It’s the end of an era for BBC’s sports broadcasting as Gary Lineker takes his final bow tonight on Match of the Day.
But beyond just football fans tuning in for his last show, Lineker’s exit signals a big financial shift for the broadcaster — and a major shake-up in its highest-paid talent lineup.
Gary’s Exit Comes with No Payout and Big Savings for the BBC
At 64, Lineker has been the face of Match of the Day for years, but after sharing a controversial Instagram post that was deemed anti-Semitic, the BBC made the call to part ways with their top earner.
His departure means the corporation won’t owe him a single penny from his £1.4 million annual salary — a decision expected to save the BBC close to £900,000 in 2026 alone.
One BBC insider put it bluntly: “With Huw gone and Gary on his way, the rich list next year is going to look very different — and the overall bill for our stars will be cheaper.”
No Tears Needed: Lineker’s Podcast Empire Is Thriving
Don’t feel too bad for Lineker, though. He’s got a booming side hustle that’s already made him a millionaire all over again.
His podcast production company, Goalhanger, behind hits like The Rest is History, The Rest is Politics, and his own The Rest is Football with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, is thriving.
In fact, the company recorded a jaw-dropping £1.4 million profit last year, according to financial statements.
Its retained earnings surged from £590,000 in 2023 to over £2 million in 2024.
Cash reserves? They more than quadrupled, jumping from £560,000 to £2.7 million. So, yeah — he’ll be just fine.
Zoe Ball Leaves Breakfast Show as BBC Eyes Cheaper Replacements
Lineker isn’t the only household name stepping away from the BBC spotlight.
Zoe Ball, once second only to Lineker on the BBC’s pay chart with a £954,999 paycheck, quit her Radio 2 Breakfast Show gig last year to spend more time with her family.
Though she’ll remain with the BBC, her decision to give up the highest-profile radio slot will hit her pay — and give the BBC a chance to save big.
Her replacement, Scott Mills, is expected to earn significantly less.
One BBC source confirmed: “Scott will get a bump in his salary for taking on the breakfast gig — but it won’t be anywhere near the money Zoe was on.
This could save the BBC around half a million pounds a year.”
BBC Puts the Brakes on Big Presenter Salaries
Zoe Ball’s salary has drawn criticism in the past, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when she earned £1.36 million before taking a voluntary £380,000 pay cut.
The BBC has since been under pressure to rein in massive salaries for on-air talent — and now, it looks like they’re finally making that pivot.
An insider revealed that when Ball hinted at stepping back, management didn’t try too hard to convince her otherwise.
“Any opportunity to save some serious money has to be snatched at these days,” they said.
Huw Edwards Officially Off the Air After Criminal Conviction
Huw Edwards, another high-profile name once sitting near the top of the BBC pay list, is also gone.
He won’t be returning to TV after being convicted for possessing indecent images of children — another massive name cut from the top earners list, and another substantial salary removed from the payroll.
Greg James and Scott Mills Likely to Rise in the BBC’s New Rich List
With Lineker, Ball, and Edwards out or stepping back, younger faces are climbing the ranks.
Greg James, current Radio 1 Breakfast Show host, could soon claim the title of the BBC’s highest-paid star.
He’s already earning up to £419,999 — up from £399,999 last year — and was fourth on the 2024 list.
Scott Mills, who now makes around £319,999, is expected to get a modest increase, though he’ll still come in far below the outgoing Zoe Ball.
Other Big Names Holding Strong — But Many Took Pay Cuts
Behind James, familiar BBC faces still dominate the upper ranks.
Fiona Bruce (Question Time, BBC News) and Stephen Nolan (Radio 5 Live) each earn up to £409,999.
Lauren Laverne (Desert Island Discs, 6 Music) sits at £399,999 and is one of just four women in the top ten.
Alan Shearer, without any major football tournaments in 2023, saw his salary drop to £384,999 — down from £449,999.
Meanwhile, Naga Munchetty and Nick Robinson tie for ninth place, each earning £349,999.
Reeta Chakrabarti enjoyed one of the biggest bumps — her pay increased by around £55,000, bringing her up to £274,999.
High Salaries Under Scrutiny as the BBC Trims Its Budget
All of this comes amid a bigger savings drive at the BBC.
The corporation announced last month that several shows would be cancelled as part of broader cost-cutting efforts.
While star salaries remain a small portion of the overall budget, they’ve become a lightning rod for public criticism — especially from licence fee payers.
As one insider put it: “The truth is, even though some of these stars are beloved and hardworking, the days of throwing seven-figure deals at them are over.”