Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger named UK’s fastest-growing business | Media

Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger named UK’s fastest-growing business | Media

June 5, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

Goalhanger, the media production company co-founded by former England footballer Gary Lineker, has been crowned the fastest-growing business in Britain according to the latest Sunday Times ranking of the 100 quickest-growing private companies. The firm, which operates out of a London headquarters with a staff of just 80, recorded £37.9m in sales in 2025, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 321% over the past three years.

The Rise of the Podcast Giant

The company’s meteoric growth is anchored in its successful portfolio of “The Rest is…” podcast series. These include hits such as The Rest is History, The Rest is Entertainment — hosted by Richard Osman and Marina Hyde — and The Rest is Politics, featuring Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell. Since the coronavirus pandemic, the company’s output has surged in popularity, now commanding a combined audience of more than 750 million listeners.

The Rise of the Podcast Giant
Tony Pastor

Goalhanger has successfully diversified its revenue streams beyond advertising and production. In January, the company reported reaching 250,000 paid subscribers, a segment estimated to generate approximately £15m in annual revenue. The firm has expanded its footprint through high-profile broadcast deals, such as a reported £14m agreement with Netflix to air The Rest is Football during the World Cup.

Did You Know? Tony Pastor, a former controller of sport at ITV, co-founded Goalhanger’s podcast business in 2018 alongside Gary Lineker and former journalist Jack Davenport.

Strategic Expansion and Future Outlook

The business is now evolving from a pure production house into an investment entity. Following the acquisition of a minority stake by Los Angeles-based investment firm The Chernin Group, Goalhanger launched a venture capital arm this year. This initiative is focused on backing “creator-led media businesses,” with early moves including a stake in Invisible Media and a partnership with Backyard Cricket.

The Rest is Podcasting — Lessons from Across the Pond with Goalhanger.
Expert Insight: The transition from a content producer to a venture-backed media conglomerate suggests a sophisticated strategy to capture long-term value. By leveraging its massive listener base to cross-promote new ventures and utilizing its venture arm to secure intellectual property in the creator economy, Goalhanger is likely positioning itself to remain competitive as the digital media landscape continues to evolve.

Looking ahead, the company’s trajectory may be influenced by its ability to scale its subscriber base further and integrate its new portfolio companies. Given the current momentum and the influx of external investment, Goalhanger will continue to seek international broadcast partnerships or expand its investment arm to solidify its standing in the creator-led market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the key figures behind Goalhanger?
The business was co-founded by former England footballer Gary Lineker, former ITV sport controller Tony Pastor, and former journalist Jack Davenport. Lineker maintains at least a 25% stake in the company.

Frequently Asked Questions
Sunday Times

How does Goalhanger generate revenue?
The company generates income through a mix of podcast advertising, paid subscriptions—which reached 250,000 in January—events, and high-value broadcast deals like its agreement with Netflix.

Is Goalhanger the only company experiencing rapid growth?
No, the Sunday Times ranking highlights a broader trend, with the 100 fastest-growing companies seeing combined sales of £4bn. Other notable companies on the list include London-based board game maker Lucky Egg and the Altrincham-based legal claims service TGG.

How do you think the shift toward creator-led media will impact traditional broadcasting models in the coming years?