Gary Lineker's Podcast Empire Sees Huge Profit Surge After Netflix Deal
Goalhanger Podcasts Ltd. reported nearly £10 million in profit, with former footballer Gary Lineker earning a £1 million payout.
Gary Lineker's podcast company, Goalhanger Podcasts Ltd, has achieved a significant financial success, recording nearly £10 million in profit following a lucrative deal with Netflix. Financial records for 2025 indicate the company generated £38 million in revenue, distributing £5 million to shareholders. This marks a substantial increase from the £36,000 paid out in 2024.
The company, named Goalhanger as a nod to Lineker's football career, is behind popular shows such as The Rest Is Football, hosted by Lineker with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, as well as The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics, and The Rest Is Entertainment. The surge in profitability occurred after Lineker stepped down from his 26-year role on the BBC's Match of the Day in 2025, a position that paid him £1,350,000 annually.
Approximately two-thirds of Goalhanger's revenue is derived from advertising, supplemented by a growing subscriber base that now exceeds 250,000 individuals. The partnership with Netflix involves streaming The Rest Is Football podcast, a deal that has been extended for an additional two years. This program alone garners over seven million monthly streams, with the company reporting more than 667 million plays across audio and video for its 13 shows last year.
Goalhanger's expansion includes partnerships with platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple, aimed at reaching a wider audience. The company has stated it has "exceeded its own expectations in audience reach, engagement and financial performance, establishing a strong foundation for future expansion."
Lineker, who holds at least a 25 percent equity stake in Goalhanger, saw his estimated net worth rise to £30 million. The company, founded in 2018, employs 80 people at its London headquarters. In January of the current year, the Los Angeles-based investment firm The Chernin Group (TCG) acquired a minority stake in Goalhanger, with TCG partner Greg Bettinelli joining the company's board.
Lineker continues his media career, currently hosting the celebrity challenge show The Box on ITV. His move into podcasting and other media ventures followed controversy related to his politically charged social media posts.