This year has provided some remarkable sporting spectacles, from the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games to Euro 2024 and the T20 World Cup. As 2024 draws to a close, we look ahead to some of the key competitions to look forward to next year, as 2025 promises a thrilling line up of events that are sure to deliver plenty of entertainment, drama and suspense.
The global sports calendar for 2025 is packed with exciting events that promise to create some unforgettable memories for fans across the world. From iconic competitions that celebrate long-standing traditions to new tournaments that showcase emerging talent, 2025’s vibrant calendar is sure to offer something for every sports enthusiast, from tennis grand slams and international rugby tournaments to thrilling motorsport races and football finals.
The Six Nations, 31 January – 15 March 2025
The perfect way to kick off the sporting calendar, the Six Nations returns at the end of January, running through to mid-March. Occupying a special place in the British sporting psyche, the competition takes place each year between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales, attracting fans from around the globe. The 2024 tournament was a thrilling spectacle, with Ireland’s irresistible form proving too much for the competition, as they romped to their second consecutive title, but can they make it three in a row?
Invictus Games, February 2025
February 2025 marks the return of the Invictus Games, an international showcase of courage open to wounded, injured and sick (WIS) armed forces personnel, taking place in Vancouver, Canada. Watch this space to see if Team UK can beat its record medal haul of 69 medals set at the 2023 games in Germany.
British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, 28 June – 2 August 2025
Following the excitement of the Six Nations, rugby fans can also follow the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, featuring clashes against formidable opponents in major Australian cities. Can newly appointed head coach Andy Farrell bring his Midas touch to help end the Lions’ 12-year wait for a tour victory?
UEFA Champions League, 31 May 2025
The new look UEFA Champions League format is hotting up, with the expanded group stage already providing plenty of talking points and more than a few surprises. While there’s still plenty of season left to play, football fans can look forward to the UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao, Spain, and the UEFA Champions League Final in Munich, Germany. Liverpool have so far carried their stellar form in the Premier League into Europe but do Arne Slot’s side have what it takes to carry them all the way to Munich? Only time will tell.
FIFA Club World Cup, 15 June – 13 July 2025
Promising intense football action across various cities in the USA, the new format FIFA Club World Cup returns in June. 32 teams from different countries and confederations will fight for a title in a competition which, as with the World Cup, will now be held every four years. Manchester City and Chelsea will be flying the flag for Britain against teams from across the globe when the tournament kicks off in the summer.
Wimbledon Championships, 30 June – 13 July 2025
Wimbledon is probably the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, where centuries of tradition meet cutting edge sports science and athleticism. The Championships remain one of the jewels in the crown of the UK’s sporting calendar, held annually at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, London.
Steeped in tradition, Wimbledon is famed for its grass courts, strict dress code, and heaps of overpriced strawberries with lashings of cream, drawing fans from across the globe to witness two weeks of nail-biting action. British men’s number one Jack Draper went all the way to the final of the Junior Wimbledon in 2018, but can he improve on last year’s second round exit to countryman Cameron Norrie?
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, 2 – 27 July 2025
Wales’ women’s national team has qualified for the UEFA Women’s European Championships, the first major tournament in Cymru Women’s history. Next year, when the team takes to the pitch at Euro 2025 in Switzerland, young girls in Wales will see women achieving the extraordinary at the highest level. Cymru Women’s qualification for Euro 2025 is a monumental achievement, but hopefully it is just the beginning of the journey!
Women’s Rugby World Cup, 22 August 2025 – 27 Sept 2025
In August and September 2025, England will host the Women’s Rugby World Cup. With games spread across the country, visitors can explore England while supporting the world’s best teams. With all four of the home nations represented, demand is already huge with the showpiece final at Twickenham set to be a world-record attendance for a one-day women’s rugby event.
Africa Cup of Nations, 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026
The 35th Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Morocco for the second time and the first since 1988. Qualifiers are already complete and with 24 teams now confirmed, fans worldwide face a year-long wait for kick off on December 21, 2025. With the excitement of Ivory Coast’s spectacular 2023 AFCON victory still fresh in the minds of many fans, next year’s championship promises to set even higher standards, with big names like Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Al Nassr’s Sadio Mane, and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen all set to take centre stage.
Ashes tour of Australia, December 2025
Also a bit of a wait, this time next year cricket fans will be eagerly looking forward to the start of the Ashes tour of Australia. December marks the beginning of cricket’s most intensely fought rivalry. Can England finally wrestle the ashes from Australia’s grip for the first time since 2015?
With a diverse range of global sports events, 2025 promises to be an exhilarating year for sports fans worldwide. But who will you be cheering on?!
Contact our Sports Law and Corporate & Commercial expert:
David Little is a Partner at Bishop & Sewell in our expert Sports Law and Corporate & Commercial teams. If you would like to contact him, please call on either 07968 027343 or, 020 7631 4141 or email: company@bishopandsewell.co.uk.
The above is accurate as at 23 December 2024. The information above may be subject to change.
The content of this note should not be considered legal advice and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
