Former Real Madrid forward, Gareth Bale, has made a significant career move by joining TNT Sports as a main pundit for the 2025-26 season. This comes after his impressive analysis at the Bilbao final that caught the attention of TNT executives.
Bale is set to replace Rio Ferdinand, who decided not to renew his contract with TNT after serving for 12 years. Ferdinand's departure was driven by his desire to pursue other business interests and spend more time with family.
The Wales legend will be working on Premier League and Champions League coverage throughout the season, adding another feather in his cap post an illustrious football career.
Joining an esteemed lineup
Bale will join Peter Crouch and Joe Cole in providing live coverage of Premier League matches on Saturday lunchtimes. Other notable pundits include Owen Hargreaves, Steve McManaman, Ally McCoist, and Karen Carney. His analytical skills were first noticed during Tottenham’s Europa League final triumph against Manchester United in Bilbao last May. He had also previously covered Liverpool’s Champions League group game against Real Madrid.
TNT holds exclusive rights to broadcast 52 Premier League matches this season including two complete midweek rounds spread from Tuesday to Thursday with kick-off times aimed at increasing viewership figures. In addition to this, they have secured exclusive rights for every Champions League, Europa league and Conference league fixture except one Tuesday night Champion's League game which will be streamed by Amazon Prime.
This year marks the beginning of a new four-year rights cycle where more games will be broadcasted live than previous seasons. Sky Sports is set to show 215 matches live starting with Liverpool hosting Bournemouth on Friday evening while all games not kicking off at 3pm on Saturdays will be available live on either Sky or TNT.
New deal for FA Cup
TNT Sports has also started a new four-year deal for the FA Cup this season. The contract includes the Community Shield between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Wembley on Sunday. Despite TNT having exclusive rights, BBC will show 14 games including two quarter-finals, one semi-final and the final.
While TNT declined to comment, they are expected to confirm their punditry lineup for the season at the start of next week. This move marks an exciting time in sports broadcasting with Gareth Bale's addition promising insightful analysis and engaging commentary for sports fans worldwide.
