Gareth Bale has been unveiled as one of TNT Sports’ leading football pundits for the 2025-26 season, taking on a prominent role in the broadcaster’s coverage of both the Premier League and Champions League. The former Real Madrid and Wales forward will be a key presence in live broadcasts, bringing his top-level experience and insight to fans throughout the campaign.
Bale is set to appear alongside Peter Crouch and Joe Cole for TNT’s live Premier League coverage on Saturday lunchtimes. Other familiar faces in the broadcaster’s punditry team include Owen Hargreaves, Steve McManaman, Ally McCoist, and Karen Carney. His appointment follows a strong showing in previous guest appearances, including detailed and engaging analysis during Tottenham’s Europa League final triumph over Manchester United in Bilbao last season, as well as commentary on a Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid.
At 36, Bale steps into a high-profile role previously held by Rio Ferdinand, who departed at the end of last season after more than a decade with the network. Ferdinand’s decision to leave was driven by a desire to focus on other business ventures and spend more time with his family, opening the door for Bale to make the transition from pitch to studio.
This season marks the beginning of a new four-year broadcast rights cycle, with TNT Sports holding exclusive rights to 52 Premier League matches. Thirty-two of these will be the prime Saturday lunchtime kick-offs, alongside two complete midweek rounds. The midweek fixtures will be staggered from Tuesday to Thursday, with evening kick-offs at 7.30pm and 8.15pm, aimed at maximising audience reach.
Sky Sports, meanwhile, will air 215 matches live this season, ensuring that every non-3pm Saturday game is available to viewers via either Sky or TNT. In European competitions, TNT has secured exclusive rights to every Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League match, with the exception of one Tuesday night Champions League game, which will be streamed by Amazon Prime.
TNT is also entering the first year of a new four-year deal to broadcast the FA Cup, starting with the Community Shield between Liverpool and Crystal Palace. While TNT holds exclusive rights to the competition, the BBC will still televise 14 key matches, including two quarter-finals, one semi-final, and the final. Bale’s arrival adds fresh star power to what promises to be a landmark season of football coverage.
