TNT Sports unveils new Community Shield pundits

TNT Sports unveils a refreshed pundit lineup for the Community Shield, adding Michail Antonio after his West Ham exit.

Unemployed former Premier League star joins TNT Sports for Community Shield

TNT Sports has announced a major shake up for its Community Shield coverage. The match at Wembley will be the broadcaster's first under a new four-year rights deal, moving the game from ITV.

The pundit lineup features Michail Antonio, returning to TV after leaving West Ham in a 10-year spell during which he scored 83 goals in 323 appearances. He will be joined by Steve McManaman, Joel Ward, Fara Williams, Joe Cole, Ally McCoist and Darren Fletcher in the studio, with Gareth Bale replacing Rio Ferdinand as the permanent pundit for the season. Antonio’s inclusion follows his recent West Ham exit and a high-profile car crash in December that effectively ended his time with the club. Ferdinand announced the end of his 10-year relationship with TNT, and Bale is positioned as the long-term replacement for the broadcaster’s punditry lineup.

The changes signal a deliberate shift in TNT’s on-air identity as it expands its broadcast reach. Replacing a veteran with a globally recognized name like Bale hints at a strategy to attract broader audiences, not just traditional football fans.

But the move comes with risk. Antonio's comeback in front of the mic carries baggage from his abrupt West Ham departure and the December car crash, which could color how viewers receive his analysis. The dynamic also raises questions about how TNT balances star power with deep game insight. If the studio focuses too much on celebrity moments, the substance of the coverage may suffer; if it leans too hard on analysis, it risks alienating casual viewers who crave entertainment as well as insight.

Highlights

Broadcasting shifts fast, but the game still requires a clear voice in the booth.