Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, has voiced strong concerns about New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, citing potential impacts on the city’s business climate. Portnoy has considered relocating the company’s Manhattan office to Hoboken or Jersey City but expressed hesitation due to the potential disruption for employees. Barstool, founded in 2003, retains a major office in Manhattan while some operations are based in Chicago.

Mamdani, a 34-year-old former state assemblyman born in Uganda, ran on a platform of rent freezes, city-run grocery stores, and expanded public housing. While critics worry these policies could challenge business investment, supporters view them as steps toward greater affordability and equity. Portnoy has publicly questioned Mamdani’s experience and suitability for office, emphasizing his concern for how city leadership might affect economic conditions.

The mayor-elect’s victory has prompted varied reactions among business leaders. Some, like Bill Ackman, offered constructive engagement, while others, including Palantir CEO Alex Karp, expressed concern about potential economic consequences. Despite his political opposition, Portnoy remains mindful of his employees’ wellbeing in New York, underscoring the tension between his personal views and his responsibilities as a business owner.