Gary Lineker has signed a new contract with BT Sport, with him now set to join the channel’s presenting team in order to host their Champions League coverage next season.
The retired professional footballer has taken a pay-cut with the BBC in order to sign his new non-exclusive deal, which will see him remain at the helm of the channel’s Match of the Day show. His new contract with the broadcaster expires in 2020.
Commenting on his new role, Lineker tweeted: “Thrilled to tell you, I’ll be presenting Champions League football next season on BT Sport.” Lineker will join the channel’s new line of presenters, which includes Steven Gerrard, Harry Redknapp, Glenn Hoddle, Howard Webb and Rio Ferdinand, who has been announced as BT’s lead football analyst.
The newly announced Champions League line-up for the channel is part of a huge £897 million overhaul of BT’s football coverage, with them looking to blow Sky out of the water with their panel. BT announced that 351 matches, including Europa League, will be aired for free for BT TV customers, with them holding an exclusive three-year deal to screen Champions League football.
Speaking of the channel’s change in direction, chief executive of BT Consumer John Petter said: “This is a new chapter for European football on TV. BT Sport will show hundreds of live matches throughout the tournament using the very latest technology.
“Our presenters and experts will also provide the smartest insight and analysis.”
Photos: BT Sport/C1 Photography
