Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy says he is seriously considering relocating his company’s Manhattan headquarters following Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City’s next mayor — warning that the incoming administration could create a hostile environment for businesses, entrepreneurs, and employers across the city.

The remarks initially surfaced during a live YouTube broadcast last week, when polls showed Mamdani poised to defeat former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the November 4th election. That projection became reality Tuesday night — and Portnoy’s frustration escalated immediately.

“I hate the guy,” Portnoy said while speaking about Mamdani. “I can’t stand the thought of him running New York City. I can’t stand it.”

To Portnoy, the concern is not simply political preference — it’s about the future climate for business development and economic growth in the city.

A Changing Political Landscape

Zohran Mamdani, 34, describes himself as a Democratic socialist and formerly served in the New York State Assembly. He was born in Uganda, raised partly overseas, and has been an outspoken advocate for progressive economic reforms — including rent freezes, public housing expansion, and proposals for city-owned grocery chains designed to compete with private retailers.

Supporters celebrate these ideas as efforts to make New York more affordable and equitable. But to critics like Portnoy, the agenda raises alarm bells about economic sustainability.

“Thirty-something-year-old Communist running New York City who’s never had a job in his life, hates America — doesn’t seem like the best,” Portnoy said bluntly during the livestream.

His choice of words was harsh, but his underlying message was clear: Portnoy fears a mayor who he believes has an ideological bias against private enterprise.

Relocation: Not Just a Threat — A Real Business Calculation

Portnoy, 48, says he has already held internal discussions about moving the office.

“Honestly, I’ve given that a lot of thought,” he said. “He’s definitely going to win — going to Hoboken or Jersey City or something.”

The dilemma, he says, is not logistical. It’s human.

“I don’t want to have an office in Manhattan. But then all the people who work there — that messes up their lives because I hate the guy. Like, all the people in the New York office have to go to Jersey City or Hoboken. So it’s a Catch-22.”

What began as emotional frustration has evolved into concrete planning.

“I told our finance guys to start looking around for property — no joke. Take a principled stand,” Portnoy said.

After Mamdani’s victory was confirmed, Portnoy reacted quickly online, posting on X:

“Thank god I don’t live there anymore.”

Growing Corporate Concern Across the City

Portnoy is not the only business leader signaling alarm. Executives across New York’s financial and technology sectors have openly questioned whether Mamdani’s proposals could discourage investment and accelerate corporate departures already triggered by rising taxes and post-pandemic commercial restructuring.

Palantir CEO Alex Karp warned in an interview:

“We’re about to probably have a complete disaster. I was born in New York.”

Yet others took a conciliatory tone. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman — who previously clashed with Mamdani on social media — congratulated him publicly. However, the response drew backlash due to Ackman’s earlier financial efforts to oppose Mamdani’s campaign.

Kathryn Wylde, the outgoing head of Partnership for New York City, said the business community would attempt to collaborate with Mamdani:

“We look forward to helping him achieve his affordability goals while keeping New York competitive as a destination for talent and a generator of jobs.”

Why This Decision Matters

Barstool Sports began in 2003 as a small publication in Massachusetts and grew into a national media powerhouse. Its Manhattan office has served as a cultural hub — shaping its identity and influence. Even after relocating a large portion of operations to Chicago, the New York headquarters has remained symbolically and strategically important.

A move away from Manhattan would be more than a logistical adjustment — it would signal a shift in confidence among the city’s creative and entrepreneurial class.

Portnoy acknowledges the weight of the decision.

“If it was just me, I would move the company out of New York City because I hate this guy so much. But I won’t because there are a lot of people in New York, and I don’t want to change their lifestyle for it.”

For now, Barstool is watching — waiting — evaluating.

The Road Ahead

Zohran Mamdani will take office at a pivotal moment. New York continues to face challenges:

• High commercial vacancy rates
• Slow return-to-office recovery
• Rising living costs
• Growing competition from neighboring cities and states

The new administration’s policies could either revitalize affordability and public trust — or accelerate a business exodus critics say is already underway.

The mayor-elect’s office has not yet issued a response to Portnoy’s remarks.

But one thing is clear:

Portnoy is no longer simply venting online.
He is planning, measuring, and waiting for the first move — and many in New York’s business community are doing the same.