BBC Sports Personality of the Year announce major change to voting system for 2025 | Other | Sport
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards will be screened a week before Christmas. And sports fans will be able to vote for the Team of the Year for the first time ever.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards were launched in 1954, with a host of sporting stars since being recognised for their achievements.
Last year, Keely Hodgkinson walked away with the main prize after winning a gold medal in the 800m at the Paris Olympics.
The 23-year-old finished ahead of darts star Luke Littler and cricket ace Joe Root in the voting as she joined a list of winners that includes sporting heroes such as Lewis Hamilton, Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray.
In 2024, the Team of the Year award went to Wigan Warriors after the rugby league team won every trophy available to them throughout the year.
And this time around, there could be a formidable battle to land the honour as a host of teams have excelled.
England footballers have enjoyed a strong year on the pitch, with the Lionesses clinching the Women’s Euros title and the Young Lions tasting success at the U21 Euros.
Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning team will be eyeing the prize, as will Arsenal women’s Champions League victors.
The England team that won the Women’s Rugby World Cup are also in with a huge shout, while Team Europe’s successful Ryder Cup team are in the running as well.
The ceremony will take place at the home of BBC Sport at MediaCity in Salford on Thursday, December 18. It will be shown live on BBC One and will be presented by Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott.
Discussing the voting change, the BBC explained: “For the first time in the show’s history, the Team of the Year award will also be decided via a live public vote on the night, handing fans across the UK the power to crown the team that inspired them most this year.
“It’s a new chapter that puts the audience at the heart of the biggest night in British sport.
And the director of BBC Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, said: “This year has been once again packed full of amazing sporting moments and stories. I’m glad it’s not me having to pick who to vote for.
“We’ve seen drama, triumph and unforgettable moments on a global scale – and our homegrown stars, especially the women, have delivered like never before.
“I can’t wait to see who the public chooses to take home the win and celebrate another brilliant year.”
