Dave Portnoy’s unusual financial arrangement with his estranged wife Renee has become the talk of the internet, drawing both fascination and praise for its unique approach. The Barstool Sports founder recently opened up in an interview with Sage Steele, conducted at the end of November, about the current status of his relationship with Renee, from whom he separated in 2017.
Despite the split, the couple never formally divorced, and they continue to share a bank account.
Portnoy, whose net worth is estimated to be around $150 million, explained to former ESPN personality Sage Steele why he still allows Renee full access to his finances. According to Portnoy, Renee’s loyalty during the early, difficult days of Barstool is why he feels she deserves access to his wealth.
“We met when Barstool was nothing, so she rode the grind up with us… She was with me every step of the way, so in my mind, she’s entitled to enjoy the fruits of it,” Portnoy told Steele.
Portnoy went on to say that, even today, Renee has complete access to his money. “She currently has access to all my money. If she just wanted to be like, ‘I’m taking it and be gone,’ she could. But we’ve had that joint bank account forever. I trust her implicitly. She has had full access for a long time.”
Portnoy also shared that he and Renee remain on good terms, describing their split as amicable and emphasizing the trust and friendship that remains between them. He called Renee his “best friend” and said he never feared she would abuse their financial arrangement because she is “far more frugal than I am.”
“We always got along; it wasn’t like we had a big blowout at the end or anything. The marriage just wasn’t working out the way we wanted it to,” Portnoy explained regarding their separation.
The couple, who married in 2009, did attempt to formally divorce. However, a Massachusetts judge denied their petition for divorce last year, citing the financial arrangement they had in place. Portnoy elaborated on the decision, saying, “It was denied because she and I have a very fluid relationship with our finances.”
He continued, “We’ve been separated legally for a long time, but the judge said our agreement wasn’t equitable to her. [The judge] was like, ‘Dave, you’re worth a lot more; you have to give her half.’ But she was like, ‘I don’t want half.’ So we pretty much agreed on how to do it [without the court].”
This unique situation has sparked considerable attention online, as many have expressed admiration for the level of trust and loyalty displayed by both Portnoy and Renee. The fact that they continue to support each other financially, despite going their separate ways romantically, demonstrates a level of respect that is often not seen in high-profile separations.
Portnoy’s candidness in discussing his relationship with Renee shows a softer side of the brash Barstool Sports founder, whose public persona is often characterized by bold opinions and controversy.
By keeping Renee as a part of his financial life, he is showing that their shared journey through the early, challenging days of building Barstool Sports is something he will always respect and honor.
The financial arrangement also highlights the unconventional nature of Portnoy and Renee’s relationship. Instead of drawing hard lines or battling through a contentious divorce, they’ve opted for an arrangement that works for them—one where trust, friendship, and shared history take precedence over traditional norms.
This dynamic has allowed them to maintain a close bond and mutual support system, even as they move forward with their separate lives.
Dave Portnoy’s revelation is a reminder that not all relationships fit into a standard mold, and that sometimes, people can find their own way to navigate life’s complexities.
The continued financial partnership between him and Renee illustrates that relationships can evolve without necessarily ending completely, and that deep respect and trust can prevail even after a romantic partnership ends.
It is a rare glimpse into the personal life of one of the most prominent figures in sports media, and it has left many people talking about what real loyalty looks like, even after a marriage comes to an end.
