'The BBC overpaid Gary Lineker by £1M'

Gary Lineker is the BBC’s top earning on-air talent for the fifth consecutive year and the only name to earn over £1 million annually, new figures show.
Kevin O'Sullivan says he was overpaid by £1M: "He would be lucky to get £200,000 anywhere else."
The 61-year-old pundit and former footballer was paid between £1,350,000 and £1,354,999 in 2021/2022 for work including Match Of The Day and Sports Personality Of The Year - a reduction of £10,000 on the previous year.
Lineker first topped the list for 2017/18 with a pay bracket of £1,750,000 to £1,759,999, and in 2020 it was announced he had taken a voluntary pay cut.
Zoe Ball remains the broadcaster’s second highest paid talent, with a salary of £980,000 to £984,999, but figures show her salary falling for a second consecutive year after also previously agreeing to a pay cut.
Her salary has now slipped to below £1 million and reflects approximately 210 editions of The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on Radio 2.
Alan Shearer has seen a year-on-year increase of £60,000, bringing his salary to £450,000-£454,999, which puts him joint third with Steve Wright, whose salary this year reflects a £15,000 decrease.
Former footballer Shearer’s increase was the result of him doing more work for the BBC during what was a major event year, the corporation said.
The corporation’s annual report for 2021/22, which also marks its centenary, shows four out of the top 10 best paid names have seen their salaries fall.
The only new addition to the top 10 is Greg James, whose salary has increased by £80,000.
The 36-year-old earns between £390,000 and £394,999 for work including the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Rewinder on Radio 4, Radio 1’s Big Weekend and Out Out! Live, with Sports Personality Of The Year also listed.

[@talktv]

Is Gary Lineker worth £1,350,000 of your licence fee?

[@desireecuzen3103]

Not worth the time of day, let alone any money, sickening man!

[@tomhermens7698]

Absolutely ridiculous

[@christinalayzelle832]

Absolutely not! He shouldn't be on television at all, imo.

[@Land-of-reason]

Absolutely no.

[@bikbikkidbik2895]

I wouldn’t pay him in walkers crisps

[@davidchester429]

The BBC should be a subscription model like Netflix or prime. If you want to contribute go ahead

[@happyfeet4506]

They know if it went to a subscription model they would go broke

[@daryld4457]

RLL FELL OFF I WILL REPLACE HIM!!

[@scottfarrell1906]

Who are these guys, what a load of crap is this show brought to you from Tufton St.

[@stevewatkins4559]

They are overpaying him every single penny he receives

[@davie7967]

If they paid lineker £50,000 a year it would be too much defund the BBC

[@sisulart]

You can see why the BBC did everything they could to try and stop salaries being revealed. Shearer is the one that stands out, well they all do, but nearly 500k for doing punditry on MOTD for 9 months of the year, the occasional live game and an international tournament every other year. That’s all he does, punditry. No other presenting roles or anything.

[@andyetheridge]

The world cup this summer all these pundits are going, first class flights, accommodation and any additional expense occurred? I personally haven’t bought a tv licence in over 20 years, i’m not going to fund jaunts for these clowns!

[@sisulart]

@@andyetheridge It's actually Nov/Dec this year due to Qatar's climate but the point still stands.

[@stephenjohnson2800]

I wouldn’t even afford them the title “stars” let alone pay the obscene monies but of course license payers have the privilege of paying the stupid salaries

[@mikeoglen6848]

Shearer was a good player but he still struggles to put an English sentence together...these salaries are a disgrace.

[@alexshaw4182]

@@mikeoglen6848 The irony of that comment.

[@davidharvey4059]

How many viewers would the BBC lose if Lineker was sacked? His mum. So one.

[@davidgrosvenor1]

He's black that's why surely!

[@derekmay8679]

They'd gain viewers if the black ,big eared Lineker goes.

[@helenheeney2284]

Exactly

[@kevinb6831]

Probably needs it for all those refugees he's pretending to house.

[@williamtaylor9966]

Gary Lineker always seems to have the same pleased expression on his face that Mo Farah (?) has, one of ‘I still can’t believe my luck, to have got away with this for so long!’

[@peterchapman3740]

lol brill and true

[@SpookyFox1000]

Well they have got away with it !

[@alexshaw4182]

Yes, they were lucky to become elite in their sport, almost as if they had nothing to do with it.

[@davidwalters313]

I wonder what they will pay them when the license fee ends? The sooner this happens the better

[@nemosays6337]

They are tying to blend it with another tax!

[@Vandal_Savage]

Standard conservative tactics. Drive a publicly owned and run enterprise into the ground and ruin it, then sell it off to the private sector. Then dump all of the non-profitable parts and pay out stacks of cash to the few big earners that are left... They'll get paid less than the shareholders though...

[@chrisgibson4140]

IMHO they’ll put it on the council tax; then they’ll increase the pay of these twats. I hope I’m wrong

[@markfox1545]

What's a license? Is it similar to a licence?

[@markfox1545]

@@Vandal_Savage - fucking moron. You honestly believe the vehemently left wing BBC is run by a Conservative government?

[@williamthompson4389]

I’ll do it for half that salary? It is Robbery on a vast scale and treated as such. Expecting the Public to pay for a service that is no longer required and no longer fit for purpose is totally ridiculous and if we had a Government that recognised what a major problem this is they may have maintained more support!

[@johnsalvage5740]

Funny how there’s no comment on these salaries by the Labour Party yet they can’t wait to call out bosses of private companies getting high salaries. Same with the highly paid chief executives of hospitals, councils etc. They used to be called Doctors and Town Clerks and earned a few pounds more than their staff. But of course, it’s all taxpayer money so a bottomless pit !

[@rayvinloony2322]

Spot on!! Left wing media.

[@hetrodoxly1203]

The BBC don't pay Lineker that obscene amount of money for talking about football, it's for being the most woke man in the country.

[@williambeesley9224]

And the fact he's non white massively helps too! 😂😂😂

[@jimclark3120]

I am new to all this politicking. What does woke mean?

[@hetrodoxly1203]

@@jimclark3120 This could be a very long list but basically... No1 If they don't agree with what you have to say, you shouldn't be allowed to say it. No2 All black people are oppressed. No3 All white people are privileged. No4 If a man says he's a woman, he's a woman, regardless. No5 There should be no borders. No6 If your politics are to the right of Jeremy Corbyn, you're a fascist. No7 If you criticize a black person you're a Nazi. No8 If you criticize Islam, you're actually Hitler.

[@esclad]

Have you ever noticed that the BBC's first instinct is to cut tv channels and/or programmes. Never the untalented, highly paid staff. They must also be unaware that the median average salary for all workers in the UK is £25,971. They also sell publicly funded programmes abroad and the licence fee payer never sees that profit.

[@rodsimmons9337]

NO to financing the BBC through Council Tax.

[@ianoliver7271]

Is it any wonder I stopped paying the licence fee about three years ago?🤬!!

[@DavidSmith-ze2wi]

Same here, definitely one of my better decisions. Life's so much better without all that mind sapping propaganda and puerile so called programmes.

[@alanrace4156]

The government need to take note of this because they have every intention of keeping the licence fee and enforcing it through the courts.

[@icdgyixifyinstereo]

This is what the BBC want you to think.

[@asitis56]

The way I have utter dislike and contempt for this man holds no bounds.

[@Clareffic]

There are a lot of women in prison in the uk for not paying that licence. Disgraceful

[@SCOTSMAN.]

Well they should have stopped watching it.

[@markcarruthers9902]

@@SCOTSMAN. , But the lunacy of it all is even if you don’t watch one second of bbc programs you still have to pay the bbc license, it’s like saying you need to pay for a sky subscription but you only watch freeview

[@SCOTSMAN.]

@Dr Will Hamson I'm sorry you are wrong. I have just spent the last ten minutes reading articles about women going to prison for not paying fines for not paying the license. Unless these are a lie but they look legit.

[@kenhardy8405]

Someone really must justify paying football pundits and DJs so much of licence fee payer’s hard earned money or pensions.

[@paulgardner5441]

They are all overpaid it needs to stop

[@nemosays6337]

This is also part of the reason this country is effed financially!

[@taekwanlew]

Just how stupid are you? The country is effed because big companies do not pay the tax they should to the tune of £1.5billion per year and you think its because of some tv presenter who for some reason you hate their politics. As I say, stupid

[@erikaclose5998]

Penny mordant won't scrap TV license n won't abolish the green tax.we don't want her as our new PM.its a no no no

[@nemosays6337]

@@erikaclose5998 - ita!

[@Ant008]

Don't worry the British population welcome the wasteful spending by the BBC, and would be happy to pay much more. It's time the BBC were totally defunded

[@allandickman774]

Is Lineker there for diversity🤣

[@rfitt-z7i]

Gary Lineker literally is the BBC lol

[@icdgyixifyinstereo]

No, it's because he ticks all the woke boxes.

[@vickyingramnymann8543]

Well he says he is a person of colour.

[@icdgyixifyinstereo]

@@vickyingramnymann8543 He identifies as a black person, so that's OK.

[@eileenwebster4370]

Very little on BBC worth watching these days.

[@stefenski]

The fact they accept such outrageous sums is something they will one day regret.

[@peterchapman3740]

they wont the money is in the bank,

[@chatteyj]

@@peterchapman3740 greed is one of the deadly sins

[@k.mad.8062]

Alex belfield has been pointing this out and ends up being compared to Jimmy saville and in court?!

[@sav7568]

Only in court ? Luxury ! Tommy Robinson told a few truths and wound up in jail.

[@malcolmhanscomb8745]

Was that a photo of Gary Lineker at the start 🤔 thought he was Black 😂🤣😂

[@jaediccacairns4754]

If the BBC didn’t pay him any more, is there any other company who would think he’s worth that much? No I don’t think so, so why is he paid that insane amount?

[@peterlewis7228]

Lineker only works during the football season. Doesn't do all Match of the Day programs. Only works 78 hours per year. Lovely jumbly.

[@davidsworld5837]

@b gg make every one else pay look like nothing. He is totally not worth it. the only way t stop this is to stop paying the tv licence

[@VR46314]

Totally agree but he doesn’t just turn up as the show is starting , he’ll be working before the show . Probably 80 hours then ahahahah

[@Berlitz81]

Licence payers hard earned dosh squandered by the irresponsible, pinstripe gangsters at the BBC.

[@vidloop6]

Keep the reteric going so BBC licence fee disappears for good

[@gordonsinton3635]

Lineker get’s this money for punditry and for having a point of view on every other subject that’s happening in the world

[@bettyholmes1155]

Whose listening

[@vickyingramnymann8543]

And he just spouts a load of rubbish.

[@harryrobertson3746]

Don't worry, if Gary was overpaid by 1M, as an honourable man he will quickly pay it back.

[@joeheaton4927]

Is it my human right not to be made to pay for something that I don't want or need (TV licence).

[@paulsaid1365]

It's not the BBC money it's the tax payers

[@diehard21000]

Bbc should be gone, especially after that disgusting episode on sas the other night, taliban, ira you name it bbc will support them over our boys

[@catherineclark4484]

Gary lineker is very opinionated but not were his wage is concerned, pay for the dingy migrants, OVERPAID AND OVER RATED

[@bampitony6108]

Is that the same Gary Lineker the man of colour..😂😂😂

[@hellsbells7271]

No one is worth that amount of money to do a presenting job, he is happy to accept astronomical amounts of money while millions go hungry, and thousands don't have a bed to sleep in at night. The BBC need to start standing on their own two feet like millions have to, they should be made to start advertising to bring in revenue and stop sponging off the people who can't even afford the basics. Despicable channel.

[@billytetlow]

What surprises me is that nobody ever raises the point that Match of the Day rarely features in the top 60 viewed programmes in the BARB ratings, one of the reasons the the BBC gives for justifying that they Lineker this amount of money is the Match of the Day is one of its flagship programmes, they never say what defines a flagship programme, personally I view would it would be one that topped the raiings. But what do I know, I am just the poor fool who has to shell out the licence fee.

[@patcoughlan5638]

Don't be jealous here if Talk Talk isn't paying enough! Linekar achieved something very few journalist's achieve.

[@davidhoward4541]

LBC is the new BBC apparently. They seem to paying the ship jumpers even more...

[@ericatkinson9285]

Gary Lineker knows which side of his BBC bread the butter is on and acts accordingly he knows what they expect of him provides it.

[@tomkemp9465]

Exactly what we have said all along. They are overpaying him by over £1m a year

[@aib0160]

I think they're paying Lineker £1.3M too much!

[@CamKeg66]

And yet so many people will not even countenance cancelling their licence. I did it 3 years ago. Never been contacted or written to. Just do it.

[@wendysmith2255]

They overpaid him on the full amount! He’s crap at his job🤣🤣🤣

[@icdgyixifyinstereo]

If you want to know about Lineker, you should put "Gary Lineker Brass Eye" into the KZbin search box. They did him up like a kipper.

[@SpookyFox1000]

Unbelievable ! They are taking the piss !

[@petermurtagh6294]

Hes been getting overpaid for years

[@markthompson2770]

American,s are shocked when you tell them that we have to pay a license to watch British television 😡

[@bonzodog6872]

Have you seen tv in the USA ads every 3 seconds

[@RonaldShea5680]

The sickening greed of the bbc and it's employees is truly nauseating.

[@aprilfox1057]

I wish he would stick with he crisp ads. Gary Leaker has no talent. BBC please dismiss him because he is old and that is what the BBC does. Right?

[@RockPowerUSA]

Ask each one of them on the list if they would sign a REAL petition (from a reputable company) making sure OUR government doesn't waste money unnecessarily. Just get them on SOME camera answering that question, EITHER A yes OR A no. Either way they're screwed. 1. response to a NO "I'm sorry, does it take too much effort to sign your name these days for a petition that saves money with no effort needed but signing your name?" That's too hard now? Or a YES. "Great! Sign here, smile for the camera and we will be sure this gets out to the public. Thanks so incredibly much for your effort here today, signing your FULL name." (Salute the chump, he signed) PIP, PIP, CHEERIO! GOD BLESS THE QUEEN. CHIN UP! 💂💂🇬🇧🇮🇴🇲🇸

[@CorporalFriendlyShark]

My 93-year old nan has to pay additional tax now so that that smug, insufferable halfwit Gary Lineker can afford to heat his swimming pool for more weeks of the year.

[@giantputt7066]

Overpaid by £1million a year

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

These salaries are a disgrace. I will never watch the BBC. Mind you, I live abroad.

[@watchalot919]

As overpaid as Lineker is, Zoe Ball is worse. She lost millions of viewers we she took over from Chris Evans then got a huge pay rise

[@waynewoods9207]

Surely Gary could do a one man minstrel show without offending anyone

[@chrisgibson4140]

Ha ha! The Gary White Mistral Show!

[@chrisgibson4140]

Minstrel

[@chrisgibson4140]

Auto correct Arrrr!

[@hilarymorrison8211]

Linker does not deserve £1 of licence payers money, BBC should not take him back at any time..that's just accepting his opinions. Get him out.

[@alankenworthy9722]

WE complain day after day about British Broadcasting Corruption but nothing ever gets done. Every professional body has an independent complaints system except the rotten BBC.

[@Clareffic]

Yer man that took over the darts and snooker promotion has boosted the sport but ruined the television coverage. All the flickering graphics in between shots. Unwatchable

[@richardashton2160]

1.3 mil a year for saying a few words on match if the day. If you pay the licence fee you are an idiot. Don’t pay!

[@johncatto5019]

I believe BBC studios actually makes a huge profit. We like and respect the BBC about as much as the house of commons.

[@williambarnes3868]

That would be £1M per year!

[@williamjohnston7164]

They have being doing this since he joined the BBC do not pay for a Licence save yourself money and put these high earners on the Dole

[@irenemccann7032]

It’s extortionate,nobody and I mean nobody is worth those kind of wages,he’s laughing all the way to the bank,disgusting

[@richardwarner5491]

They are civil servants, full stop !!!!!

[@carolkrenn5754]

Well I'm glad I haven't paid these drivel people. Not had a license for 7 years now.

[@thehombre75]

if you half their salary, would these presenters threaten to leave? Even so, surely you could get suitable replacements without even noticing ANY difference in view ratings etc.

[@mickking7364]

As far as I’m concerned that Lineker twonk got overpaid the entire amount he got.

[@steve...6768]

Pay him what he's worth 150 quid a week, and thats being generous.

[@leonardpattison2816]

They can pay him what they want ..Problem is if We don't chip in We can lose our Liberty.

[@Matty217]

Outrageous BBC spends taxpayer money like that. And forces Brits to pay a license fee.

[@kayjackson3888]

Cancel, don't pay for this crap!!

[@matty7dream1]

Time to shut down the BBC. Biggest racket going. A finishing school for spoilt brats.

[@HampshireVideo]

Cancel MOTD, give the saved money towards the over 75s licence fees and put the football highlights on the BBCs KZbin channel.

[@stevencook163]

1 million He owes the country a lot more than that But for his goals let it go Call it even now Gary F… OFF

[@RonaldShea5680]

Millions of British household's no longer pay the bbc poll tax. Why not join them?

[@rajjassal123]

I bet it won't pay it back

[@julienewman1761]

Of course he won't.

[@chucks6781]

You cant blame them if i was offered any of these gross over payments i would accept wouldnt you

[@tommullen8666]

What a joke, I wouldn't care if it was private but it's tax payers money paying for these ridiculous wages! Most of these people are completely mediocre no marks yet being paid hundreds of thousands a year, complete nonsense, definitely time to end the licence fee, for what they offer its a rip off.

[@DarrenLiverpool]

Glad you’re doing this gratis cos I wouldn’t pay money.

[@simon2knine]

I have no interest in football. But paying Lineker £1,350,000 have HR at the BBC gone mad.

[@birdshenanigans8506]

The BBC should grow old gracefully... just like Garry (Golden Loots) Lineker. "Glasses and a highlighted rinse...? Try it, you can thank me later." Said 'THE GREATEST FOOT & BALL SWINDLER'

[@stephenord3403]

I stopped my TV license. Take me to court

[@Rattlerbrand]

another thing to look at is when lots are going on strike because they cant live on 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 55, 60, 65,70 thousand pounds a year AND YOU EXPECT PENSIONERS WHO HAVE PAID IN FOR OVER 50 YEARS TO LIVE ON 8 THOUSAND ,,,,,,,,SHAME ON YOU ITS DISGRACFUL

[@garygee5365]

Come on match of the day once a week must be really hard work.

[@bonzodog6872]

He also works for other sports stations like BT so creaming it in

[@markfarnon6742]

How long has he been there? 20 years? 20million more like it!

[@vickyshaw5702]

They think the license payers are fools. Absolutely disgusting amount , not one of these people are worth a fraction of the amount they are payed

[@robinburn4974]

They're not paying them from my money

[@white8771]

They overpaid him if they paid him anything.

[@davidbuchan2801]

That list doesnt include the really huge salaries the directors are getting.

[@dorreenjones1348]

How about councils that pay staff over the scale, like fkin social workers

[@gsharrock]

This is the market rate, sky and ITV are paying there "top" pundits and main presenters the same.

[@manpreetbrar838]

Al jazeera offered amal rajan £600k a year but he does not want to leave his country.

[@premro]

Close the corrupt BBC

[@primavera5037]

I'd pay him to stay out of the media spotlight. He's a creep.

[@jayden-nf2qp]

Thank god I cancelled my licence. I wouldn't watch BBC if you paid me linekers wage.

[@ormsk954]

He is just a former Walker's Crisp salesman who played football 30 years back. What's that got to do with the modern game?