Insiders at TNT Sports are growing increasingly concerned that Rio Ferdinand will be heading to pastures new at the end of the season.
News that the former England and Manchester United captain’s management company, New Era, has signed a partnership with Beverly Hills-based talent agency giants WME – broken by the Hollywood reporter – is known to have raised eyebrows at TNT HQ.
Ferdinand, 46, has been with the broadcaster (formerly known as BT Sport) for more than a decade, after joining in 2013, and is viewed as integral part of its coverage.
However, Mail Sport can reveal that fears that he will depart at the end of this season have been exacerbated by the fact that he is yet to sign a contract to extend his stay, which was offered some months ago.
Bosses had hoped that the deal would have been finalised by now – but chances of that happening appear to be diminishing the longer it remains on the table.
A switch to the US would make some sense for Ferdinand, who picked up 81 caps for his country. With the World Cup taking place across the Atlantic next year, WME are focussing on securing opportunities in the US for the West Ham academy product both on and off the screen.
TNT Sports insiders are growing increasingly concerned that Rio Ferdinand will leave the broadcaster at the end of the season
Ferdinand has been with the broadcaster for more than a decade, joining in 2013
The former defender’s management company has signed with Beverly Hills-based talent agency giants WME
Their stable includes a host of famous names across sport, acting and music. Losing Ferdinand, who has more than 30million followers across social media platforms, would be a serious blow for TNT in what is an increasingly contested market.
What happens next may well be fascinating. WME – William Morris Endeavor – are widely viewed as a Hollywood heavyweight. They represent some of the biggest A-listers on the planet including the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Jessica Alba and Maggie Gyllenhaal. In sport, their stable includes some of the leading names in NBA and in broadcasting.
Its website states: ‘WME Sports represents today’s stars and Hall-of-Famers, athletes, coaches, broadcasters, executives, and institutions that keep sports at the forefront of culture. From record-breaking contracts and blockbuster brand partnerships to building first-of-its-kind media companies, WME Sports helps clients maximize earnings and extend their influence beyond the field of play.’
TNT Sports have been contacted for comment.
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