‘Sports Business Awards is a major fixture in the sports calendar'

Telegraph

08-07-2025

Telegraph Media Group is delighted to extend its partnership with the Sports Business Awards, celebrating the exceptional behind-the-scenes work across the sporting landscape.
The 2025 Awards recognise and reward achievement by those who support excellence across the sporting sector – with categories to champion the best innovators, strategists, marketers, community and fan engagement experts and more.
The event has grown significantly over the past nine years with over 650 senior industry professionals now attending the annual ceremony, all there to salute those who make sporting achievement possible.
This year the Sports Business Awards will return to Old Billingsgate in London on November 21 to celebrate the best in the business, proudly sponsored by Heineken and leading law firm Gateley.
Since launching in 2017 the event has grown into one of the industry's most respected and highly anticipated celebrations.
'The Sports Business Awards have evolved dramatically since its inception,' said founder Rory Ross Russell. 'What started as a modest initiative has become a major fixture in the sporting calendar, bringing together some of the most influential names in the industry to celebrate the incredible work that often goes unseen.'
Last year the legendary Olympic decathlon champion Daley Thompson was just one of the big sporting names to pick up a prize, winning in the Most Successful Sports Broadcast Category courtesy of Daley: Olympic Superstar, a documentary about his career produced by the Mob Film Company.
And recognition at the Sports Business Awards has been pivotal for many other past winners.
In 2024, Community Integrated Care won Best Sports Community Scheme - Rights Holders/Brands/Charities for their Learning Disability Super League in association with Rugby Football League, RL Commercial and Sport England. John Hughes, Community Integrated Care's director of partnerships and communities, described it as "transformational".
"It's attracted powerful partnerships that help us tackle inequalities for disabled communities through sport," he said.
James Bulley, chief executive of global consultancy Trivandi – twice winners of Best Professional Services – added: 'Winning for the last two years has showcased our credibility as a trusted leader, whilst opening doors to new opportunities.'
For Sporting Giants, last year's winners of Best Business Serving Sport (under £3m turnover), the award has helped build new business. 'It's really put us on the map,' said co-founder Dan Reading.
Claire Grieves of England Golf called its Sports Innovation Award win for iGolf 'a momentous moment' and 'a proud validation of our efforts to support and empower a thriving and inclusive golfing community.'
With shortlists to be announced on 30 July – including Best Fan Engagement Programme, Sustainability in Sport, Sponsorship or Partnership of the Year and Best Supporter of Women's Sport – the 2025 event will again shine a well-deserved spotlight on the brilliant people and innovative projects quietly transforming the business of sport.
The expert judging panel comprises an impressive line-up of heads from various sports governing bodies and other leading figures in sport. Each judge will score entries independently, with winners determined by the average marks.