony in that logic.
At least it got me out of a reading slump.
Dave is unapologetically authentic (hence why he needed his words), and the story of Barstool is truly one of a kind. The company itself can often be cringe and Dave can be insufferable, but aspects of the company are uniquely entertaining and provide a breath of fresh air in the sports industry that has been dominated by ESPN and other Goliaths for decades.
Dave provides insight on feuds with PMT and expands on how he was able to buy his company back for $1 since his NDA with PENN and ESPN had cleared. He also highlights the barrage of fabricated accusations that were made against him throughout the years and continually recited by media outlets as facts despite already exonerating himself in the court of public opinion.
Dave reflects on the poor decisions he has made that have reverberated in the media throughout the years. The most puzzling one to me was his decision to reblog a photo taken by paparazzi of Tom Brady’s naked 2 year old son and comment on the child’s genitalia. Even while acknowledging it was a mistake, Dave still argues that those who identify the photo as child pornography are the ones sexualizing the child. The logic is flawed and elementary. An innocent picture of a child can be normal to you and I, but to a bad actor, the picture is CSAM. The majority of CSAM on the internet is innocent pictures of children posted by parents that is then exploited by bad actors. This is done when the bad actors either use the innocent photos to share on platforms in order to grant them access to more explicit CSAM or by altering the photos with deepfakes or AI to create child pornography. A joke about Brady’s son’s genitalia is not worth platforming child pornography. Later in the book, Dave says that anyone who searched and watched his sextapes that were leaked without his consent committed a felony. How about the irony in that logic.
At least it got me out of a reading slump.
July 4, 2026
Highly recommend to anyone who appreciates Dave’s authenticity and no nonsense commentary. However, I especially recommend this to anyone who dislikes Dave and Barstool because 1. it will either serve as confirmation bias for why you are against him. Or 2. will change your opinion on Dave and make you appreciate a real American capitalist who makes no excuses about success.
The best comparison that I can make to Cancel Me If You Can is to Phil Knights book about Nike Shoe Dog. It goes to show you that success in America isn’t given to you, it is rewarded to those that take a massive risk and plunge into extreme uncertainty. There’s something to be said about an unapologetic author who puts their authenticity on full display in this wildly entertaining read. Hope Barstool and Dave Portnoy fans enjoy this book, while Barstool and Dave haters hate this book. 5/5 read.
The best comparison that I can make to Cancel Me If You Can is to Phil Knights book about Nike Shoe Dog. It goes to show you that success in America isn’t given to you, it is rewarded to those that take a massive risk and plunge into extreme uncertainty. There’s something to be said about an unapologetic author who puts their authenticity on full display in this wildly entertaining read. Hope Barstool and Dave Portnoy fans enjoy this book, while Barstool and Dave haters hate this book. 5/5 read.
July 1, 2026
Cancel Me If You Can is an honest, fast-paced, and motivating read. Dave Portnoy shares the realities of building Barstool Sports with refreshing candor, showing that success comes from resilience, bold decisions, and believing in yourself despite constant criticism. His storytelling is engaging, humorous, and unapologetically authentic. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, media, or personal growth, this book offers valuable insights and an entertaining perspective. It's an inspiring reminder that taking risks and staying true to your vision can lead to extraordinary success
July 2, 2026
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book.
Honestly, this was fascinating. I love Portnoy so I knew I would read this in 1 day and I would enjoy it. I think there is so much more he could have added and I would have enjoyed it all.
I am a romance reader so Renee's presence throughout the book, and how he writes about her is swoony. They seem to have a wonderful relationship, but it makes me want them to be together ..I don't know I can't take the fictional HEAs out of my brain.
100% recommend ...oh and I learned that Big Cat is a little baby and was reminded that Mina Kimes is a terrible person.
Honestly, this was fascinating. I love Portnoy so I knew I would read this in 1 day and I would enjoy it. I think there is so much more he could have added and I would have enjoyed it all.
I am a romance reader so Renee's presence throughout the book, and how he writes about her is swoony. They seem to have a wonderful relationship, but it makes me want them to be together ..I don't know I can't take the fictional HEAs out of my brain.
100% recommend ...oh and I learned that Big Cat is a little baby and was reminded that Mina Kimes is a terrible person.
July 3, 2026
Decidedly don't agree with Portnoy from a moral perspective on most things but he obviously wouldn't care about that. This book is incredibly entertaining and has some really great stories from a company that's full story could fill volumes. I think the most I can say for Dave is I respect him and think he worked harder than 99% of people to get his company off the ground and while I wouldn't want him as my boss and wouldn't live the life he does I respect that he fights for his people and for what he believes in.
July 2, 2026
Honestly a good read, I’m not a diehard stoolie but my husband and I keep up with a variety of their talent. This book takes you along on the journey of barstool and it’s pretty cool! I think Dave is easy to hate (I personally like how unashamed he is) but he has done a lot of good. Idk read it if you’re curious 🤷🏻♀️
Listened to it in one sitting, he does read it himself which was also a nice touch!
Listened to it in one sitting, he does read it himself which was also a nice touch!
July 1, 2026
If you like Dave you'll probably enjoy the recap of his journey. If you don't like Dave you probably aren't reading this book anyway. The story is an incredibly easy read that you can just plow through, learning a few new tidbits of information. The open and honest nature of Portnoy is on display as usual and his voice comes through. Definitely recommend if you're a fan of the pirate ship.
July 2, 2026
Highly recommend the audiobook for classic Dave quips and extra commentary not in the book.
From shoveling shit out of his newspaper racks and hiring the homeless to distribute the newspaper to evolving into a mega media multimillion dollar empire. Dave and Barstool are 1 of 1.
From shoveling shit out of his newspaper racks and hiring the homeless to distribute the newspaper to evolving into a mega media multimillion dollar empire. Dave and Barstool are 1 of 1.
July 3, 2026
Didn't think I could love him any more... but here we are!!! MORE!!!
He said 4 million and 3 times how much he hated writing a book, let alone narrating it... but this was fantastic! I do hope he'll do another with all the since then stuff!!!
He said 4 million and 3 times how much he hated writing a book, let alone narrating it... but this was fantastic! I do hope he'll do another with all the since then stuff!!!
July 4, 2026
Listen to the Audiobook. It's like listening to an extended Dave Podcast. You have to be a fan of Dave or admire how far he's come to give this book 5 stars I think. But I am. Pure grit and brutal honesty. So 5 stars it is. And I would never never want my name etched on a bottle of his champagne.
July 1, 2026
Absolutely loved this book. If you’ve followed barstool from the jump it’s a great retelling of stories you probably forgot.
July 1, 2026
If nothing else it’s authentic
July 1, 2026
pretty much exactly what you'd expect from the dave portnoy autobiography- honest, arrogant, funny and authentic as can be!!
July 2, 2026
Dave please write more books. The tone is if you’re sitting there with him having a casual conversation.
July 2, 2026
Viva!
July 2, 2026
Audiobook is a must if you’re a Dave fan. Not sure reading it physically would have the same impact. Gotta be prepared for Dave’s lack of filter. If you’re deep into Barstool lore, it’s a must.
July 2, 2026
LING LIVE THE KING. VIVA LA STOOL
Read
July 2, 2026i know Dave is a polarizing character but his story is really interesting! Fun and quick listen about the story of Barstool, enjoyed it
July 2, 2026
100000000 / 10
July 2, 2026
Flew through this on a flight. Didn't want to love it, but Dave is a hell of a storyteller and a hell of a businessman.
July 2, 2026
Brick by brick, go pres go.
July 3, 2026
As a life long Stoolie, I loved reliving some of the classic stories told by Dave as well as some new details to stories that were being told for the first time.
One book everyone knows the rules!
One book everyone knows the rules!
July 3, 2026
Authentic. Everything you want in an autobiography. 100% recommend listening to the chaos on audio. Dave is an engaging speaker and kept you hooked.
July 3, 2026
Found it funny & honest until he started supporting Trump
July 3, 2026
Don’t really like Portnoy as a person but this was entertaining, listened to the audiobook and narrates it himself. Story of barstool is really interesting to be fair. 4/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews