Gary Lineker's Podcast Empire Achieves Near $12 Million Profit Following Netflix Deal

Goalhanger Podcasts Ltd, the company behind popular shows like "The Rest Is Football," has recorded nearly $10 million (£10 million) in profit, fueled by a lucrative deal with Netflix. The surge in earnings has resulted in a $1 million (£1 million) payday for former England footballer Gary Lineker.

Financial records for 2025 indicate that Goalhanger Podcasts Ltd generated $38 million (£38 million) in revenue, with $5 million (£5 million) distributed to shareholders. This represents a dramatic increase from the previous year, when profits stood at just $36,000 (£36,000).

The company, whose name is a nod to Lineker's playing career, has seen its popularity grow significantly since Lineker stepped down from his 26-year role on the BBC's "Match of the Day," a position that reportedly earned him $1.35 million (£1,350,000) annually. Goalhanger is also behind other successful podcasts, including "The Rest Is History," "The Rest Is Politics" hosted by Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell, and "The Rest Is Entertainment" with Richard Osman and Marina Hyde.

Advertising accounts for approximately two-thirds of Goalhanger's revenue. The company has also expanded its subscriber base to around 250,000.

The partnership with Netflix, which began with streaming "The Rest Is Football" during the World Cup and featured Lineker alongside pundits Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, and Joe Cole, has been extended for an additional two years. "The Rest Is Football" alone garners over seven million monthly streams, with the podcast having accumulated more than 667 million audio and video plays across its 13 shows last year.

A company statement highlighted that it has "exceeded its own expectations in audience reach, engagement and financial performance, establishing a strong foundation for future expansion." They also noted ongoing collaborations with platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple to optimize audience and advertiser engagement.

Lineker's career transition into podcasting followed controversies related to his politically charged social media posts. He continues his media work, currently hosting the ITV celebrity challenge show "The Box."

Goalhanger Podcasts Ltd, established in 2018 and employing 80 people at its London headquarters, is co-owned by Lineker, former ITV sport controller Tony Pastor, and journalist Jack Davenport. Companies House filings indicate Lineker holds an equity stake of at least 25%, contributing to his estimated net worth of $30 million (£30 million).

In January of the current year, the Los Angeles-based investment firm The Chernin Group (TCG) acquired a minority stake in Goalhanger. Greg Bettinelli, a partner at TCG, has joined the company's board of directors. TCG is known for its involvement in producing films such as "Planet of the Apes" and "The Greatest Showman."