David Beckham explains new Champions League CBS role and brutally snubs former Man Utd teammate

David Beckham is set to star in a “ManningCast”-style alternative broadcast for the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League on CBS Sports.

On Tuesday, Beckham appeared on CBS Sports’ popular “Champions League Today” along with presenter Kate Abdo and legends Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards. During his special guest appearance , the former Manchester United , Real Madrid, and LA Galaxy midfielder also announced his agreement with Paramount+, which will see an alternative telecast titled “Beckham & Friends” to the network’s coverage of the premier European club competition.

Beckham’s show will look similar to the popular “ManningCast”, which has aired alongside Monday Night Football broadcasts throughout the NFL season. His version will increase options for UEFA Champions League viewing on Paramount+, streaming during both UEFA Champions League Semifinal second-leg matches as well as the UEFA Champions League Final.

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Describing the product, Beckham told the studio hosts: “Like you guys, I love watching the game. I like watching the game a certain way with family and friends. So, it’s going to be that kind of thing, where I’m sat there watching the games, commenting on the games with friends, talking about the games, and not sometimes talking about the games.”

Beckham admitted guests will not need to know about football. He also revealed the “bar is quite high” when it comes to those who get invited to appear, with the 49-year-old claiming the “watch party”-style altcast will likely feature a different celebrity friend each time. When Carragher suggested Beckham’s close friend and former teammate Gary Neville won’t appear given the standards, the ex-England captain simply said “no” before bursting into laughter.

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Beckham’s deal with Paramount+ continues the move of sports broadcasters presenting multiple versions of the same event whereby different commentator teams appear and present the action amid candid discussion. The most prominent in the United States is the “ManningCast,” the ESPN show hosted by legendary NFL brothers Peyton and Eli Manning. The show is now in its fourth season.

Back in 2022, Paramount Global renewed its U.S. rights deal for UEFA soccer, agreeing to pay $1.5 billion for a six-year extension through 2030. The latest extension runs through 2030 and also includes the Europa League and the Europa Conference League.

CBS Sports pays approximately $250 million on an annual basis for the rights, and Beckham’s show is another layer added to the network’s coverage. The 2024-25 Champions League season kicked off on Sept. 17 with the traditional group stage phase replaced by a league system with 36 teams.