Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn were the original co-hosts of the breakout podcast Call Her Daddy, which debuted in 2018 under Barstool Sports. Following a highly publicized contractual dispute in 2020 known as "The Trail," the duo split. Alex Cooper retained the Call Her Daddy brand and transitioned it into a multi-hundred-million-dollar media empire, while Sofia Franklyn launched her own successful independent venture, Sofia with an F.
The story of Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn is more than a tale of a friendship ended; it is a case study in the evolution of the creator economy, the complexities of intellectual property (IP), and the power of personal branding in the digital age. As of 2026, both women have carved out distinct niches in the audio industry, though their paths diverged sharply after their time at Barstool Sports. Understanding their journey requires looking back at the chemistry that fueled their initial success and the business decisions that eventually drove them apart.
The Genesis of Call Her Daddy and the Barstool Era
In 2018, Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn were roommates in New York City when they developed the concept for Call Her Daddy. The podcast was designed to be a raw, unfiltered, and often provocative look at dating, sex, and city life. Its "locker room talk for women" approach was revolutionary at the time, quickly garnering a massive following of "Daddy Gang" members.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy recognized the potential early on and signed the duo to a three-year contract. Under the Barstool umbrella, the show exploded in popularity, becoming one of the most downloaded podcasts in the world. The dynamic between Cooper and Franklyn—Cooper as the high-energy visionary and Franklyn as the quick-witted, dry-humored counterpart—seemed indestructible. However, as the show's value skyrocketed, the internal tensions regarding their compensation and the ownership of the show’s intellectual property began to simmer.
The 2020 Contract Dispute: "The Trail" Explained
The dissolution of the Cooper-Franklyn partnership is one of the most documented feuds in podcasting history. In early 2020, the duo stopped releasing episodes, sparking a social media frenzy. This period, dubbed "The Trail" by the hosts, was a tactical move intended to pressure Barstool Sports into renegotiating their contracts.
The Role of Peter Nelson
Central to the conflict was Peter Nelson, then an executive at HBO and Franklyn’s boyfriend at the time, whom Portnoy famously nicknamed "Suitman." Nelson reportedly advised the duo that they were being undervalued by Barstool and encouraged them to seek a deal elsewhere, despite being under a binding contract. This advice led to a breakdown in negotiations between the hosts and Barstool leadership.
The Breaking Point
Dave Portnoy eventually made an "extraordinary" offer to the pair: a path to owning the Call Her Daddy intellectual property, substantial raises, and a shortened contract. Alex Cooper was inclined to accept the deal to save the brand and her career. Sofia Franklyn, allegedly influenced by Nelson, refused, demanding even more concessions or a move to a different network.
The disagreement created an irreconcilable rift. Cooper eventually bypassed Franklyn, dealt directly with Portnoy, and returned to the show as a solo host. Franklyn was subsequently ousted from Barstool Sports, and the friendship between the two women ended abruptly and publicly.
Alex Cooper’s Path to Media Mogul Status
After the split, Alex Cooper took full creative control of Call Her Daddy. While skeptics wondered if the show could survive without the Cooper-Franklyn dynamic, the "Father Cooper" era proved to be even more lucrative.
The Spotify Milestone
In 2021, Cooper signed a landmark three-year deal with Spotify valued at over $60 million. This move transitioned the show from a Barstool-hosted property to a Spotify exclusive. During this period, Cooper evolved the content from its original raunchy comedy roots into a high-profile interview format. She secured sit-downs with some of the biggest names in entertainment and culture, including Post Malone, Miley Cyrus, and Jane Fonda, cementing her status as the "Gen Z Oprah."
The SiriusXM Transition and Unwell Network
By late 2024, Cooper’s influence had grown to the point where she was able to negotiate a new, massive deal with SiriusXM, reportedly worth $125 million over three years. This deal, active as of 2026, includes not just the flagship podcast but also the development of the "Unwell Network." Through Unwell, Cooper has moved into the role of a media executive, signing other creators like Alix Earle and Madeline Argy to her production banner. Her strategy has been to diversify her brand beyond her own voice, creating a stable of Gen Z and Millennial content that dominates the charts.
Sofia Franklyn’s Rise as an Independent Creator
Following her departure from Barstool, Sofia Franklyn spent several months in silence before launching her own podcast, Sofia with an F, in late 2020 under her own company, Sloane Media.
Ownership and Autonomy
The primary theme of Franklyn’s solo career has been independence. Having lost the IP to Call Her Daddy, she made it a priority to own 100% of her new venture. Sofia with an F allowed her to tell her side of the story regarding the split, where she emphasized her desire for fair compensation and her refusal to be "bullied" by traditional media structures.
Content Evolution
Franklyn’s content remained closer to the original, conversational, and raw style that fans first loved. While she did not reach the same stratospheric mainstream heights as Cooper in terms of pure numbers, she built a fiercely loyal "Sloane" community. Her show focuses on mental health, relationships, and "recovering" from public cancel culture. As of 2026, Franklyn continues to operate as a successful independent voice, proving that there was room in the market for both women to thrive, albeit on different scales.
Comparing the Post-Split Trajectories
The divergence in their careers offers a fascinating look at two different business models: the massive, corporate-backed media empire versus the independent, self-owned brand.
| Feature | Alex Cooper (2026 Status) | Sofia Franklyn (2026 Status) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Platform | SiriusXM / Unwell Network | Independent (Sloane Media) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $100M+ | $5M - $10M |
| Content Focus | Celebrity Interviews & Lifestyle | Personal Narratives & Social Commentary |
| IP Ownership | Full ownership via Unwell | Full ownership via Sloane Media |
| Audience Reach | Global / Mainstream | Niche / Highly Engaged |
| Key Partners | SiriusXM, major fashion/beauty brands | Independent sponsors, direct-to-consumer |
The Cultural Impact of the Cooper-Franklyn Era
The legacy of Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn extends beyond their personal wealth or podcast rankings. They were instrumental in shifting how creators view their value.
- IP Awareness: Their dispute brought the concept of intellectual property ownership to the forefront of the creator economy. Modern influencers now frequently cite the "Call Her Daddy" situation as a reason to maintain control over their brand names and RSS feeds.
- Gender Dynamics in Business: The public vilification of both women during the split—Cooper as a "traitor" and Franklyn as "greedy" or "controlled by a man"—sparked significant discussion about double standards in business negotiations.
- The Interview Pivot: Cooper’s successful transition from a comedy host to a serious interviewer changed the landscape of digital media, proving that podcasting could rival traditional late-night television for cultural relevance.
The Status of Their Relationship in 2026
As of 2026, there has been no public reconciliation between Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn. While both have occasionally referenced the split in their respective shows—often with a more reflective and less vitriolic tone than in 2020—they operate in entirely different social and professional circles.
Cooper has moved into the realm of global celebrity, often seen at the Met Gala and high-fashion events, while Franklyn has maintained a more relatable, "down-to-earth" online persona. For the "Daddy Gang" fans of 2018, the two remain symbols of a specific era of internet culture that changed the audio industry forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn ever make up?
As of 2026, there is no public evidence of a reconciliation. While the intense public feuding has subsided, both women have moved on to separate professional lives and have stated in various interviews that they no longer speak.
Who owns the rights to the original Call Her Daddy episodes?
Alex Cooper currently owns the intellectual property and the back catalog of Call Her Daddy. As part of her 2020 deal with Barstool Sports, she negotiated the full rights to the brand, which she later moved to Spotify and eventually SiriusXM.
What is the Unwell Network?
The Unwell Network is a media production company founded by Alex Cooper. It was designed to host and produce podcasts for a new generation of creators, utilizing Cooper's infrastructure and industry connections to scale their brands.
Why did Sofia Franklyn leave Barstool Sports?
Sofia Franklyn left Barstool Sports after she and Alex Cooper failed to reach a joint agreement on a new contract. Franklyn rejected an offer that would have seen the pair eventually own the show's IP, leading to a breakdown in the partnership and her departure from the company.
Is Sofia with an F still active?
Yes, Sofia with an F remains an active and successful podcast in 2026. Sofia Franklyn continues to produce content independently through her company, Sloane Media, focusing on a mix of personal stories and guest interviews.
What was the "Suitman" controversy?
"Suitman" was the nickname given to Peter Nelson, Sofia Franklyn’s then-boyfriend and an HBO executive. He was accused by Barstool Sports of interfering in the contract negotiations and attempting to move the podcast to a different network, which many believe led to the eventual split of the hosts.
Practical Recommendation: Navigating the Creator Economy
For aspiring creators or business professionals looking at the history of Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn, the primary takeaway is the importance of contractual literacy and IP ownership. If you are entering a partnership, ensure that the terms of ownership are clearly defined from day one.
While Alex Cooper’s path led to a $100 million-plus empire, it required navigating complex corporate waters. Sofia Franklyn’s path highlights that while independence offers lower immediate financial ceilings, it provides total creative control. When choosing between a major network deal and an independent path, evaluate whether you prioritize rapid scale or long-term autonomy.
