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7 July, 2026 / News / AI / 443 reads / Tags: portnoy, dave, bitcoin, barstool, mistimed

Barstool Sports founder admits being down millions on Bitcoin bought near $100,000 but says past mistimed trades have taught him to hold firm this time around
Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, has openly discussed his significant losses in Bitcoin amid the recent market downturn. In an interview with Fox Business host Stuart Varney, Portnoy revealed he purchased Bitcoin around the $100,000 level. With prices now hovering near $62,000, he is facing millions in unrealized losses.
Despite the setback, Portnoy has decided against selling. He stated clearly that he plans to hold his position no matter how low the price goes. This marks a shift from his previous trading behavior.
Portnoy has a track record of challenging experiences with Bitcoin. In 2021, he sold his holdings during a price dip, only to watch the asset rally sharply afterward. He described those moments as "paperhanded" decisions that cost him gains. Years of similar patterns have now convinced him to stay put during the current decline.
Bitcoin has dropped more than 50% from its October peak of around $126,000. Portnoy acknowledged the regrets but emphasized learning from repeated errors in timing the market.
Beyond Bitcoin, Portnoy has engaged with various crypto projects. He promoted SafeMoon and aligned with Chainlink supporters. More recently, he became involved with Solana meme coins, including one tied to his own persona that saw massive temporary gains before sharp declines.
These activities highlight Portnoy's active but volatile participation in the crypto space over several years.
While Portnoy focuses on his personal holdings, other voices in the market offer varied perspectives. Some analysts point to potential recovery driven by institutional interest, while others warn of continued pressure in the near term.
Portnoy's stance reflects a common sentiment among long-term holders who have weathered multiple market cycles.
| Event | Bitcoin Price Context |
|---|---|
| 2021 Sell-Off | Portnoy sold during dip, missed rally |
| Recent Purchase | Near $100k, now around $62k |
| Current Position | Vow to hold to $0 if needed |




