What Should You Know About Sports Personality of the Year 2025?

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 is set to be an exciting event, celebrating a remarkable year in UK sports. Key highlights include England's triumphs in the Women's Euros and Rugby World Cup, alongside notable achievements in cricket, athletics, and more. The event will take place on 18 December 2025, with a shortlist of six contenders announced for the prestigious award, showcasing a diverse array of sporting talent.

Last updated: 14 December 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

The anticipation for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 is building as the event approaches. Scheduled for Thursday, 18 December, the live broadcast from MediaCity in Salford will feature hosts Gabby Logan, Clare Balding, and Alex Scott. This year's nominees reflect a stellar year in sports, with achievements from various disciplines capturing the public's imagination. The voting process will occur live, allowing viewers to participate and support their favourite athletes.

Key takeaways

• The event will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website.
• Six nominees for the Sports Personality of the Year award have been announced.
• Voting will be open during the live broadcast on 18 December 2025.

Timeline: how we got here

Here is a brief timeline of key events leading up to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025:

• 1 January 2025: Start of the eligibility period for awards.
• 14 December 2025: Voting for the World Sport Star of the Year award closes.
• 18 December 2025: Live broadcast of BBC Sports Personality of the Year at 19:00 GMT.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week, the announcement of the nominees for the Sports Personality of the Year has generated significant buzz. The shortlisted athletes represent a variety of sports, including football, rugby, golf, and motorsport, showcasing the depth of talent in the UK.

What was already established

Previous winners of the Sports Personality of the Year have often included athletes who have made significant achievements on both national and international stages. The event has a rich history of celebrating sporting excellence and engaging the public in the voting process.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As the event draws near, it serves as a reminder of the impact of sport on UK culture. The achievements of athletes resonate with fans, providing a sense of pride and unity. Events like this can inspire future generations to pursue sports and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Businesses and jobs

Sports events contribute to local economies, with increased viewership leading to higher engagement with brands and services. The spotlight on UK athletes can also boost sponsorship opportunities, creating jobs within the sports sector and related industries.

Policy and regulation

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year not only celebrates individual accomplishments but also highlights the importance of sports policy in supporting athletes' development. The event encourages discussions around funding and resources allocated to various sports.

Numbers that matter

• 12: The number of months since the last Sports Personality of the Year event.
• 6: Total nominees for Sports Personality of the Year 2025.
• 3: Major team achievements highlighted, including the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the Ryder Cup.

Definitions and jargon buster

• SPOTY: Sports Personality of the Year, an annual award celebrating individual sporting achievements.
• Ryder Cup: A biennial men's golf competition between teams from Europe and the USA.
• World Sport Star of the Year: An award recognising outstanding international sporting achievements.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the event approaches, fans are encouraged to engage with the voting process. Viewers should prepare to participate in the live voting on 18 December 2025, ensuring their voice is heard in selecting the winner.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-event discussions will likely focus on the outcomes of the awards and the implications for the athletes involved. The recognition could lead to increased sponsorship and media opportunities for the nominees.

Signals to watch

• Engagement metrics across social media platforms during the live broadcast.
• Public interest in the nominees leading up to the event.
• Follow-up news regarding the impact of the awards on the athletes' careers.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay updated on nominee announcements and event details.
• Engage with the voting process during the live show.
• Support local sports initiatives inspired by the event.

Don’t

• Ignore the significance of the awards in promoting sports.
• Miss the opportunity to participate in live voting.
• Underestimate the influence of public engagement on future sports funding.

Checklist

• Mark your calendar for 18 December 2025.
• Review the nominees and their achievements.
• Prepare to vote during the live broadcast.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the nominees represent a strong selection of UK sporting talent, the outcomes of the event can be unpredictable. The selection process can lead to debates about deserving candidates, and the public voting can reflect varying opinions on performances. Additionally, the impact of these awards on athletes' careers can differ widely, depending on individual circumstances and marketability.

Bottom line

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 promises to be a highlight in the UK sports calendar, showcasing the extraordinary achievements of athletes over the past year. As anticipation builds, fans are encouraged to engage actively in the voting process and celebrate the achievements of their sporting heroes.

FAQs

Who are the nominees for the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year?

The nominees include Hannah Hampton, Chloe Kelly, Ellie Kildunne, Luke Littler, Rory McIlroy, and Lando Norris, representing a diverse range of sports.

How can I vote for the Sports Personality of the Year?

Voting will take place during the live broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer on 18 December 2025, allowing viewers to vote online.

What other awards will be presented on the night?

In addition to the Sports Personality of the Year, other awards include Sports Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement award.