Gary Lineker signs Netflix podcast deal ahead of World Cup
Gary Lineker’s new Netflix podcast deal has created a selection dilemma for the BBC ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with insiders revealing that his popular show, The Rest Is Football, will air daily during the tournament. The agreement comes just months after Lineker’s controversial departure from the BBC, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two parties, reports BritPanorama.
The multi-million-pound deal will enable Lineker’s podcast to compete directly with the BBC’s coverage of the tournament, which will take place in North America, Canada, and Mexico. This lucrative arrangement is believed to exceed the £1.35 million salary Lineker earned at the BBC, with some funds earmarked for production costs associated with relocating the show across the Atlantic.
Lineker’s co-hosts, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, are expected to play significant roles in the podcast episodes. However, both are also integral to the BBC’s World Cup programming. Shearer currently earns £440,000 as a Match of the Day pundit, creating a potential conflict of interest regarding their participation in `The Rest Is Football`.
In light of their strong critiques of the England team’s performance during Euro 2024, the BBC expressed concern about the impact of Lineker’s podcast on its coverage, perceiving it as overshadowing their content and straining relations with the national team. BBC insiders noted that “moonlighting was a sticking point with bosses,” indicating that the critical commentary on the podcast did not align with the BBC’s more measured approach.
Lineker’s exit from the BBC followed a social media post referencing Zionism, which included an emoji historically associated with antisemitism, leading to significant public scrutiny and his subsequent departure. He was initially slated to cover the World Cup but had his contract terminated as a result of these events.
Despite this, Shearer and Richards were able to secure new contracts that keep them linked to Match of the Day, although their ongoing involvement with Lineker’s podcast complicates BBC plans. To counteract this challenge, the BBC has signed Wayne Rooney to a two-year deal, which includes his own podcast, reflecting an effort to adapt to changing audience preferences.
The BBC has not yet revealed its full line-up for the World Cup, indicating a commitment to showcasing a diverse range of former players and managers in line with the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams. The broadcaster aims to enhance its digital presence, particularly through podcasts and platforms like YouTube.
Lineker’s ambitions appear lofty; his production company, Goalhanger, recently acquired the rights to show highlights from La Liga, marking a significant development in sports media. However, securing World Cup highlights remains uncertain as the BBC and ITV retain exclusive rights.
With the viewership numbers for The Rest Is Football on platforms like YouTube exceeding eight million, the deal with Netflix marks an expansion strategy that may position Lineker as a prominent face for football content. Furthermore, Netflix is reportedly exploring bids for Premier League match rights, enhancing its sports broadcasting portfolio.
In light of his recent successes, including winning the award for best TV presenter at the National Television Awards, Lineker is also set to host a new ITV game show, adding to his multifaceted career trajectory. Reflecting on his time at the BBC, he has expressed concerns over the network’s impartiality rules and their implications.
The expected official announcement of the Netflix deal underlines the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, with significant implications for both the BBC and Lineker’s future in football media.
