You know that feeling when you plan to watch a big football match, make snacks, invite friends over… and then discover you have no idea what channel it’s actually on?what channel is the community shield on
Yeah, that was me last week.
I thought, “It’s the Community Shield. It’ll be on BBC or ITV. Easy.”
Spoiler: Nope.
Turns out, 2025 is the year the FA decided to spice things up (read: make our lives more complicated) by sticking the whole thing behind a paywall.
Let’s talk about where you can actually watch the Community Shield this year, why the TV rights have changed, and—because I’m dramatic—why I have feelings about it.
My Community Shield Story: How I Almost Missed Kickoff
Okay, personal confession: The first time I watched the Community Shield, I wasn’t even planning to.
It was one of those lazy August Sundays where you’re wearing last night’s T-shirt, sipping bad instant coffee, and half-heartedly scrolling through your phone.
A friend texted:
“Turn on ITV, kickoff in 15.”
So I did. And wow. It wasn’t just a “charity” match—it felt like the first page of the new football season’s novel. The hype, the trophy on display, the new kits, and, of course, a bunch of players who’d been on holiday for weeks suddenly trying to look like they were match-fit.
That became my ritual. Every year: kettle on, sofa ready, BBC/ITV tuned in.
Until this year… when I couldn’t find it. At all.
So, Where Is It Actually Showing in 2025?
Let’s cut straight to it—this year’s FA Community Shield is:
- UK: On TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ (live coverage starts at 2 pm BST, kickoff 3 pm)
- US: On ESPN+ (coverage starts around 10 a.m. ET)
- Other countries: It’s a mixed bag—Australia gets it on Optus Sport, Canada has DAZN, and a few lucky countries get it free-to-air.
Translation: If you’re in the UK and don’t have TNT Sports, you’ll either need a subscription or a friend who does (we all know that friend who “shares” their logins).
Why Did It Move to TNT Sports?
The FA signed a new broadcast deal giving TNT exclusive live rights to the Community Shield until 2028.
BBC and ITV? They now only get highlights.
Now, I get that football rights deals are worth millions, but here’s my little rant:
- It’s called the Community Shield. Wouldn’t it make sense to keep it accessible to… you know… the community?
- It’s literally the “welcome back” party for the season. Imagine charging for entry to your own welcome party.
- Not everyone wants a year-round TNT subscription just for one match.
It feels like the FA traded tradition for a quick paycheck. Which, let’s be honest, isn’t new in modern football.
A Quick History Lesson (Because I’m That Person)
The Community Shield (previously the Charity Shield) has been around since 1908.
It’s basically the Premier League winners vs the FA Cup winners.
If one team wins both? They face the league runners-up.
Here’s a fun fact:
The very first one was played between Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers—and it ended in a draw. They had to replay it months later. No penalty shootouts back then.
How to Watch From Anywhere
If you’re traveling (or live outside the UK/US), here’s a breakdown:
Australia
- Optus Sport has it. Get the app, grab a subscription, and you’re good.
Canada
- DAZN is your friend (and your wallet’s enemy, because it’s not cheap).
Europe
- Different countries, different broadcasters. Example: In Germany, DAZN. In France, beIN Sports.
Asia
- Often on beIN Sports Asia or local sports networks. Check your listings.
Travel hack: If you’re abroad but have a UK or US subscription, a VPN can sometimes save your life (and your match day plans).
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sure I Never Miss It Again
- Check the date & time the week before. (This year: Sunday, Aug 10, 3 pm BST)
- Verify the channel in your region. Don’t assume it’s the same as last year.
- Log in early—like 15 minutes early—to avoid buffering nightmares.
- Prep snacks (this step is non-negotiable).
- Silence notifications because spoilers are real and they hurt.
Pros & Cons of This Year’s Setup
Pros:
- TNT Sports’ coverage is usually high quality—good camera work, pre-match analysis, pundits with actual charisma.
- Streaming on discovery+ is pretty smooth if your internet can handle it.
Cons:
- Paywall, paywall, paywall.
- BBC/ITV fans lose that nostalgic “turn on the telly and it’s just there” feeling.
- Casual fans might skip it entirely because they can’t be bothered to subscribe.
My Hot Take
I think the FA underestimated how much goodwill they get from making this game accessible.
Yes, money talks. But sometimes the PR hit isn’t worth the extra cash.
If I were in charge? I’d keep the Community Shield free-to-air and put other less iconic matches behind the subscription wall.
Because here’s the thing: football isn’t just about money—it’s about the fans. And if the “curtain raiser” to the season isn’t reaching them, what’s the point?
Common Mistakes Fans Make on Match Day
- Assuming the channel is the same as last year → Nope. Check every time.
- Relying on “highlights” thinking it’s live → Those BBC clips? Not live.
- Forgetting time zones → Kickoff at 3 pm BST ≠ 3 pm your time.
- Not charging devices if you’re streaming on mobile.
- Ignoring buffering problems until the whistle blows—log in early.
The Final Word
So here’s your takeaway:
- In the UK, it’s TNT Sports 1 or discovery+.
- In the US, it’s ESPN+.
- Elsewhere, check your local listings (and maybe keep a VPN handy).
Yes, it’s a bummer that it’s not free-to-air anymore, but if you’re a football fan like me, you’ll still find a way to watch.
And maybe—just maybe—this is the year you’ll host your own Community Shield watch party. Snacks, friends, banter, and a reminder that the new season is finally here.
Because whether it’s free-to-air or behind a paywall, the magic of seeing that first goal of the season? That’s priceless.
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