End of Dave Portnoy's NFL ban comes with crucial condition ahead of his beloved Patriots' Super Bowl
After nine long years, Dave Portnoy will finally be able to attend the Super Bowl next month - but only in a certain capacity.
The Barstool Sports chief's longstanding ban from NFL events was officially lifted on Monday with his ceasefire with the league coming at a critical time for Portnoy ahead of his beloved New England Patriots suiting up in the Super Bowl.
The NFL confirmed to TMZ on Monday that Portnoy is free to attend the big game but not under the guise of official business for Barstool.
The ban has prohibited Portnoy and Barstool employees from being issued media credentials for the Super Bowl for several years.
And that appears to be continuing, with the league confirming that Portnoy's presence at the Super Bowl comes with a condition: That he buys a ticket.
It appears that the media mogul will only be at Levi's Stadium on February 8 as a fan, rather than in an official capacity, according to the report.
Dave Portnoy's ban from NFL events, including the Super Bowl, was lifted on Monday
The league (pictured: Commissioner Roger Goodell) stated that Portnoy can attend as a fan
It also remains unclear if the ban that was lifted was just for Portnoy or if the NFL will start allowing Barstool Sports employees to attend league media events.
Yet, with the Patriots playing in the Super Bowl for the first time since 2019, Portnoy will likely be glad that the ban is ending in some fashion rather than him not being able to attend at all.
Earlier on Monday, before his NFL suspension was officially lifted, Portnoy had threatened to attend the showdown against the Seattle Seahawks regardless of the ban even if he had to act like a 'dead fish.'
'I don't think I'm still banned, I have 100% intentions to go watch the Super Bowl as a fan and enjoy it ... but that's what I did last time and I got dragged out,' Portnoy told TMZ Sports.
'I'm not looking for trouble. I'm just looking to cue the duck boats and have another parade.'
He added: 'I promise you this - if they try to drag me out of the Super Bowl, I have perfected the dead fish and it will be quite a viral moment because I will never walk willingly out of a Super Bowl when I am a paid customer.'
The dispute between Portnoy and the NFL dates back to 2015 and the 'Deflategate' controversy involving Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
Portnoy and three other Barstool employees organized a sit-in at the league's New York headquarters to protest Commissioner Roger Goodell’s handling of the investigation.
The media mogul, pictured with girlfriend Camryn D’Aloia, has had beef with NFL since 2015
The group handcuffed themselves to the floor of the lobby and were subsequently arrested when they refused to leave. Following the incident, the NFL took strict measures to distance itself from the brand.
The league previously cited the protest as grounds for denying access, stating at the time that they do not credential individuals 'involved in such antics.'
This policy resulted in the revocation of Super Bowl week credentials for Barstool employees, preventing them from broadcasting from the prominent Radio Row.
Portnoy was kicked out of the Super Bowl that same year in 2017 when the Patriots hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in a comeback win against the Atlanta Falcons after trailing 28-3.
With the Patriots returning to the Super Bowl, Portnoy’s potential presence at the game would signal the official end of one of the modern era's most publicized media feuds.
The news serves as a subplot to a stunning resurgence for the New England Patriots on the field during the 2025 season.
Portnoy's Patriots, led by quarterback Drake Maye, have reached next month's Super Bowl
Under head coach Mike Vrabel, the franchise has roared back to life this season, defying preseason expectations to claim the AFC Championship.
On Sunday, the Patriots secured their ticket to Levi's Stadium with a gritty 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium.
Quarterback Drake Maye led the offense in the freezing conditions, doing just enough to overcome the Broncos' defense on the day.
They will now face Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 8 in Santa Clara, California.
