Despite England’s lacklustre start to Euro 2024, former captain Gary Lineker has found financial success. His podcast, The Rest is Football, earned over £125,000 since England’s opener against Serbia.
Featuring ex-players Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, the podcast offers critical commentary on the team. Lineker’s sharp criticisms have sparked debates, increasing the podcast’s popularity. Meanwhile, the commercial triumph of Goalhanger, co-owned by Lineker, continues to grow, making headlines amid the UK and US election buzz.
Podcast Success Amid Euro 2024
Despite England’s lacklustre start to Euro 2024, former captain Gary Lineker has found financial success. His podcast, The Rest is Football, earned over £125,000 since England’s opener against Serbia. The podcast features ex-players Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, who offer critical commentary on the team.
Controversial Critiques
Lineker’s sharp criticism of England’s performance sparked debates. During the BBC coverage of the 1-1 draw with Denmark, he described the match as “sh*t.” This criticism led to a rebuttal from captain Harry Kane, who suggested former players should moderate their comments. Lineker and Shearer defended their views on the podcast, achieving 530,000 views on YouTube.
Conflict of Interest Concerns
Lineker’s growing commercial success has caused tension within the BBC. Critics argue his dual roles as a BBC presenter and podcast host create conflicts of interest. An insider expressed concerns over perceived special treatment, especially after Lineker wore a brand-endorsed T-shirt during a BBC broadcast. However, a senior BBC figure dismissed claims of unrest, arguing that Lineker mostly follows the rules for commercial activities.
Impact on Rival Producers
Lineker’s commercial activities have also stirred reactions among competitors. A rival producer noted the surprise at how Lineker’s business ventures flourish thanks to his BBC platform. This success has led to discussions on the broader implications for talent engaging in commercial activities alongside their media roles.
Podcast Growth and Revenue
Harry Lineker, Gary’s son and producer of The Rest is Football, reported a 62% increase in downloads since the Euros began. The podcast’s YouTube views rose by 83%. Revenue is split among the hosts and Goalhanger Podcasts, co-owned by Lineker and Tony Pastor, the former ITV head of sport. The company also produces popular shows like The Rest is Politics, which benefits from upcoming elections in the UK and US.
Financial Success of Goalhanger
Goalhanger’s financial growth is noteworthy. The last published accounts showed a tripling of capital and reserves to £591,000. Industry insiders indicate that podcast advertising rates are high. Presenters’ spoken promotions can earn £45 per 1,000 listens, and standard adverts fetch £15 per 1,000 listens. Brands like Hellmann’s, Disney, and EE have been promoted on the football podcast.
Speculation of a Potential Sale
The commercial triumph of Goalhanger has led to speculation about a potential sale. Reports suggest that Jeff Zucker, the former CNN chief executive and current head of RedBird, may be interested, though there has been no direct contact. A sale could result in a substantial payout for Lineker and his partners.
Lineker’s Net Worth and Ongoing Success
With an estimated net worth of £30 million, Lineker is financially secure. However, the success of his podcast ventures continues to boost his profile in business and sports broadcasting.
In conclusion, Gary Lineker’s journey from the pitch to the podcast studio underscores his multifaceted success. Despite criticism and the potential conflicts of interest, his ventures continue to thrive.
Goalhanger Productions stands as a testament to his business acumen, attracting attention from potential buyers. As elections loom and football excitement peaks, Lineker’s podcasts are set to remain a significant fixture in both media and sports commentary.