BBC will not fund pundits working for rival podcasts during World Cup
The BBC has clarified that licence‑fee revenue will not cover expenses for pundits appearing on rival podcasts during the 2026 World Cup. Micah Richards, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer face separate arrangements as Netflix and Goalhanger produce the high‑budget "The Rest is Football" series.
The British public broadcaster has drawn a line around the use of licence‑fee funds for its World Cup talent, stating that it will not subsidise pundits who also work for competing podcasts. The decision comes as the BBC prepares its own coverage from Salford while Netflix, in partnership with former England striker Gary Lineker’s production house Goalhanger, ramps up a new video‑podcast series called The Rest is Football for the tournament.
Why the BBC is staying home
Cost pressures and a pledge to shrink its carbon footprint have driven the BBC to keep the bulk of its World Cup output within the United Kingdom. Instead of sending crews across the globe, the corporation will base most of its studio work in Salford, the home of its flagship football programme Match of the Day. The expansion of the competition to 48 nations – meaning 104 matches instead of the previous 64 – adds logistical complexity, making long‑distance travel both expensive and environmentally taxing.
BBC executives have also noted that the broadcaster’s primary television rights will be shared with ITV, meaning the majority of live matches will still appear on the corporation’s main channels rather than being pushed to the iPlayer streaming service.
Micah Richards and the podcast dilemma
Former England defender Micah Richards, slated to have a prominent on‑air role for the BBC’s World Cup coverage, has also signed on to appear on The Rest is Football. The podcast, which will be filmed in New York under Netflix’s new distribution deal, aims to deliver a higher‑production‑value experience than its earlier audio‑only format.
Because the BBC will not fund any travel or production costs linked to the rival series, Richards’ expenses – including flights to the United States and any associated accommodation – must be covered by Netflix or Goalhanger. The arrangement mirrors the approach taken during Euro 2024, when Richards, Lineker and Alan Shearer recorded episodes together in Berlin while still employed by the BBC.
Gary Lineker, Netflix and the £14 million deal
Last month Netflix announced a £14 million agreement with Goalhanger to bring more than 40 episodes of The Rest is Football to its platform throughout the World Cup. The streaming giant plans to feature a rotating roster of high‑profile guests, leveraging the global interest in the tournament to boost viewership.
Lineker will operate out of Netflix’s New York studio for the duration of the event, with other pundits joining him when their schedules allow. Alan Shearer, who will be on co‑commentary duties for the BBC from the United States, is expected to appear in person alongside Lineker on several episodes, offering a rare chance for the three former England stars to collaborate despite the BBC’s decision to keep its core team in the UK.
BBC presenters and their own podcast commitments
Meanwhile, the regular hosts of Match of the Day – Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan – will remain based in Salford for most of the tournament. They may travel to the United States later if England or Scotland progress to the knockout stages, but their primary responsibilities will stay domestic.
In addition to television duties, the trio will host the BBC’s own football podcast, The Sports Agents, which is expected to be recorded remotely. The corporation has made it clear that while it welcomes pundits pursuing external media work, it will not provide financial support for those activities.
What this means for fans and the industry
The split between the BBC’s traditional, licence‑fee‑funded model and the commercial, streaming‑driven approach of Netflix highlights a broader shift in sports broadcasting. Viewers can expect parallel coverage streams: the BBC’s conventional TV analysis from Salford and a glossy, globally‑distributed video‑podcast produced by Goalhanger and Netflix.
Both entities declined to comment further on the financial specifics, but the arrangement underscores the growing tension between public‑service broadcasters and private media companies vying for premium football content.
Why it matters
The ruling clarifies how public funding will be used during a major sporting event and illustrates the clash between traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms over talent and production rights.
Key points
- BBC will not use licence‑fee money to pay pundits for rival podcasts during the 2026 World Cup
- Micah Richards’ travel for Netflix’s "The Rest is Football" must be funded by the streaming partner, not the BBC
- Netflix has struck a £14 million deal with Goalhanger to produce over 40 high‑budget video podcasts
- BBC’s World Cup coverage will be based in Salford to limit costs and carbon emissions
- Alan Shearer may appear with Gary Lineker in New York, while BBC presenters stay in the UK
Frequently asked questions
Will the BBC pay for Micah Richards’ appearance on "The Rest is Football"?
No, the corporation has stated that any travel or production costs for Richards’ involvement in the Netflix‑backed podcast will be covered by the streaming service or Goalhanger.
Why is the BBC keeping its World Cup studio in Salford?
The decision is driven by cost constraints, a commitment to reduce carbon emissions, and the logistical challenges posed by the expanded 48‑team tournament.
How many episodes of "The Rest is Football" will Netflix release during the World Cup?
The Netflix‑Goalhanger agreement calls for more than 40 video‑podcast episodes to be produced and streamed throughout the competition.
