So, I’m scrolling through Twitter at 2 AM—because that’s when all great life decisions are made—and I see a clip of Big Cat (Dan Katz) absolutely losing it over a Week 6 NFL spread. He’s screaming about a missed field goal, his glasses are fogged up, and I think to myself, “This man gets paid actual, real-life money to do this?” It’s a weird, wonderful job. And that’s when the inevitable question hit me: How much does Big Cat actually make at Barstool Sports?
Let’s be real: we’ve all wondered. You see him on “Pardon My Take,” dropping references to fancy steakhouses and renting out entire rooftops during the NFL Draft. You don’t do that on a part-time pizza delivery salary. But “how much” is the kind of question that feels awkward to ask at a dinner party—so let’s ask it here, anonymously, with a side of irony.
The “Public” Numbers Are Mostly Bull
Every time someone Googles “Big Cat salary,” you get a dozen different numbers. Some sites say $500,000. Others whisper $2 million. A few crazies throw out $5 million like they’re guessing the price of a used Honda. The truth? Nobody outside of Barstool’s accounting department knows for sure. But we can piece it together like a forensic accountant at a frat party.
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First, remember that Big Cat isn’t just a host. He’s a major equity partner in Barstool. When Penn National Gaming bought the company for $450 million in 2020, Dave Portnoy famously said he gave “generous chunks” of equity to the core guys. That changes the math entirely. A salary becomes pocket change when you own a slice of a half-billion-dollar pie.
The “Rich Uncle” Math: Salary vs. Equity
Think of it like this: Big Cat’s annual salary is probably somewhere in the low-to-mid six figures—say, $400,000 to $700,000. That’s what he gets for showing up, yelling about the Bears, and grinding through three podcasts a week. But the real money? That’s in the equity. When Penn went public, Big Cat’s stake was reportedly worth north of $10 million on paper. And if you think he hasn’t cashed some of that out to buy a second home in the Hamptons, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.
Dan “Big Cat” Katz Net Worth 2026: Salary, Barstool Sports Career, Wife
“But wait,” you say, “he still works like a maniac!” Yes. That’s because he’s also a savvy businessman. Big Cat’s podcast “Pardon My Take” is a beast in ad revenue. Rumors peg that show’s annual revenue at $15–$20 million all by itself. Cut that a few ways—Barstool gets its share, PFT Commenter gets his, and Big Cat gets the big slice—and you’re looking at a multi-million-dollar payout per year from just that one show.
But Let’s Talk Real Life, Not Just Headlines
I once read a Reddit thread where someone claimed Big Cat’s total compensation—including bonuses, merchandise royalties, and appearance fees—is around $3.5 million annually. That sounds plausible if you squint. He’s the face of the company’s most popular content, he’s on every major tour, and he’s the guy Portnoy trusts to run the ship when Dave’s getting sued for something. That kind of trust = that kind of cash.
VIDEO: Barstool Big Cat Had His Fans Absolutely Shocked When Revealing
Also, don’t underestimate the “side hustle” element. Big Cat makes bank from his gambling content (hello, DraftKings sponsorships), his Twitch streams, and even his role as a “celebrity” at sports events. You think he shows up to the Super Bowl for free? Not a chance. He’s getting appearance fees that could pay your rent for a decade.
The Ironic Twist: He’s Still “Just a Guy”
The funniest part? Big Cat still acts like he’s scraping by. He’ll complain about a $40 Uber ride or the price of a sandwich at a ballgame. Classic rich-guy move. But honestly, that’s what makes him relatable. Whether he’s worth $5 million or $15 million, he’s still the same dude who gets irrationally angry about a backup quarterback’s completion percentage. That’s why we listen.
Playing 9 Holes with Big Cat from Pardon My Take | Barstool Golfs
So, what’s the final answer? In the spirit of full disclosure: I’d bet my left sock that Big Cat is worth between $8 million and $12 million, with an annual income of around $2–4 million. But here’s the part that keeps me up at night: He’s likely making more than that, and he’s still wearing the same hoodie he wore in 2016. That, my friends, is the real hustle.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go tweet angrily at a football game and hope for a fraction of that energy. See you on the internet.
