Dan “Big Cat” Katz has built one of the most recognizable careers in modern sports media, but when it comes to his personal life, he has always kept his relationship life private including the one with Stephanie Maloney.
As of 2026, Katz remains best known as the co-host of one of the most successful sports podcasts in the world called Pardon My Take. That balance, massive public visibility paired with deliberate personal privacy, has become part of Katz’s appeal.
Dan Katz is an Aquarius born on January 30, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is an American writer, podcaster, and media personality. Before becoming a household name in sports podcasting, Katz worked in real estate.
In the year 2012, he made a pivotal career move by joining Barstool Sports, then a much smaller and Boston-centric media company founded by Dave Portnoy.
Katz brought a Midwest voice and sensibility to Barstool, quickly standing out for his humor, sports knowledge, and ability to connect with everyday fans. So, where did his nickname “Big Cat” come from? It emerged early on, a mix of his physical presence and approachable personality. It is co-workers who nick named him Big Cat since he is physically huge and has a very energetic persona.
It should be noted that at the time Katz joined Barstool back in 2012, the company’s culture leaned heavily on nicknames and nearly every employee had a nick name. for instance, Dave Portnoy went by El Presidente, Kelvin Clancy had his nickname from his initials KFC while John Feitelberg’s nickname was and still is Feits.
Related read: Tyler and Bella Poarch Net Worth in 2026
In 2016, Katz co-launched Pardon My Take alongside Eric Sollenberger, better known as PFT Commenter. The podcast was designed as a satirical counterpoint to traditional sports debate shows. The show blends comedy, interviews, and surprisingly sharp sports analysis, a formula that has proved over time to work very well.
By 2026, Pardon My Take remains one of the top sports podcasts globally, regularly pulling massive audiences and high-profile guests from across sports, entertainment, and media. Industry estimates suggest the podcast generates around $80,000 per episode, primarily through sponsorships and advertising.
What separates Katz from many sports media figures is his ability to be funny without losing credibility. He can mock sports culture while still understanding it deeply, a combination that keeps listeners coming back.
Dan Katz is in a long-term relationship with Stephanie Maloney, though both have chosen to keep details of their personal life largely private.
On the other hand, Dan Katz’s wife, Stephanie Maloney, is a law practitioner. Currently, she serves as the Chief of Staff and Senior Associate Chief Counsel at the U.S. Chamber Litigation Centre.
Together, the couple have three children; two sons and a daughter. However, it should be noted that the two, Katz and Maloney opt to keeping their relationship and their kids’ lives very private.
As of 2026, Dan Katz’s net worth is estimated at approximately $10 million. Regarding salary, Katz salary ranges from $75,000 to $90,000.
Katz’s income is driven primarily by:
While Katz could easily lean into a flashy lifestyle, he has largely avoided that image and opted for being low-key. His public persona remains grounded, sports-obsessed, and intentionally unpolished, which only strengthens his connection with fans.
Consistency has been the root of Dan Katz’s success story. One of the notable things in his journey is how he helped redefine what sports media could look like in the digital age. His craft has shown people in America and beyond that humor, authenticity, and deep sports knowledge don’t have to be mutually exclusive. In 2026, Katz continues to thrive professionally.
I’m Clinton Wamalwa Wanjala, a financial writer and certified financial consultant passionate about empowering the youth with practical financial knowledge. As the founder of Fineducke.com, I provide accessible guidance on personal finance, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities.
Leave a Comment:
Please log in to leave a comment.
Comments:
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!