William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2025 Longlist Named

The longlist for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2025 has been revealed, with 15 titles selected to compete for the world’s longest-running and most valuable prize for sports writing.

First established in 1989, the award has recognised leading authors including Duncan Hamilton, Michael Holding, Jeremy Wilson, Lauren Fleshman and 2024 winner Conor Niland for his memoir The Racket. This year’s judging panel is chaired by Alyson Rudd and includes Clarke Carlisle, Elis James, Gabby Logan, Mark Lawson, Dame Heather Rabbatts and Michelle Wilder.

The longlist covers a wide range of sporting themes, including football, cricket, athletics, boxing and personal memoirs. Notable entries include Finding the Edge by Jimmy Anderson, Ultra Women by Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson, States of Play by Miguel Delaney, The Last Bell by Donald McRae, The Power and The Glory by Jonathan Wilson, and Test Cricket by Tim Wigmore.

Donald McRae, who has previously won the award twice, is seeking a record-equalling third victory. Duncan Hamilton remains the only author to have won three times.

The shortlist will be announced on 30 October, with the overall winner revealed on 25 November at the official awards ceremony. The winning author will receive £30,000 and the William Hill Sports Book of the Year trophy, while shortlisted authors will each receive £3,000 and a leather-bound copy of their book.

Neil Foggin, Media Manager at William Hill, and a member of the reading panel, said: “We’re delighted to unveil this year’s longlist for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year. The breadth of topics covered has yet again surprised and inspired us – from the intricacies of cricket and football to the cultural and human stories that sport continues to generate across the globe.

“Conor Niland’s unforgettable win last year for his memoir, The Racket, became the first tennis book to scoop the prize in the award’s 36-year history and we’re excited to see who lands this year’s title, with the quality of entries on offer getting stronger each year.

“Narrowing down the entries was no easy task for our reading panel, but what we have is a collection of books that truly capture the drama, spirit and influence of sport in all its forms. Congratulations to all the authors who have made it this far; it’s a huge achievement to be longlisted for such a competitive award.

“We also wish our judging panel luck in finalising the shortlist over the coming month – a hugely challenging task!”