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Will former NBA star Steve Nash continue his second career as a TV soccer analyst? We should find out soon, with the two-time MVP now in “active discussions” for a new contract with Turner Sports.
The retired NBA point guard surprised many by joining Turner not a basketball analyst last year, but for soccer. But Nash’s deal with Turner to cover the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League was only for one season, said sources. Turner acquired the rights to broadcast UEFA competitions from 2018 to 2022. It broadcasts matches on both TNT and B/R Live.
If all goes as expected, the 45-year old Nash is expected to stay with Turner. However, nothing is finalized, said sources, and a new deal could still fall through. Turner declined comment Thursday.
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Nash was named to the basketball Hall of Fame after a brilliant 19-year NBA career. But the eight NBA All-Star also has a deep and abiding obsession with soccer. A lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan, Nash has ownership stakes in two soccer clubs: the Vancouver Whitecaps and Real Mallorca in Spain.
Growing up in Canada, Nash played soccer and ice hockey. His father John was a pro football player in South Africa. His brother Martin played for the Canadian national team.
With AT&T taking control of WarnerMedia, Turner Sports has been in flux. Former boss David Levy, a charismatic and respected media executive, left after 32 years. Former chief operating officer Matt Hong also departed. CNN boss Jeff Zucker now oversees Turner, which has extensive sports rights beyond soccer with NBA, MLB and other leagues.
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Other members of Turner Sports’ soccer broadcast include presenter Kate Abdo, Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra and Stuart Holden, who is also a co-owner of Mallorca.
