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In a significant move for both player and broadcaster, Gareth Bale, the Welsh legend and former Real Madrid star, has officially joined TNT Sports as a lead pundit for their 2025–26 football coverage cycle. The announcement was made on August 10, 2025.
A High-Profile Addition to the Commentary Box
- Bale steps into punditry following a decorated playing career highlighted by five UEFA Champions League victories, including a memorable bicycle-kick winner in 2018—solidifying his status as one of football’s modern iconic figures.
- He will cover both Premier League and Champions League broadcasts throughout the upcoming season.
Filling Big Shoes: Replacing Rio Ferdinand
- Bale replaces Rio Ferdinand, who had been an iconic presence on TNT (formerly BT Sport) for over a decade before choosing to step back to focus on personal endeavors and family.
Punditry Team Boosted
- Bale joins an impressive roster of analysts, including Peter Crouch, Joe Cole, Owen Hargreaves, Steve McManaman, Ally McCoist, and Karen Carney.
- His previous stints—such as insightful analysis during Tottenham’s Europa League final win and commentary during Liverpool’s Champions League group stage match—helped him stand out to TNT executives.
Expanded Broadcast Rights Bolster Coverage
TNT Sports has significantly upgraded its broadcast portfolio for the season:
- 52 Premier League matches, including 32 Saturday lunchtime fixtures and two full midweek rounds.
- Full coverage of UEFA club competitions, excluding a single Tuesday-night Champions League fixture carried by Amazon Prime
- A four-year agreement for the FA Cup, including the Community Shield, though select high-profile matches remain with the BBC.
Summary
Gareth Bale transitions from football icon to media commentator, bolstering TNT Sports’ esteemed lineup just ahead of the new season. His insight and broadcasting potential, coupled with TNT’s expanded rights portfolio, set the stage for a refreshed fan experience across Premier League and Champions League coverage.
