Gary Lineker's podcast producer, which co-founded the popular "The Rest Is…" series, has secured new US investment. The move is aimed at facilitating global expansion and exploring new media formats.
The Chernin Group (TCG), led by media mogul Peter Chernin, has acquired a minority stake in London-based media and production business Goalhanger. As part of the deal, TCG will also have a seat on Goalhanger's board. This marks the first time that Goalhanger has accepted external funding since its inception by ex-footballer and pundit Mr Gary Lineker along with former TV producers Tony Pastor and Jack Davenport. While financial details surrounding the investment remain undisclosed, this strategic partnership is expected to significantly bolster Goalhanger’s growth trajectory.
Peter Chernin heads TCG. He is renowned for producing blockbuster films such as Planet Of The Apes and The Greatest Showman. Besides its latest venture into podcasting through Goalhanger, TCG holds investments in several other prominent media companies including actress Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine and The New York Times sports division - The Athletic.
Impact on Goalhanger
Goalhanger employs 80 staff members and produces some of the UK’s most popular podcast series like 'The Rest Is History', 'The Rest Is Football', and 'The Rest Is Politics'. Its network of 14 shows generated over 750 million full-episode views and streams in 2025 alone while amassing approximately 250,000 paying subscribers.
Mr Pastor, Mr Davenport and Mr Lineker said in a statement:
“Since we first met Peter and the TCG team more than a year ago, it has become increasingly clear that they share our vision for what Goalhanger can become, and are the perfect partner to help us realise that ambition.”
With this fresh injection of capital from Mr Chernin’s firm, company executives anticipate an accelerated expansion into the US market alongside developing innovative formats for their shows across various platforms such as TV, film, written content, live experiences etc.
This strategic investment by TCG in Goalhanger underscores the growing global interest in podcasting as a medium. It also highlights the potential of this format to transcend geographical boundaries and reach a wider audience. As Goalhanger sets its sights on global expansion, sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts can look forward to more engaging content across diverse media formats.
