If you’ve spent any time listening to the Pardon My Take podcast, you know the name "Handsome Hank." But behind the jokes about his golf game or his inability to pronounce certain words, there is a very real, very lucrative career that has spanned over a decade at one of the most successful digital media companies in history. People are constantly asking about hank lockwood net worth because he doesn't live the flashy life of a Dave Portnoy, yet he’s been there since the early "Milton days" of Barstool Sports.
Honestly, the numbers might surprise you.
While the internet loves to speculate on whether he’s a millionaire or just a guy living a comfortable life in a Chicago high-rise, the reality is tied to his position as Senior Vice President of Development at Barstool. He’s not just a "producer" anymore. He's an executive.
The Barstool Origin Story: From Intern to SVP
Hank didn't walk into a six-figure salary. In fact, he started as an unpaid intern in 2013. He had just finished a one-year film program and saw Dave Portnoy running for Mayor of Boston. He offered to film the campaign for free.
Think about that for a second.
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He literally worked for $0.00 while living in his parents' basement in Scituate. Most people would have quit after a month of Dave yelling at them. But Hank stayed. He became a full-time employee in October 2013 and eventually helped launch Pardon My Take (PMT) in 2016. That move changed everything. PMT became the #1 sports podcast in the world, and as the lead producer, Hank was in a prime position to negotiate.
Why the Penn Entertainment Deal Matters
When Penn Entertainment (formerly Penn National Gaming) acquired Barstool Sports in a series of deals starting in 2020, it wasn't just Dave Portnoy and Big Cat who got paid. Long-tenured employees—the "OGs"—often had equity or stock options.
- Initial Acquisition: Penn bought a 36% stake for $163 million.
- Full Buyout: In early 2023, they completed the purchase for another $388 million.
- The Re-Sale: Later that year, Dave Portnoy bought the company back for $1.
Wait, if Dave bought it back for $1, did the employees lose money? Not necessarily. The "payout" happened during the Penn era. High-level executives and those with vested stock likely cleared significant sums during the peak of the Penn acquisition. While we don't have Hank's tax returns, industry experts suggest that long-term Barstool figures in his position likely walked away with mid-to-high seven figures in total compensation and stock liquidation.
Breaking Down the Income Streams
When you look at hank lockwood net worth, you have to look at the different ways he makes money. It isn't just a base salary.
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- Executive Salary: As SVP of Development, his base is likely between $250,000 and $450,000. This is based on typical NYC/Chicago media executive rates for a company with Barstool's revenue.
- PMT Bonuses: Podcast producers often get a "points" system or bonuses based on ad revenue. PMT brings in tens of millions of dollars a year. Even a small percentage is massive.
- Apparel and Merch: "Handsome Hank" merch and PMT-specific gear generate millions. Producers often get a cut of the specific lines they help manage.
- Gambling Promos: During the Penn years, employees were heavily incentivized to promote the Barstool Sportsbook. These "deals" often came with significant performance-based bonuses.
Is He Really a Multi-Millionaire?
Kinda, yeah.
If you aggregate his career earnings since 2013, his likely equity payout from the Penn deal, and his current executive salary, Hank Lockwood's net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million. Some fans on Reddit argue it’s higher—perhaps closer to $10 million—if he managed his stock options perfectly. Others think it’s lower because he likes to spend money on high-end vacations and golf. But let’s be real: you don’t stay at the top of a media empire for 10+ years without building a significant nest egg.
He moved from New York to Chicago when Barstool opened their massive new office. That move alone suggests he’s a foundational piece of the company’s future. He’s no longer the kid who forgot to turn in his DPW application; he’s a media mogul in training.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often confuse "net worth" with "cash in the bank." Net worth includes his investments, possible real estate, and his stake in the company's value.
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Also, people underestimate the "seniority" factor. At Barstool, loyalty is rewarded more than almost anywhere else in media. Hank is one of the very few people who survived the move from the "Milton" office to the "Manhattan" office and then to the "Chicago" office. That kind of longevity usually comes with a "contract for life" or at least a very lucrative golden handcuff.
What's Next for Hank?
He’s currently focused on growing the Chicago office and continuing to produce PMT while overseeing new show development. If Barstool ever goes through another massive sale—or if Dave Portnoy decides to take it public—Hank is essentially "made" for life.
If you're looking to build a career like his, the lesson is basically: find a growing company, make yourself indispensable to the top talent, and don't quit when things get weird.
To get a better sense of how his wealth compares to his peers, you can look into the earnings of other Barstool personalities like Big Cat or PFT Commenter, who are estimated to be in the $15M to $30M range due to their larger equity stakes. Hank is the tier just below that, which is a pretty great place to be.
Practical Takeaways
- Equity is King: If you want a "net worth" and not just a "salary," you need a stake in the company. Hank's wealth came from being at Barstool during the Penn acquisition.
- Diversify Your Roles: Hank didn't just produce; he became an executive. Transitioning from "talent" or "production" to "management" is how you secure long-term financial stability.
- Loyalty Pays: In the volatile world of digital media, staying with one brand for 10+ years is rare and highly rewarded.
Keep an eye on the Barstool "Chicago Era" developments. As the company continues to pivot back to its roots while maintaining its massive reach, the value of its core executives like Hank only goes up.