The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award (or SPOTY) was first held in 1954 when around 14,500 voters decided (controversially, in retrospect) to crown Christopher Chataway over fellow runner Roger Bannister.
Since then the winners read like a roll call of British sporting greats, with the likes of Mo Farah, Ian Botham, Nick Faldo, Steve Redgrave, Lewis Hamilton, Kelly Holmes and David Beckham all lifting the trophy.
Several Scots have also lifted the trophy, including Sir Andy Murray (a record three times), Sir Jackie Stewart, Liz McColgan and Sir Chris Hoy.
Last year saw golfer Rory McIlroy take the main prize, after a long-awaited Masters win saw him complete his career Grand Slam.
He’s one of the favourites again this year, after the successful defence of his Master title.
Scottish mile world record holder Josh Kerr was leading the pack, fresh from taking gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games but there’s now a new favourite after the recent European Athletics Championships which Kerr opted to skip.
Here are the current 11 favourites to be crowned SPOTY 2026.
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9. Keely Hodgkinson - 20/1
Middle-distance runner Keely Hodginson is now a 20/1 shot - her chances of regaining the SPOTY title she won in 2024 hit by her silver medal at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. | Getty Images for European Athlet
10. George Russell - 25/1
Merdedes F1 driver George Russell, has impressed in his racing career so far, winning seven Grands Prix so far. Could he have a tilt at the title this year? If so, his odds of 25/1 will doubtless tumble. | Getty Images
11. Lando Norris - 50/1
Completing our list is another F1 star - McLaren driver Lando Norris who won the Formula One World Drivers' Championship last year. He's a 50/1 outsider. | Getty Images