The BBC has unveiled a significant overhaul to the voting process for its prestigious Sports Personality of the Year award, setting the stage for a dramatic climax to the 2025 ceremony.
A New Two-Tier Voting System
In a first for the competition's history, the winner will be decided through a two-stage public vote. The initial ballot will open for a short period after viewers have been introduced to all six shortlisted contenders. From this first round, the three athletes who receive the most votes will progress. These top three will be announced in no particular order, maintaining suspense.
The public vote will then reopen for a second and final time, but with a crucial twist: voters will only be able to choose from the confirmed final trio. The votes from both stages will be combined to determine the overall champion, who will be crowned live on air.
A Star-Studded 2025 Shortlist
The new format will debut with a highly competitive field of nominees. Golf's Rory McIlroy, fresh from his Masters victory, is the current bookmakers' favourite. He faces stiff competition from newly-crowned Formula One world champion Lando Norris and teenage darts sensation Luke Littler.
The list also features three heroes from a stellar year for English team sports. Lionesses Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly are nominated after defending the European crown at Euro 2025, while Red Roses superstar Ellie Kildunne is recognised following England's home-soil Rugby World Cup triumph.
Further Changes to the Spoty Format
This is the second major alteration to the awards this year. For the first time, the public will also decide the 'Team of the Year' award, which promises to be fiercely contested. Potential contenders include the victorious Lionesses, the Rugby World Cup-winning Red Roses, and Europe's Ryder Cup golf team, which secured a memorable away victory.
The changes, announced on Thursday 18 December 2025, are designed to increase engagement and drama throughout the live broadcast, ensuring the winner's announcement remains a thrilling television moment.
