Daniel Katz, widely known as Big Cat, has become a prominent figure in sports media, leveraging his engaging personality and sharp wit to build a massive following. Born on January 30, 1985, in Newton, Massachusetts, Katz developed an interest in sports from a young age. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison and later moved to Chicago in 2007, where he worked in real estate before joining Barstool Sports in 2012. Katz's early days at Barstool were marked by his affable personality and larger physical stature, which led to his nickname "Big Cat."
Katz's rise to fame began with the launch of Pardon My Take, a comedic sports podcast he co-hosts with PFT Commenter. The podcast debuted on February 29, 2016, and quickly gained popularity, reaching the top of the US iTunes charts. Pardon My Take uses satire to critique traditional sports media, often referencing ESPN programs like Pardon the Interruption and First Take. The podcast's audience ranges from 750,000 to 1.5 million listeners per episode, making it one of the most popular sports podcasts.
In addition to Pardon My Take, Katz co-hosts several other shows, including The Yak, Barstool College Football Show, and Pro Football Football Show. He also heads Barstool's Chicago office, which opened in 2023 following a $20 million build-out. Katz has interviewed notable guests, including Kobe Bryant, Barbara Corcoran, and Michael Rubin, on his podcast, The Corp. His content output at Barstool extends beyond podcasting, showcasing his versatility as a media personality.
Dan Katz's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. However, other sources place the figure lower, ranging from $2 million to $10 million. Katz's income streams include podcast advertising, his Barstool Sports salary, brand partnerships, and his coffee business, Stella Blue Coffee. Pardon My Take generates an estimated $80,000 in revenue per episode, contributing significantly to Katz's annual income.
Katz's business ventures extend beyond podcasting and media appearances. In November 2022, he launched Stella Blue Coffee, a premium coffee brand inspired by his love for coffee and his rescue dog, Stella. A portion of the proceeds from every Stella Blue Coffee purchase benefits PAWS Chicago, a no-kill animal shelter that Katz has supported with over $200,000 in donations. This philanthropic effort demonstrates Katz's commitment to giving back to his community.
In July 2025, Fox Sports and Barstool Sports announced a comprehensive partnership deal, including a new two-hour daily studio show on FS1 and collaborations across college football and basketball programming. Katz will appear on Big Noon Kickoff, further expanding his television presence. This partnership deal marks a significant milestone in Katz's career, solidifying his position as a leading sports media personality.
As Katz's career continues to evolve, he has expressed interest in scaling back his involvement in the next two to four years. With his diverse income streams and growing television presence, Katz is well-positioned to maintain his influence in the sports media landscape. While it is challenging to determine whether he is the richest sports podcaster, Katz's net worth and income streams place him among the top earners in the industry.
Key points
- Dan Katz's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
- Pardon My Take generates an estimated $80,000 in revenue per episode.
- Katz has donated over $200,000 to PAWS Chicago animal shelter through his Stella Blue Coffee business.
