For fans of sports and unfiltered locker-room banter, Bussin’ With the Boys has become one of the most beloved podcasts in recent years. Hosted by NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, the podcast blends humor, candid interviews, and relatable conversations about sports, culture, and life. Produced aboard an old, revamped school bus, the show is as unique as its format.
Since its inception in 2019, the podcast has been under the banner of Barstool Sports, a digital media powerhouse known for its irreverent and highly entertaining content. However, speculation has been swirling about whether Bussin’ With the Boys will renew their contract with Barstool Sports. With the podcast growing into a household name and its hosts venturing into various endeavors, fans are eagerly awaiting news about their future.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential factors influencing the decision, analyze the podcast’s current position, and consider what might happen if they decide to part ways with Barstool Sports.
A Brief History of Bussin’ With the Boys
Launched in 2019, Bussin’ With the Boys was the brainchild of Taylor Lewan, a three-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans, and Will Compton, a longtime NFL linebacker. What began as a fun side project during their offseason quickly evolved into one of the most popular sports podcasts in the U.S.
What sets the podcast apart is its casual and laid-back tone. Recorded on a literal school bus, the show features conversations with high-profile athletes, celebrities, and cultural icons. Topics range from sports controversies and personal anecdotes to career advice and pop culture trends.
Barstool Sports partnered with Bussin’ With the Boys shortly after its launch, providing the platform with wider exposure, funding, and a built-in audience. The relationship has since played a major role in the podcast’s success.
The Barstool Sports Partnership: A Perfect Fit?
Barstool Sports has been a natural home for Bussin’ With the Boys. Known for its edgy, no-holds-barred style, Barstool has consistently provided the perfect platform for the podcast’s blend of humor and raw authenticity. The partnership has enabled the show to grow in terms of production quality, audience reach, and overall brand visibility.
Barstool’s massive audience base, particularly among young, sports-loving listeners, aligns perfectly with the podcast’s target demographic. This synergy has helped Bussin’ With the Boys attract top-tier sponsors and grow its fan base exponentially.
However, as with any business relationship, there comes a point where both parties need to evaluate whether the partnership remains mutually beneficial. This leads us to the question: will Bussin’ With the Boys renew their contract with Barstool Sports?
Factors That May Influence the Decision
1. Creative Independence
One possible consideration for Taylor Lewan and Will Compton is creative independence. While Barstool has given them significant freedom, a partnership with a large network inevitably comes with certain constraints.
Should the hosts decide they want complete control over their content and distribution, they might explore the possibility of going independent. This would allow them to create content on their terms, without oversight from a parent company.
2. Financial Growth
Barstool Sports undoubtedly takes a share of the revenue generated by Bussin’ With the Boys. As the podcast’s popularity grows, the hosts may feel that they’ve outgrown the need for a middleman. By taking full ownership of their brand, they could potentially maximize their earnings from sponsorships, merchandise, and streaming platforms.
Alternatively, a contract renewal could be on the table if Barstool offers more lucrative terms, reflecting the podcast’s increased value.
3. Audience Expansion
While Barstool has an impressive reach, the podcast’s success could open doors to partnerships with other platforms or networks. Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, or Amazon Music could offer exclusive deals that promise broader audience engagement and higher earnings.
Barstool Sports may need to demonstrate that staying under their banner provides unique advantages, such as enhanced visibility, loyal fan support, and marketing resources.
4. The Hosts’ Career Plans
Taylor Lewan and Will Compton are still closely tied to their NFL careers. Lewan, despite recent injuries, remains a prominent figure in professional football, while Compton, though retired from full-time play, continues to stay active in the sports world.
Their future commitments to football may influence their decision. If they plan to focus more on media and entertainment, remaining with Barstool Sports could provide stability and resources for further expansion. On the other hand, they may choose to forge a new path that aligns with their evolving goals.
5. Barstool’s Changing Landscape
The recent acquisition of Barstool Sports by Penn Entertainment could also play a role. Changes in management or direction might affect the terms of the contract or the level of creative freedom granted to the podcast’s hosts.
If Lewan and Compton feel that Barstool’s evolving identity no longer aligns with their vision, it could push them to consider alternative options.
What Happens If They Don’t Renew?
If Bussin’ With the Boys chooses not to renew their Barstool Sports contract, several possibilities could unfold:
- Going Independent
The podcast could operate independently, allowing the hosts to retain full ownership and creative control. They could rely on platforms like Patreon, YouTube, and Spotify to distribute their content.While this approach offers financial and creative freedom, it also requires significant investment in marketing, production, and distribution.
- Partnering with Another Network
Several media platforms are vying for exclusive content to attract subscribers. Bussin’ With the Boys could strike a deal with companies like Spotify, which has made exclusive agreements with other high-profile podcasts, or Amazon, which is expanding its podcast library. - Expanding into Multimedia Ventures
The podcast could grow into a multimedia brand, including video content, live tours, and more. With the right strategy, Bussin’ With the Boys could evolve into a broader lifestyle brand that extends beyond audio content.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
Uncertainty about the podcast’s future has sparked significant discussion among fans. Many are speculating about whether the hosts’ playful jabs at Barstool in recent episodes signal deeper concerns about the partnership.
On social media, fans have expressed mixed feelings. While some are excited about the possibility of independence, others worry that leaving Barstool could limit the podcast’s reach or lead to a loss of its trademark humor and style.
Why Staying with Barstool Could Still Be the Best Move
Despite the allure of independence, remaining with Barstool Sports could provide Bussin’ With the Boys with a stable foundation for continued growth. The network’s established infrastructure, marketing expertise, and audience base give the podcast a significant advantage in a crowded market.
Renewing the contract doesn’t necessarily mean the podcast can’t evolve. Negotiations could result in a deal that offers the hosts greater creative and financial incentives while keeping them connected to Barstool’s loyal fan base.
Conclusion
The decision about whether Bussin’ With the Boys will renew their Barstool Sports contract is more than a business move—it’s a defining moment for the podcast’s future. As Taylor Lewan and Will Compton weigh their options, they must consider the balance between creative independence, financial growth, and audience reach.
Whether they stay with Barstool, go independent, or explore new partnerships, one thing is certain: the boys on the bus are here to stay, and their journey is only just beginning. Fans can rest assured that no matter what, Bussin’ With the Boys will continue delivering the same humor, authenticity, and camaraderie that have made it a fan favorite.
