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A new era is upon us at Barstool Sports.
Erika Ayers Bada has stepped down as CEO, The Post has learned.
Ayers Badan (formerly Nardini), 48, started at Barstool shortly after its $15 million acquisition by The Chernin Group in 2016 and led the company through massive staffing, revenue and compliance expansion. A total of more than $500 million between 2020 and 2023.
The company was sold to founder Dave Portnoy for $1 last August after the irreverent brand proved a stumbling block to state gambling regulators.
While Barstool Sportsbook was able to obtain a license in most states with legal gambling, it was unable to obtain a license in New York, the largest state with legal gambling.
In Massachusetts, it was eventually licensed, but there was an imbroglio in which state regulators took issue with the “Can’t Lose Parlay” promotion as Barstool tried to explain that the slogan was satirical based on popular talent Dan “Big Cat” Katz. , as a down-on-his-luck gambler who leads the promotion.
In another hiccup, PENN forced Portnoy to fire personality Ben Mintz for saying the N-word while rapping the song’s lyrics live.
Portnoy eventually rehired Mintz to be a brand ambassador for Brick Watch, and then at Barstool after regaining control of the company.
After PENN split from Barstool, the company partnered with ESPN for a gambling app.
Ayers Badan, a former AOL executive, also previously served on WWE’s board.
For years, he has hosted the “Token CEO” podcast for Barstool, giving listeners business advice.
Under his leadership, Barstool’s marketing reach expanded significantly, landing deals with blue-chip brands like Coors Lite and Pizza Hut.
The Barstool brand has become a staple in the 18-34 advertising demographic, particularly with millions of followers on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
It was not immediately known what Ayers Bada’s next move would be.
Ayers Badan and Barstool founder Dave Portnoy could not immediately be reached for comment.
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