Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, recently made an uplifting announcement. Portnoy, 47, revealed on Barstool Sports that he was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer, after a routine medical examination.
Fortunately, Portnoy shared the positive news that he has successfully overcome the disease. He thanked his employees and fans for their regular health check-ups.
Portnoy Undergoes Successful Surgery for Skin Cancer
Dave Portnoy underwent surgery to address his skin cancer diagnosis. According to him, the operation required 10 to 12 stitches to close the wound. He attributed the high number of stitches to excessive sun exposure.
While reflecting on the situation, he revealed to his Barstool colleagues that he had to miss the Boston Celtics’ Game 5 NBA Finals victory over the Dallas Mavericks due to the surgery. Despite the situation, he was upbeat and accepted responsibility for his condition. He later took to X to express gratitude that the outcome wasn’t more severe.
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Dave Portnoy Criticizes Caitlin Clark’s Nike Deal
Before Portnoy’s successful battle against skin cancer, he was focused on Caitlin Clark’s new Nike deal. Portnoy didn’t hold back his criticism. He called the deal “armed robbery” and asserted that the basketball star deserved a far more lucrative contract.
Portnoy went on X to express his discontent, stating that the 8-year, $28 million deal for Clark is undervalued, given her worth. He further noted that the agreement, which includes a signature Clark shoe, averages $3.5 million per year, far less than what he believes she deserves. So, what is she worth, then?
Dave Portnoy Reveals Caitlin Clark’s Worth
According to Dave Portnoy, Clark’s true worth is at least $10 million annually. With this, he suggested that an 8-year, $80 million contract would be more appropriate. He also hoped that Clark would have an early opt-out clause in her contract if Nike didn’t adjust her compensation as her star continues to rise.
The timing of Portnoy’s comments is notable and commendable, as they come right before his uplifting announcement. Even to this day, his recent victory over cancer has not affected his outspoken nature.
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Elsewhere, Clark’s stardom, as evidenced by the women’s NCAA Tournament Final drawing 18+ million viewers and the record ratings of the WNBA Draft, shows why Portnoy’s argument concerning her deal is valid.
Portnoy Joins Critics to Call Out Nike
Still, on Clark’s matter, Portnoy and others noted that the contract does not include the huge product sales she will likely generate. Compared to other NBA stars, Clark’s $28 million deal over eight years is quite low.
Take LeBron James, for instance. He has a lifetime contract with Nike worth over $1 billion. Likewise, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s agreement with the same company is a 10-year, $100 million deal. Aside from these two, the difference continues with other NBA players.
The likes of James Harden secured a 10-year, $200 million contract with Adidas, and Damian Lillard inked a 10-year, $100 million deal. Even younger stars like Donovan Mitchell and more established stars like Steph Curry have landed substantial endorsements. So, why should Clark’s contract be different? Is it because of her gender?
Portnoy maintains that if Clark’s popularity means huge product sales, then the company should do better, as her worth far exceeds the current contract. Moreover, with the women’s NCAA Tournament Final attracting over 18 million viewers, outperforming the men’s final by 4 million, and the WNBA Draft breaking viewership records, Clark’s influence is top-notch.
Portnoy’s latest critique shows that he is fair and relentlessly advocates for recognizing and rewarding actual value, whether it pertains to his health journey or the business dealings of rising sports stars.
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