Sport
Preview
Winter 2025/26 sports preview
Basketball finals, track championships and tennis showdowns – the winter season has it all
Though for many the incoming season brings a welcome lethargy and indulgence, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing for those seeking a faster tempo and rush of adrenaline. Far from it, as the next few months see tennis showdowns, bone-crunching wrestling, track championships and much more hit arenas across the UK.
Here we’ll keep a rolling list of sporting highlights the winter 2025/26 season has to offer.
Ultimate Tennis Showdown
When: 5–7 December 2025
Where: Copper Box Arena, London
Following on from the Ultimate Tennis Showdown qualification rounds and semi-finals in Mexico, France and Hong Kong, the Grand Final of the UTS is set to take place in London this December. Eight top stars, including Alex de Minaur, Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud, will compete for the Zeus Trophy in a frenetic format featuring four eight-minute quarters, single-serve points and tactical bonus cards. With mic’d-up players, live coaching, DJs and MCs, fans can expect an interactive, fast-paced showdown culminating in a nail biting finale.
Find tickets to Ultimate Tennis Showdown here
England Netball
When: 13 & 14 December 2025
Where: Copper Box Arena, London
Get ready for the return of the Vitality Netball Horizon Series, which is back for its second year this December, concluding in London for its final two matches. After opening the four-test series in Jamaica on the 6 and 7 December, the Vitality Roses will host the Sunshine Girls on the 13 and 14 as they aim to overturn Jamaica’s win in the inaugural 2024 edition. With both nations ranked inside the world’s top four and England riding the momentum of a standout season, fans can expect two fiercely contested December showdowns.
Find England Netball tickets here
AEW: Dynamite & Collision
AEW: Collision
When: 13 December 2025
Where: Utilita Arena, Cardiff
AEW: Dynamite
When: 17 December 2025
Where: Co-op Live, Manchester
All Elite Wrestling returns to the UK this December, giving fans a rare chance to see its flagship weekly Wednesday and Saturday night shows live, with AEW Collision arriving in Cardiff on 13 December, followed by AEW Dynamite in Manchester on 17 December. For newcomers to the sport, Dynamite and Collision serve as AEW’s equivalents to WWE’s Raw and SmackDown, showcasing the industry’s top talent and storylines. Since launching in 2019 under Tony Khan, AEW has grown into a global force, delivering over 100 live events a year with a world-class roster known for its fresh energy and high-impact action.
Find tickets to AEW: Dynamite & Collision here
The Seniors Snooker British Open
When: 26–28 December 2025
Where: Vaillant Live, Derby
The 2025 British Seniors Open returns to Derby this December, as World Seniors Snooker stages a major televised event at Vaillant Live, marking the first time the city has hosted a tournament of this level since the 1993 British Open. Eight legends, including Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, Alfie Burden, Matthew Stevens, Joe Perry and Dominic Dale, will compete for the title. Action begins on Boxing Day, with semi-finals on 27 and the final on 28 December. Fans can also enjoy a Legends Lunch, meeting world champions Dennis Taylor and John Parrott.
Find tickets to The Seniors Snooker British Open here
ISU European Figure Skating Championships
When: 13–18 January 2026
Where: Utilita Arena, Sheffield
The ISU Figure Skating European Championships returns to the UK for the first time in over a decade, marking a milestone for British Ice Skating. Around 160 of Europe’s top skaters will compete at Utilita Arena Sheffield across men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance, delivering intricate routines and stunning performances. As one of the final major competitions before the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Winter Games, the event offers fans a thrilling preview of the continent’s elite talent as well as a chance to witness world-class figure skating up close.
Find tickets to ISU European Figure Skating Championships here
WWE Live
When: 10, 15, 16 & 18 January 2026
Where: Glasgow OVO Hydro, Utilita Arena Newcastle, OVO Arena Wembley, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Get ready, UK wrestling fans, WWE Live is storming into Glasgow, Newcastle, London and Nottingham as part of the supercharged Road to Royal Rumble tour. London’s event, billed as Friday Night SmackDown, will even host a United States Championship clash between heavyweight rivals LA Knight and Braun Strowman. Across the tour, fans will also be able to see stars like Cody Rhodes, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Rhea Ripley, and many more battle it out up close. Packed with raw power, unfiltered drama and trademark WWE spectacle, these arena shows promise unforgettable, heart-pounding action.
Britain’s Strongest Man
When: 7 February 2026
Where: Utilita Arena, Sheffield
This February, Sheffield will host Britain’s Strongest Man, where the UK’s top strongmen will battle for the Geoff Capes Memorial Trophy in the opening event of 2026’s Official Strongman World Tour from Giants Live. Four returning champions, Luke Stoltman and his brother Tom, alongside Luke Richardson and Adam Bishop, will go head-to-head across five punishing events, ranging from colossal deadlifts to astonishing car pulls. With a record 8,500-strong crowd cheering Luke Stoltman to victory in 2025, fans are set for an electrifying showcase of power, grit and record-shattering feats.
Find tickets to Britain’s Strongest Man here
Super League Basketball Trophy Finals
When: 1 February 2026
Where: Utilita Arena, Birmingham
British basketball’s biggest day is back as Utilita Arena Birmingham hosts the Super League Basketball Trophy Finals on 1 February 2026. Promising a thrilling showcase of elite talent from across the UK, the men’s Newcastle Eagles and women’s Caledonia Gladiators will both be looking to defend their titles. Beyond the finals, fans can enjoy a Slam Dunk Contest, courtside entertainment and family-friendly interactive activities. Credited with energising the sport in the UK, SLB is dedicated to growing the game and inspiring new fans.
Find tickets to Super League Basketball Trophy Finals here
National Track Championships
When: 19–22 February 2026
Where: National Cycling Centre, Manchester
The National Track Championships are returning to Manchester’s National Cycling Centre, bringing the biggest stars in British cycling to the nation’s home of track racing. Fresh from outstanding World Championships campaigns, including 14 medals for the GB squad in Santiago and 23 for the para-cycling team in Rio, fans can now see the country’s best battle for the coveted red, white and blue national champions’ jerseys. With 32 medals on the line throughout a host of categories, including a programme of para-cycling races, you won’t want to miss this.
Find tickets to National Track Championships here
London Lions
When: 23 & 29 November, 17 & 19 December
Where: Copper Box Arena, London & New City College, London
The London Lions return home this November and December with four high-stakes clashes as both the men’s and women’s teams chase crucial momentum in both the SLB Championship and the BKT EuroCup. Fans can cheer them on at the Copper Box Arena on 23 November, 17 December and 19th December, with an additional women’s showdown at New City College on 29 November. These games promise fast-paced action as well as the Lions’ trademark grit and determination that make London one of the toughest arenas in British basketball.
Find tickets to London Lions here
Sheffield Steelers
When: Various
Where: Utilita Arena, Sheffield
Sheffield Steelers continue to thrill fans this winter as they defend their top spot in the UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League, with home games at the Utilita Arena Sheffield. Fresh from their 2023/24 league triumph, the Steelers are set to face off against the UK’s best, including the Belfast Giants, Cardiff Devils and Glasgow Clan. With the EIHL enjoying more than 1.25 million attendees during the 2024/25 season, ice hockey is considered one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, thanks to its inimitable atmosphere and strong fan bases.
