TNT Sports have announced who will be replacing Rio Ferdinand as part of the broadcaster’s punditry team for the 2025-26 season.
Ferdinand had spent more than a decade at TNT, after initially arriving under the BT Sport banner, but announced in May that he would be departing at the end of the season.
The former Manchester United defender released a statement noting that he would be leaving to focus on his various business interests and thanked the broadcaster for the opportunities they had provided him.
In Ferdinand’s place, TNT Sport have drafted in former Wales and Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale according to a report from The Guardian.
Bale is said to have impressed TNT executives with his analysis during the Europa League final between Tottenham and Manchester United in May.
The 36-year-old has signed a deal to serve as part of the broadcaster’s coverage of the Premier League and the Champions League throughout the coming campaign.
Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale will join TNT Sports’ punditry team for the 2025-26 season
The 36-year-old will replace Rio Ferdinand in the role, who announced his departure after 12 years with the broadcaster in May
He will be joined on punditry duties by the likes of Joe Cole, Peter Crouch, Steve McManaman and Karen Carney.
TNT have the exclusive rights for 52 top-flight games this season, starting with Aston Villa’s clash with Newcastle on Saturday.
Bale called time on football career in 2023 following a brief stint in MLS with Los Angeles FC that saw the team claim their first MLS Cup title.
The five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid also captained Wales at the 2022 World Cup after the country qualified for the finals for the first time since 1958.
When he announced his decision to leave TNT Sports, Ferdinand said: ‘After 10 incredible years, I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League final.
‘Since retiring from football it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sports and TNT Sports.
‘I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen, but has been essential to our success.
‘To everyone at TNT Sports, we have a brilliant end to the season to look forward to on Saturday, and for now all focus will be on what I think could go down as one of the great European finals.
Bale announced his retirement from football after captaining Wales at the 2022 World Cup
The Welshman will join the likes of Peter Crouch and Joe Cole as part of the broadcaster’s punditry team
‘The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever, and I look forward to following its progress and the exciting future that lies ahead.
Read More
The Premier League’s tactical revolution: Two up top, flying full backs and no more tiki taka
‘Lastly, I would like to thank my family and my management company New Era for their ongoing support.
‘They have supported me to travel all over the Europe following the best players and watching the best matches. For a football fan like me, it’s been a dream come true.
‘As I turn the page to the next chapter. I carry with me countless memories.
‘I’m excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests.
‘I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything.’