Gary Lineker’s Podcast Empire Nets £10m Profit
Goalhanger Podcasts Ltd, led by former England striker Gary Lineker, reported a £10m profit in 2025 after a lucrative Netflix partnership. Revenue surged to £38m, driven by advertising and a growing subscriber base. Lineker’s move from Match of the Day and the company’s expanding lineup of shows ha…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a striking financial turnaround, Goalhanger Podcasts Ltd—fronted by former England striker Gary Lineker—posted a £10 million profit in 2025. The company’s revenue climbed to £38 million, a dramatic jump from the £36 000 it generated the previous year. A key driver of this success was a high‑profile streaming deal with Netflix that brought the flagship show, The Rest Is Football, to a global audience during the World Cup.
From Match of the Day to Podcasting Powerhouse
Lineker stepped down from his 26‑year tenure on BBC’s Match of the Day in 2025, ending a lucrative contract that paid him £1.35 million annually. His departure coincided with a controversial social‑media incident that sparked debate over his political commentary. Rather than retreating, Lineker pivoted to the burgeoning podcast arena, co‑founding Goalhanger in 2018 with former ITV sports controller Tony Pastor and journalist Jack Davenport.
Goalhanger’s name pays homage to Lineker’s football legacy, and the company has built a diverse catalogue of shows. Alongside The Rest Is Football, which features Lineker, former Premier League star Alan Shearer, and ex‑England defender Micah Richards, the firm hosts titles such as The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics (hosted by Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell), and The Rest Is Entertainment (led by Richard Osman and Marina Hyde). Each program attracts millions of listeners, with the entire portfolio amassing over 750 million plays across audio and video platforms.
Financial Growth Fueled by Advertising and Subscribers
Goalhanger’s revenue model is split between advertising revenue—accounting for roughly two‑thirds of earnings—and a steadily expanding subscriber base, which now numbers around 250 000 paying members. The company’s aggressive marketing and partnerships with streaming giants Spotify, YouTube, and Apple have broadened its reach, allowing it to tap into diverse audience segments and secure brand sponsorships.
In 2025, the company paid out £5 million to shareholders, a stark contrast to the modest £36 000 distributed in 2024. Lineker himself earned a personal profit of £1 million from the podcast’s success, boosting his estimated net worth to £30 million. According to Companies House, Lineker holds at least a 25 percent equity stake in Goalhanger.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Expansion
Netflix’s agreement to stream The Rest Is Football during the World Cup was a turning point, generating more than seven million monthly streams for the show alone. The partnership, originally slated for a single season, has been extended for an additional two years, underscoring the platform’s confidence in the podcast’s global appeal.
In January 2026, Los Angeles‑based investment firm The Chernin Group (TCG) acquired a minority stake in Goalhanger, appointing partner Greg Bettinelli as a director. TCG, led by media mogul Peter Chernin, has a track record of backing high‑profile media ventures, including blockbuster films such as Planet of the Apes and The Greatest Showman. This investment signals a strategic push to scale the company’s operations and explore new content formats.
Operational Footprint and Team
Headquartered in London, Goalhanger employs 80 staff members across production, marketing, and distribution. The team’s expertise spans sports journalism, entertainment production, and digital media strategy, enabling the company to produce high‑quality content that resonates with both casual listeners and dedicated sports fans.
While the company has experienced remarkable growth, several questions remain. How will Goalhanger balance its expanding portfolio with the need to maintain high production standards? What new partnerships or content formats will the company explore to sustain its upward trajectory? And how will it navigate the evolving landscape of podcast monetisation in a market increasingly dominated by subscription models?
As Goalhanger continues to capitalize on its strong brand equity and strategic alliances, the future looks promising for the former footballer turned media entrepreneur. The company’s ability to adapt to shifting consumer habits and leverage its network of high‑profile personalities will likely determine its long‑term success in the competitive podcast arena.
Key facts
- Goalhanger’s profit hit £10m in 2025
- Revenue surged to £38m from £36k in 2024
- Netflix partnership boosted streams and revenue
- Lineker earned £1m personal profit
- TCG invested a minority stake for future growth
Why it matters
Goalhanger’s rapid financial ascent illustrates the lucrative potential of sports‑centric podcasting, offering insights into monetisation strategies and partnership models that could reshape the media landscape.
Frequently asked questions
How did Goalhanger achieve such rapid growth?
By combining high‑profile talent, strategic streaming partnerships, and a diversified revenue model that balances advertising with a growing subscriber base.
What is the role of Netflix in Goalhanger’s success?
Netflix streamed The Rest Is Football during the World Cup, generating millions of streams and extending the partnership for two more years.
Who owns Goalhanger?
Gary Lineker holds at least a 25% equity stake, with co‑founders Tony Pastor and Jack Davenport also holding significant shares.
What future plans does Goalhanger have?
The company aims to expand its content catalogue, deepen platform partnerships, and leverage TCG’s investment for scaling operations.
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “Gary Lineker's podcast empire records soaring profit worth nearly £10m”
