Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher is ready to discuss renewing his contract to stay on the Champions League coverage from CBS.
The hit coverage crew was wrapping up its first matchday of games on Wednesday when talk spiralled into contracts. Carragher revealed that he has a year left on his current deal with CBS as a pundit. However, he is ready to begin those discussions to return to the show after this year.
Carragher, Kate Abdo, and Thierry Henry were discussing the absence of Micah Richards, who missed Wednesday’s Champions League coverage. Eventually, that spiralled into contract talks.
Comically, Carragher, Abdo, and Henry suggested they could share the spoils of ditching Richards and opting for a three-person panel. Of course, Richards is a mainstay among the CBS Champions League cast, just like each of the other three adds something.
CBS has work to do to retain its popular UCL panel
Regardless, CBS must act to renew the contract for Carragher and keep this phenomenal team together. He may have been joking around, but Carragher is a hot commodity when it comes to punditry.
In addition to working with CBS, Carragher serves on Premier League coverage with Sky Sports as a pundit and co-commentator. He joined the CBS crew in 2020 as one of their original cast members when CBS took over the American broadcast rights to the Champions League.
To Carragher’s right on the CBS desk is Thierry Henry. The French U-21 head coach is in a similar position to Carragher. Entering the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League, Henry still awaits a new contract with CBS.
CBS Sports Vice President of Production and Creative Director, Pete Radovich, said:
“Thierry and I get along great. He knows how I feel about him, and he knows how we feel about him, so I’m not sure what the deal is right now. I just know that everybody is happy. When you start talking about deals and all that, that’s when you’re nervous. Right now, knock on wood, it’s a happy family and no one is nervous.”
Fans hope that CBS secures contracts for Carragher, Henry and co soon
Americans watching the Champions League will hope CBS can figure out these contracts. Almost 1 million people tuned in to each matchday in last season’s Champions League.
Also, Paramount+ recorded exponential growth in households, minutes streamed, and average minute audience in the 2022/23 season. Carragher and the company’s studio work plays a key role in building that audience.
The renewal of contracts for key pundits like Carragher and Henry is crucial for CBS to maintain its successful Champions League coverage. Their expertise and charisma have played a significant role in attracting and retaining a large audience. As such, CBS should act swiftly to secure these valuable assets for future seasons.
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