TNT Sports has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2025 Community Shield, bringing an end to ITV's lengthy tenure as the fixture's home.
The Football Association revealed the switch in their latest announcement regarding the prestigious curtain-raiser.
The traditional season opener will shift from ITV to TNT Sports 1, requiring viewers to adjust their viewing habits for the annual showpiece.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
The Community Shield will now be shown on TNT Sports
|PA
This development marks a significant departure from established broadcasting arrangements that have seen ITV deliver the Community Shield to millions of supporters over numerous years.
The FA's decision represents the latest expansion of TNT Sports' football portfolio, as the broadcaster continues to strengthen its position in UK football coverage. The match will take place at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Sunday August 10, with a 3pm BST kick-off time.
According to the FA's statement: "The 2025 FA Community Shield match will be contested by the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup winners, Crystal Palace, and 2024-25 Premier League champions, Liverpool."
The governing body confirmed that TNT Sports 1 will provide live and exclusive coverage of the encounter. Football supporters hoping to watch the traditional pre-season fixture will need access to the subscription service.
The announcement confirms all key details for the showpiece event, which serves as the customary prelude to the new Premier League campaign.
Crystal Palace earned their Community Shield berth by capturing the FA Cup, defeating Manchester City in the 2024-25 final. The Eagles' triumph secured their first appearance in the traditional season opener.
READ MORE: Tottenham fans fume over 'utter woke nonsense' as forgotten star makes change
ITV had shown the Community Shield for the last four seasons
|PA
Liverpool's participation comes courtesy of their Premier League title success in Arne Slot's debut campaign as manager. The Reds dominated the 2024-25 season, establishing an insurmountable lead that left rivals trailing in their wake.
The Merseyside club has already strengthened for the new campaign, bringing in Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong.
Palace, meanwhile, face the challenge of proving their cup success was no anomaly, despite complications arising from their demotion to the Conference League following UEFA regulations.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The broadcasting switch deals a substantial blow to ITV's football coverage, severing their established relationship with one of English football's marquee fixtures.
For years, the network has delivered the Community Shield to households nationwide as part of their free-to-air offering.
TNT Sports, the broadcaster previously operating as BT Sport, continues to accumulate premium football content alongside their existing Premier League and Champions League portfolios.
The acquisition of the Community Shield is another big move for TNT Sports
|PA
Supporters worldwide will still tune in for what remains a significant curtain-raiser, though UK viewers must now subscribe to TNT Sports to access the match between the FA Cup holders and Premier League champions.