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Public vote opens for Team of the Year award
The BBC has launched the public vote for the Team of the Year prize at Sports Personality of the Year 2025, with three high-achieving British squads in contention. Fans can cast their votes until the winner is revealed during the live broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer on Thursday, 18 December.
Shortlisted teams and their achievements
England's Euro 2025-winning women's football team
The Lionesses secured their second consecutive European Championship title in July after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain in the final. The team made history as the first senior England football side to win a major trophy abroad. Their path to glory included three consecutive knockout matches decided in extra time, with substitutes playing pivotal roles in their triumph.
"This is not just a flash in the pan," analysts noted, highlighting the team's growing legacy.
England's Women's Rugby World Cup champions
The Red Roses claimed their first World Cup title since 2014 in September, defeating Canada 33-13 in front of a record-breaking crowd of 81,885 at Twickenham. The victory extended their unbeaten streak to 33 matches, a new world record for international rugby union. Earlier in 2025, they also secured a fourth consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam.
Europe's Ryder Cup-winning golf team
Luke Donald's squad became the first European team since 2012 to win the Ryder Cup on U.S. soil, defeating the United States 15-13 in a thrilling comeback. The Europeans dominated the early stages, building a seven-point lead before holding off a late American surge. The victory marked their sixth triumph in the last eight editions of the biennial event.
Selection panel revealed
The shortlist was curated by a diverse panel of sports figures and media professionals. The group included former athletes such as 2014 Rugby World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi, ex-England footballer Anita Asante, Paralympic sprinter Libby Clegg, boxer Carl Frampton, and 2009 World Cup-winning cricketer Ebony Rainford-Brent. Media representatives included sports presenter Josh Denzel, broadcaster Kelly Cates, and journalists from the Daily Mail and The Times. BBC executives Alex Kay-Jelski, Philip Bernie, and Marc Vesty also contributed to the selection process.
How to participate
Voting is open to the public and will close just before the live show on 18 December. Fans can cast their votes online to determine which team will follow last year's winners, the Wigan Warriors, as Team of the Year.
