Gary Lineker expresses concern over sports broadcasting rights costs

Gary Lineker has expressed concern regarding the ability of broadcasters like the BBC and ITV to afford the rising costs of major sporting tournament rights. Speaking to ITV News, the former England captain noted that while terrestrial broadcasting still has a place, the industry must adapt to a changing landscape.

Lineker highlighted that current affordability for terrestrial channels is partly due to regulations requiring certain events, such as the World Cup, to be available on free-to-air television. He suggested that as the marketplace shifts, the financial justification for holding these rights may become more difficult for traditional networks.