Changes have been made for this year’s edition of the foremost industry awards event in UK sports media; the event’s prestigious history dates back to 1976; more than 40 categories available to enter, for individuals, shows, organisations etc; reduced entry fees for SJA members; deadline Wednesday 4 February, 2026…
Entries are now being welcomed for the Sports Journalists’ Association’s British Sports Journalism Awards 2025, with the annual event receiving a refresh.
The changes will help to modernise the long-running Awards, which celebrate excellence in all areas of the UK sports media industry.
There are more than 40 different categories, grouped into five sections – Open Media, Writing, Photography (sponsored by Canon), Broadcast, and SJA Upcoming Talent.
The entry deadline is Wednesday, 4 February 2026 (11.59pm GMT).
Panels of experienced judges, drawn from across the industry, will then determine the shortlists and winners.
Entry fees are considerably reduced for SJA members, while there is a ‘2 for 1′ deal for freelancers, and entrants who meet the SJA Awards’ Diversity criteria benefit from a fee waiver.
⬇️ Access the full list of Categories here…
Open Media – Content Agency; Cricket Journalist; Data Journalist; Football Journalist; Rugby Journalist; Specialist Correspondent; Sport for Change Journalism; Sports Publisher; Sports Scoop; Sports Summariser; Women’s Football Journalist
Writing – Columnist Long-Form; Columnist Short-Form; Feature Writer Long-Form; Feature Writer Short-Form; News Reporter; Regional Journalist; Specialist Sports Publisher; Newspaper of the Year
Photography (sponsored by Canon) – Canon Portfolio; Football Portfolio; News Picture; Picture; Specialist Portfolio
Broadcast – Audio Documentary; Audio Live Event Coverage; Audio Podcast ‘Always On’; Audio Podcast Limited Series; Audio Show; Broadcast Journalist; Commentator; Content Creator; Content Creator Exclusive; Presenter; Pundit; TV Documentary; TV Live Event Coverage; TV Show; YouTube Channel; YouTube Newcomer; YouTube Show
SJA Upcoming Talent – Canon Young Photographer; Ones to Watch Writing; Ones to Watch Broadcast On Air; Ones to Watch Broadcast Off Air; SJA Academy Award (in association with talkSPORT)
The SJA Sports Journalist of the Year and the Canon SJA Sports Photographer of the Year winners will be decided by expert panels of judges, choosing from shortlisted entrants in the relevant sections.
SEE FULL CRITERIA AND ENTER HERE
Download category info, entry details and rules in PDF format
The first-ever prize for Sportswriter of the Year, for 1976, was shared by Hugh McIlvanney and Ian Wooldridge, two undisputed titans of their craft. The following year saw Gerry Cranham named the first Sports Photographer of the Year.
Nearly a half-century later, the Awards have been greatly expanded. They recognise outstanding work in a range of disciplines, across print, digital, TV, radio, social media and other platforms.
The SJA is offering a selection of fantastic sponsorship opportunities for the Awards – register your interest via email.
This year will be the event’s 49th edition, and the refreshed format will better reflect today’s sports media landscape.
Notable changes include:
SJA Sports Journalist of the Year (John Bromley Trophy) – This award now celebrates outstanding sports journalism across all media, including writing, broadcast, audio, digital platforms and emerging formats.
Sports Publisher of the Year – An Open Media category, recognising consistent, high-quality output, regardless of platform, format or distribution model.
Columnist – Two categories are now available, for Long-Form and Short-Form writing.
Feature Writer – As above, both Long-Form and Short-Form categories are offered.
Audio Podcast – Entries can be submitted in ‘Always On’ and Limited Series categories.
Speaking at last year’s Awards gala, SJA President Darren Lewis said the annual event is “the Oscars of journalism.”
“They are where the very best of this industry are celebrated – storytellers, presenters, production staff, photographers, summarisers… they’re all getting the credit they deserve.
“The SJA is on an almost ongoing quest to make sure everybody who works so incredibly hard in this industry is seen and recognised.”
Enter the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards 2025 here.
Download category info, entry details and rules in PDF format
Not yet an SJA member? Join the Association for the annual membership fee of £30. Members receive discounted entry fees to the Awards, as well as many other benefits. Full info here.
Get advice! Last year, Heather Dewar (Writing), Laurie Palacio (Broadcast and Content Creators), and Molly Darlington (Photography) shared their top tips for entering the Awards.
To see the roll of honour of past winners of the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards, click here.
You can also look back on the last 20 editions of the Awards and find links to all the shortlists here.
The SJA is interested in your sports media industry news and views. Keen to reach an engaged audience, including over 70,000 followers across social media? We welcome your enquiries – contact us here. We also offer advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
For information on how to apply as a Full or Associate Member of the SJA, plus details of our free-to-enter SJA Academy, click here.