Gary Lineker has last laugh after agreeing clever clause in new BBC contract

Gary Lineker's podcast empire has grown thanks to his new deal with the .

Former striker Lineker has which will see his role with the broadcaster drastically change. , 62, will step down from his role as host of at the end of the current season, having been in the chair for the last 25 years.

The TV icon won't leave the BBC for good until after the 2026 final, though, and in the meantime he'll continue to host their live coverage of matches. As part of the agreement, Lineker's acclaimed podcast, The Rest is , will now be available on BBC Sounds, news which will delight parent company Goalhanger Podcasts.

Founded by Lineker in January 2022 alongside partners Tony Pastor and Jack Davenport, Goalhanger claims to be the UK's largest independent podcast group and the largest outside the United States. So far in 2024 alone, their 12 podcasts have amassed more than 300 million downloads.

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In August 2023, Lineker teamed up with BBC pundits and to create The Rest is Football. The podcasts have accumulated a combined total of 19.6 million total downloads and full episode YouTube views.

Another podcast, The Rest Is Politics - hosted by ex- director of communications and former MP - racked up 21.6 million downloads and full episode views during the 2024 UK . Sponsors and memberships increase revenue for Lineker's team, with the BBC now on board.

In a statement issued on Tuesday morning which confirmed the 62-year-old's future, the broadcaster said: "After a quarter of a century, Gary is stepping down from hosting Match of The Day at the end of this season. He will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also host the hugely popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds."

Get involved! Who should replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day? Tell us your pick in the .

Lineker, whose previous contract was due to expire in May 2025, added: "I'm delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen."

Mark Chapman is the favourite to replace Lineker on Match of the Day, as he already presents MOTD 2 on a Sunday. Other options include BBC stalwarts and as well as presenter and ex- international .

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