RIO FERDINAND could be set to leave TNT Sports.
The Manchester United legend has worked with TNT since 2013, but MailSport report he is avoiding signing a new contract with the broadcasting giant.
Ferdinand has become a popular pundit since ending his playing career in 2015Rex Features
The former West Ham and Leeds defender is eyeing up work in the US ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Getty
Ferdinand made 81 England appearances between 1997 and 2011 and was included in three World Cup squads.AFP – Getty
That contract offer was reportedly made several months ago.
In the background, Ferdinand’s management company, New Era, have entered into a partnership with Los Angeles-based media management giants William Morris Endeavour (WME).
This is understood to have unsettled some at TNT, who fear Ferdinand may be eyeing up greener pastures elsewhere.
The Hollywood Reporter claim that the partnership will focus on securing broadcast and commercial opportunities in the buildup to the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament will be jointly hosted in 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
To lose a key presenter in Ferdinand would be a major blow for TNT, who face more competition than ever in the football broadcasting market.
While they hold the exclusive right to broadcast the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League in the UK, they now share the Premier League rights with both Sky and Amazon Prime.
WME, who brand themselves as “the original talent agency,” also represent Kylian Mbappe, Tom Brady, and LeBron James alongside a host of other world famous actors, musicians, and personalities.
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Ferdinand appears regularly as a commentator and pundit on TNT’s coverage of the Premier League and Champions League.
He has also cultivated a large online following through his YouTube channel ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’, which has accrued 1.2million subscribers a he interviews football personalities for his podcast.
He relies heavily on his experience at Manchester United in his punditry, often covering the Red Devils and providing behind-the-scenes knowledge of the club’s inner workings.
Ferdinand enjoyed a storied playing career and is best known for the 12 years he spent at Old Trafford, during which time he won six Premier League titles and the 2007-08 Champions League.
His media career has also seen him dabble in filmmaking and music production.
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