Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been one of the lead pundits for TNT Sports since arriving in 2013
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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could leave TNT Sports for the US
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand looks set to leave TNT Sports' coverage of the Premier League and Champions League this summer after reportedly deciding not to sign a new contract with the broadcaster.
According to the Daily Mail, Ferdinand's agreement with TNT (formerly BT Sport) is set to expire at the end of this season. The broadcaster has offered the ex-England international an extension but the 46-year-old has yet to sign it.
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Ferdinand is seen as one of TNT Sports' top pundits and is often their lead voice on coverage of football. As such, the broadcaster is likely to be panicking about who they could sign to replace him.
His former teammate Wayne Rooney could be available this summer having done work with a number of different broadcasters recently. However, the ex-striker may still hold ambitions of returning to management after an unsuccessful stint at Plymouth Argyle ended on New Year's Eve.
As for Ferdinand, a move to the United States' football coverage could be on the cards. The United legend's management company has recently signed an agreement with William Morris Endeavor (WME) who represent a number of American celebrities, like Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds, from their base in Beverly Hills.
Premier League football is forever growing in the USA, but big-name pundits have been lacking until recently. CBS Sports have had a lot of praise for their Champions League show featuring Kate Scott, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards while NBC Sports have brought Gary Neville on board for select matches this season.
Ferdinand could be looking for a slice of that action particularly with the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico set to bring a fresh audience to the sport in North America.
Currently, TNT Sports employs the likes of Paul Scholes, Robbie Savage, Peter Crouch, Karen Carney, Joe Cole and Ally McCoist for their coverage.
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