Chernin Group Invests in Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger Media
Peter Chernin’s investment group has made a strategic move by investing in the podcasting firm The Rest Is… and its subsidiary, Goalhanger.
The partnership involves The Chernin Group (TCG) taking a minority stake in Goalhanger and securing a seat on its board. Financial details of the investment have not been disclosed, and the transaction was finalized this week.
This investment marks Goalhanger’s first external infusion of capital since its inception more than a decade ago. The collaboration aims to leverage TCG’s expertise in creator-led and fandom-driven media to broaden the reach of Goalhanger’s successful shows across various platforms, including television, film, digital video, written formats, and live experiences. This announcement comes shortly after rival podcasting company The Overlap was acquired by UK audio powerhouse Global Media Group.
Goalhanger is co-founded by former UK soccer star Gary Lineker, as well as Jack Davenport and Tony Pastor. The firm is recognized for its popular Rest Is… podcast series, which includes titles such as The Rest is History, The Rest is Politics, The Rest is Entertainment, and The Rest is Football. Of particular note, The Rest is History has achieved significant success in the United States, TCG’s primary market.
Recently, Goalhanger has intensified its focus on content development, having secured a deal with Netflix to host a daily World Cup show next year, featuring Lineker. Additionally, the company has partnered with Brent Montgomery’s Wheelhouse to create a television adaptation of The Rest is History.
In a joint statement, the Goalhanger founders expressed their excitement: “From launching our first podcast to building a global network of chart-topping shows, the passion of our audiences for smart, gripping conversations has been at the heart of everything we do. 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 realize that ambition. This allows us to accelerate our U.S. expansion, develop new IP from our hit shows, and take our ideas into new formats, platforms, and markets.”
Greg Bettinelli, a partner at TCG, added, “We are thrilled to be able to work with Tony, Jack, and Gary, as well as their amazingly talented team. Goalhanger is truly one of the world’s most compelling emerging media businesses and we can’t wait for the rest of their historical journey.”
TCG’s portfolio includes investments in notable companies such as Crunchyroll, Substack, and Hello Sunshine.
Legal support for Goalhanger was provided by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, while accounting services were handled by Galloways Accounting.
