Goalhanger has secured its first external investment since its founding in 2014, entering a strategic partnership with U.S.-based media investment firm The Chernin Group (TCG). The deal sees TCG take a minority stake in the London-based podcast producer and a seat on its board. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The investment marks a shift for Goalhanger, which has operated as a bootstrapped business for more than a decade. TCG founder Peter Chernin’s firm will support the company’s expansion into new formats and markets, with a particular focus on scaling its presence in the U.S.

“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,” Goalhanger co-founders Tony Pastor, Jack Davenport, and Gary Lineker said in a joint statement. “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.”

Scale and Momentum

Goalhanger reports generating more than 750 million full-episode views and streams across its network in 2025. According to the company, its membership business now exceeds 250,000 paying members, and the company employs more than 80 people.

The network spans 14 shows, including “The Rest Is History,” “The Rest Is Politics,” “The Rest Is Football,” “The Rest Is Entertainment,” “Empire,” “Sherlock & Co.,” and “We Have Ways of Making You Talk.”

“The Rest Is History” was named Apple Podcasts’ “Global Show of the Year” in 2025, while Goalhanger also won “Brand of the Year” at the 2025 ARIAS.

Expanding IP Beyond Audio

The partnership with TCG is expected to support the expansion of Goalhanger’s established franchises into television, film, digital video, written formats, and live experiences. The company has already secured a partnership with Netflix to bring “The Rest Is Football” to the platform in connection with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Goalhanger has also increased its focus on YouTube, where it has seen expanding audiences alongside rising North American download share across its podcast network.

Growing U.S. Presence

Over the past year, the company has reported growing American listenership and pursued several high-profile U.S.-focused collaborations. These include a multi-episode series featuring Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger exploring the history of Disney, as well as a Beatles Anthology collaboration with Conan O’Brien on “The Rest Is History.”

TCG partner Greg Bettinelli said the firm views Goalhanger as a compelling growth-stage media business. “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,” he said.

TCG’s existing portfolio includes Barstool Sports, Hello Sunshine, The Athletic, podcast network Audiochuck, and publisher Entangled. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP served as legal advisers to Goalhanger on the transaction, with Galloways Accounting providing accounting support.

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