Dave Portnoy’s enduring relationship with his ex-wife Renee feels both shocking and surprisingly grounded in a digital age where financial ties frequently fall apart more quickly than relationships. Their tale, which is equal parts unusual and subtly admirable, demonstrates a steadfast loyalty that has endured beyond their love affair.
The founder of Barstool Sports and his ex-partner reportedly went through a formal separation in 2017. Amazingly, though, they still have a bank account in common. And not just any account, but one connected to Portnoy’s estimated fortune of $150 million. In a 2024 interview, he stated, “I trust her implicitly, but she could take everything.” It seems more and more uncommon to find that kind of lasting trust.
Renee Portnoy & Relationship Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Renee Portnoy |
| Year of Birth | 1987 |
| Marriage to Dave Portnoy | 2009 (Separated 2017, still legally married as of 2025) |
| Profession | Equine buyer, social media presence, animal advocate |
| Current Legal Status | Not divorced; shared financial access remains intact |
| Notable Details | Denied divorce in Massachusetts due to “unequal” financial terms |
| Properties Involved | Portnoy owns ~$65M in real estate (Massachusetts, Florida, New York) |
| Public Statement | Renee declined half of assets in divorce proceedings |
| Shared Finances | Joint account access remains unchanged |
| Reference | PEOPLE.com – Dave Portnoy Interview |
For Portnoy, the relationship is personal rather than business-related. In reference to Renee’s presence during Barstool’s early, uncertain days, he remarked, “She rode the grind up with us.” She was already a member of the team at a time when the website was merely an edgy sports blog with modest earnings and lofty goals. He thinks it’s worth upholding that emotional equity forever.
Through incorporating transparency into their divorce, the couple has successfully reshaped post-marriage dynamics. Battles over division—who gets what, how much, and when—occur during most splits. However, the boundaries are surprisingly hazy for Portnoy and Renee. It’s interesting to note that even though they don’t share a life, they still benefit from it.
When Trust Turns Into Lasting Wealth
In recent interviews, such as his appearances on Club Shay Shay and The Sage Steele Show, Portnoy referred to their financial arrangement as “fluid” and explained that the court rejected their divorce because it believed it was unjust to Renee. It was ironic that she was the one claiming she didn’t want more.
Seemingly baffled, the judge rejected the divorce. The offer wasn’t fair in the eyes of the legal system. Renee thought it was sufficiently giving. They are now making another attempt in Florida, where Portnoy also owns property and where the court might accept their strong bond as legitimate.
Although some might consider this to be reckless, Portnoy has a different perspective. “We’ve had that account forever,” he stated. “She has never exploited it.” She won’t. It feels like an emotional anchor that is uncommon among public figures, especially in a field that is based on controversy.
A Relationship That Changed But Didn’t End
Despite his current romantic relationship with Camryn D’Aloia, Portnoy has made it very apparent that he is not fleeing his past. Rather, he respects it, making room for the woman who once contributed to the creation of the empire he currently leads. Renee, on the other hand, keeps a low profile, staying out of the spotlight while still subtly contributing to Portnoy’s financial situation.
Even though their story is complicated by legal nuances and public interest, it speaks to something much more fundamental: the capacity to distinguish divorce from mistrust and love from resentment. They’ve transformed what might have been a tabloid catastrophe into something surprisingly positive by fostering respect for one another.
Changing the Meaning of “Exes”
Portnoy and Renee are defying the standard in high-net-worth relationships, where each asset is typically examined and divided. Instead of holding onto the past, they are rethinking how it relates to their present and future. Despite being out of the ordinary, this arrangement appears to be incredibly successful—for both long-term peace and emotional clarity.
