Barstool secures sponsorship and broadcast agreement for Arizona Bowl

Barstool Sports is entering the college football world at a time of significant changes on the horizon for the sport.

Barstool Sports, a digital media company, announced a new partnership with the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl in Tucson, securing a long-term sponsorship deal and exclusive broadcasting rights for the event. The bowl game, set to take place on December 31, will feature teams from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and the Mountain West Conference (MWC).

Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, proudly announced on Tuesday in an Instagram post and website announcement that the company will be sponsoring the Arizona Bowl for this year and beyond. He emphasized that this move is not just about putting their name on a bowl game, but about making a lasting impact and investment in the event.

We are the exclusive broadcasters of the New Year’s Eve Day game, which will only be shown on Barstool Sports channels. Barstool personalities will play a significant role in the broadcast, forming a strong partnership with the Arizona Bowl, the MAC, and the Mountain West Conference.

Kym Adair, the executive director of the Bowl, believes that partnering with Barstool is a strategic match that perfectly aligns with the core values of our event.

In a news release, Adair announced that the collaboration with Barstool Sports will transform the college bowl landscape for the foreseeable future. Through a fusion of their unique methods for highlighting football traditions and Barstool’s inventive content and streaming platforms, they plan to set the standard for sports broadcasting in college bowl games.

CBS Sports was the broadcasting partner for the bowl game.

Barstool Sportsbook has announced a new long-term agreement with NASCAR to become the official sportsbook of Phoenix Raceway, solidifying its position as the ninth sports betting partner in Arizona.

Sports betting in Arizona is coming soon.

Arizona sports betting apps are set to be released in time for the start of Arizona NFL betting on September 9. An updated timeline for the launch of AZ sports betting was revealed this week.

In April, Governor Doug Ducey passed new laws and a compact with Arizona tribes that expanded sports betting options in the state. The revised Arizona sports betting law now permits betting on college games involving Arizona teams, but does not allow bets on individual player performances.

‘Full Barstool Treatment’

Last year, Ball State emerged victorious in the sixth edition of the Arizona Bowl by defeating the 19th-ranked San Jose State with a score of 34-13. Bryce Cosby, Ball State’s safety, was honored as the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Portnoy revealed that this marks their first foray into securing TV sports rights, with plans to bring the full Barstool experience to the Arizona Bowl. He mentioned their intention to hold a week-long series of Barstool Bowl events in Tucson leading up to the game, making it a highly anticipated and unique bowl game. Their goal is to maintain the integrity of the game and raise a substantial amount of money for charity.

I have repeatedly emphasized our aim at Barstool to eventually possess the moon. This latest progress marks a major stride towards realizing that aspiration.

Penn National Gaming acquired a 36% ownership interest in Barstool Sports for $163 million in January 2020.