TNT Sports' coverage of the Premier League and UEFA Champions League in 2025/26 will look a little different.
Rio Ferdinand, who has worked as a pundit for the broadcaster for the best part of a decade, decided to step away from that role at the end of last season.
The former Manchester United and England star will be replaced by another Premier League great for TNT's coverage of the top flight and major European matches this term, including Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham.
The Sporting News looks at why Ferdinand left his position, and who will be replacing him in the studio and pitchside.
MORE: All the latest Premier League news | A beginners' guide to betting on football
Why did Rio Ferdinand leave TNT Sports?
Ferdinand announced in May 2025 that he would be leaving his role with TNT Sports so that he could focus on "other business interests" and devote more time to his family.
In a statement posted via his X account, he said: "Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sport and TNT Sports.
"As I turn the page to the next chapter, I carry with me countless memories. I am excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents & my other business interests."
Statement: After ten incredible years, I have made the difficult decision to step away from @tntsports after the Champions League Final…. pic.twitter.com/71A9EJPBye
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 28, 2025
Rio Ferdinand Presents is one of three podcast the former defender runs, the others being Rio Meets and Rio Reacts. Described as "the destination for any football fan who wants the biggest names, the best analysis and authentic reactions to everything fans discuss in their WhatsApp groups", the shows include analytical segments and interviews with star names such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire.
Rio Ferdinand net worth
Ferdinand's net worth is reportedly around £57 million thanks to his hugely successful football career, predominantly with Manchester United, and his lucrative media work since his retirement in 2015.
According to reports citing Money Inc, he earned around £7m per year through his various media commitments, including TNT Sports.
Rio Ferdinand wife and kids
Ferdinand married girlfriend Rebecca Ellison in 2009. The couple had three children: Lorenz, Tate, and Tia. Ellison died from breast cancer in 2015 at the age of 34.
Ferdinand married Kate Wright in September 2019 and have two children, Cree and Shae. The couple became patrons of Child Bereavement UK following the documentary 'Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad', which was released two years after Rebecca's death. A second documentary, 'Rio and Kate: Becoming a Stepfamily', was released in 2020.
Who replaced Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports?
Ferdinand's place on the punditry team was taken up by former Real Madrid and Tottenham star Gareth Bale.
Bale was a studio guest for some of TNT's coverage, notably alongside Ferdinand for the 2025 UEFA Europa League final between Manchester United and Spurs. He gained viral attention for his reaction to the term "Spursy" — referring to Tottenham's tendency to fall in the biggest games — by saying after his old club's 1-0 win: "It could be a 'Unitedy' thing now, I'm telling you!"