**Gary Lineker Seals New Broadcasting Deal Days after BBC Exit**
Gary Lineker, the former England striker and long-standing face of BBC’s football coverage, has agreed a fresh partnership with sports streaming platform DAZN, swiftly moving on after his high-profile exit from the BBC. The deal will see his widely followed podcast, *The Rest Is Football*, find a new home, just days after being removed from BBC Sounds.
Lineker’s unexpected departure from the BBC comes amid the fallout from a controversial social media post. The post in question, shared to his personal Instagram, featured imagery that sparked considerable criticism for its links to antisemitic tropes. In the days following public outcry, Lineker deleted the post and issued an apology. However, the broadcaster decided to move in a different direction, withdrawing plans for him to anchor their 2026 World Cup and 2025/26 FA Cup coverage.
The last of Lineker’s appearances on the BBC was the season finale of *Match of the Day*, broadcast on 25 May, where the show included an extended tribute and emotional farewell from the football icon. This episode effectively marked the end of an era, with Lineker’s departure standing out as a significant shift for the BBC’s sports programming.
Since 21 May, the BBC ceased airing new episodes of *The Rest Is Football*. Co-hosted by fellow ex-internationals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, the podcast enjoyed considerable popularity amongst football fans. Now, with its move to DAZN, the show appears to be making a seamless transition, suggesting that Lineker’s insight and personality remain highly sought after in sports media.
DAZN, known for its focus on global sports streaming and entertainment, not only secured Lineker’s podcast but has also won exclusive UK rights for coverage of this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup. Episodes of *The Rest Is Football* are expected to include content related to the tournament, marrying expert football discussion with footage from one of the sport’s most prestigious club competitions.
Pete Oliver, DAZN’s chief executive for growth markets, has called the partnership a natural fit. He remarked, “*The Rest Is Football* is essential viewing for fans looking for authentic insight and entertainment. Connecting global football with trusted voices like Gary’s will bring the Club World Cup closer to home for our audience and present it in a distinctively British style.”
Speculation now surrounds Lineker’s future on television, with discussions in the industry about potential collaborations with other major broadcasters. However, Lineker has been clear about his current priorities. Speaking to *FourFourTwo* magazine earlier this year, he stated, “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast. I’ll do the odd thing, but not regular stints elsewhere.” This suggests his podcast will remain the central pillar of his football media work, at least in the near term.
Reflecting on his decision to stick with the BBC for so long despite other offers, Lineker commented, “We’ve had talks with Sky at times, and I could have earned more, but I loved working at the BBC.” His loyalty and recognition of his privileged position have defined his career off the pitch as much as his performances on it.
As Lineker embarks on his next chapter with DAZN, many are watching closely to see if he can recapture the same connection with audiences that defined his decades at the helm of BBC’s football coverage. For listeners and viewers, *The Rest Is Football* promises a fresh arena for informed discussion, personality, and perhaps a glimpse at the future of sports media away from traditional broadcasters.