How Dave Portnoy's Trading Psychology Could Shape XRP's Next Move

Dave Portnoy, the high-profile Barstool Sports founder known for his emotional approach to crypto investing, has once again become a focal point in XRP market discussions. According to his latest commentary, the speculative trader is eyeing the $1.75 price level as his next potential entry point for a substantial position expansion. With XRP currently trading at $2.06—down 2.41% over the past 24 hours—the token remains within striking distance of his stated accumulation target.

A Pattern of Emotional Conviction and Reversal

Portnoy’s relationship with XRP throughout 2025 reads like a masterclass in reactive trading rather than strategic investing. His own admission reveals the core driver behind his positions: not technological fundamentals or long-term utility assessment, but pure market momentum and the psychological sting of being left out of rallies.

Earlier this year, when XRP was surging, Portnoy became one of its most vocal public advocates, positioning himself squarely within the retail enthusiast base. This bullish conviction didn’t last. In mid-year, facing what he described as regulatory caution from associates, Portnoy liquidated approximately $3 million worth of his XRP holdings near the $2.40 mark. The timing proved catastrophic in hindsight—the token subsequently rallied toward $3.65, a move that left him visibly frustrated about the opportunity cost.

Rather than learn from this, Portnoy cycled back in. Following a broader market pullback, he re-entered positions across major cryptoassets, rebuilding his XRP allocation around $2.14. His reframing of the earlier exit as an “overreaction” suggests flexibility in conviction but raises questions about decision-making discipline.

The $1.75 Playbook and Current Market Setup

Now, with XRP trading between $2.05 and $2.13 over its recent daily range, Portnoy’s public articulation of his $1.75 buy threshold appears designed to lock in a psychological commitment. Should the token decline to that level, he has indicated he would either improve his entry price on existing holdings or substantially increase total exposure—potentially both.

This messaging pattern serves a dual function: it signals his continued belief in XRP as an asset while hedging against the emotional impact of further declines. For a trader whose decisions are explicitly driven by sentiment rather than analysis, pre-commitment through public statements may reduce the impulse to panic-sell if downside targets are reached.

What This Means for Short-Term XRP Sentiment

While Portnoy’s personal trading decisions carry minimal fundamental weight, his public positioning routinely influences retail market participants who track his moves. His stated intention to accumulate at $1.75 could serve as an informal support level in the minds of momentum-following traders, potentially stabilizing the asset if it approaches that zone.

However, his track record throughout 2025—characterized by reversals, outsized emotional reactions to gains and losses, and reactive rather than proactive positioning—suggests these statements should be interpreted as personal conviction in the moment rather than reliable market signals. The crypto market will continue to operate independent of any single trader’s cash allocations, regardless of their public profile.