Arsenal and Manchester City are due to meet in the 2026 FA Community Shield but the match will not be shown on free-to-air TV
Manchester City v Arsenal - Premier League
Arsenal and Manchester City are due to face off in the Community Shield (Image: Getty)
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Why isn't the Community Shield on BBC or ITV?
The Community Shield and its predecessor the Charity Shield was a regular fixture on free-to-air TV, with ITV enjoying a long-standing agreement. However, that changed in 2025 when TNT Sports took over the broadcast rights.
Those hoping to take in the action will need a TNT Sports subscription. Subscribers can watch via TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, Prime Video, HBO Max or Now TV.
BBC Sport has lost the rights to big sporting events including the Commonwealth Games in recent years, while it now only offers highlights of The Open after showing full live coverage in years gone by. ITV lost the rights to the Tour de France recently, with TNT Sports taking over.
While ITV won’t be showing the Community Shield this year, it will be offering free-to-air broadcasts of EFL matches. Games on free-to-air this side of Christmas include a London derby between Millwall and West Ham on September 19.
This year’s Community Shield has moved away from Wembley, where it was held last year. It will instead be played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
The 2026 Community Shield will kick off at 3pm on Sunday, August 16. It pits Premier League holders Arsenal against reigning FA Cup champions Manchester City.