Gary Lineker’s time at the top of the BBC earner list may be coming to a close (Image: Getty Images for Premier League)
Match of the Day staple Gary Lineker’s name is once again abuzz as whispers escalate he could soon leave the BBC.
The Mirror has reported an email supposedly ‘leaked’ suggests the BBC might be contemplating severing ties with the MOTD host. That being said, the broadcaster has since released an official rebuttal and said no concrete decisions concerning Lineker’s role have been made just yet.
“We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract,” said a BBC spokesperson. When cornered by a Mail journalist outside his Barnes residence to comment on the ‘leaked’ email, Lineker robustly rejected the approach and said: “‘F*** off, I won’t talk to you. Go away.”
Net Worth
From clinching the old Second Division title with hometown team Leicester in 1980, Lineker went on to secure major titles with football giants such as Tottenham and Barcelona. However, his earnings from his football career are believed to only makeup a small portion of his estimated net worth, which is thought to be around £30m.
As talented a player as Lineker was, it could be argued that he’s surpassed his footballing achievements with his successful career as one of the UK’s top football broadcasters. It’s no surprise then that his expertise has been sought after by major networks like BT Sport (now TNT Sports), NBC and Al Jazeera over the years, further boosting his income.
BBC Salary
Starting from his modest beginnings when he took over from Des Lynam in 1999, Lineker has ascended to the top spot in Media City. And it would be difficult to find another football personality who earns more for their punditry, with Lineker raking in a whopping £1.35m annually, according to the BBC’s 2024 figures.
Lineker first took over from Des Lynam in 1999 (Image: BBC)
Should the BBC opt to dispense with Lineker’s services, it could result in substantial financial savings. Despite speculation surrounding his tenure on the Premier League programme potentially concluding even before the 2024/25 season wraps up, one thing remains clear: Lineker continues to occupy one of broadcasting’s most coveted spots within the realm of British sports.
It’s been three years since England legend Gary Lineker last graced our screens in a Walker’s crisps advert, but he’s certainly not penny-pinching. Despite accepting a pay cut in 2021 from his previous BBC salary of £1.75m, the football icon has continued to bolster his impressive wealth.
There have also been reports he was considering reducing his salary to £1m per year in order to sign a new contract.
Lineker’s current salary is nearly £500,000 more than his closest competitor, DJ Zoe Ball, who has been with the BBC for at least five years longer than the ex-Everton star. To provide further perspective on Lineker’s earnings, the broadcaster could employ three Alan Shearers – who made £380,000 in the last tax year – and still have enough left over to bring Louis Theroux onto the MOTD cast.
Gary Lineker has been the BBC’s highest earner for some years (Image: BBC)
MOTD Future
The BBC’s most recent statement didn’t reveal much about Lineker’s future on MOTD, but it’s worth noting the emphasis on his contract running until season’s end. Such remarks can sometimes hint at attempts to extend partnerships or praise the working relationship, but there was no such reference this time.
It’s yet to be determined whether Lineker will have the chance to decide if he wants to extend his tenure. The host has previously stated he would stay in the role as long as he’s wanted, but the situation may have changed.
Should he depart, the BBC has a wealth of potential replacements to take over. Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan, Jason Mohammad, and Kelly Somers are among the possible candidates with hosting experience.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1957412/gary-lineker-bbc-contract-net-worth-salary