For the first time in BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) history, the Team of the Year Award will be decided by a public vote, closing live on the night of the show. From Monday 15 December, fans across the UK can vote for the team that inspired them most in 2025 via bbc.co.uk/spoty.
Three exceptional teams have been shortlisted: the England women's football team (the Lionesses), the England women's rugby union team (the Red Roses), and Europe's Ryder Cup team. Each team earned its place through sensational performances and standout achievements this year.
The Lionesses retained the European Championship title with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain, becoming the first England team to win a major trophy on foreign soil. The Red Roses won the Women's Rugby World Cup, defeating Canada 33-13 in front of a world record crowd, and also secured a fourth consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam. Europe's Ryder Cup team claimed a 15-13 victory on US soil, the first since 2012, overcoming a hostile New York crowd at Bethpage Black.
Public voting is open now and will close during the live awards show on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday 18 December. The winning team will be crowned live on the night. The show, hosted by Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott, will broadcast from MediaCity in Salford.
The shortlisting panel included former athletes Maggie Alphonsi, Anita Asante, Libby Clegg, Carl Frampton, Ebony Rainford-Brent, as well as media personalities Josh Denzel, Kelly Cates, Riath Al-Samarrai, and Molly Hudson. Representing the BBC were Alex Kay-Jelski, Philip Bernie, and Marc Vesty.
