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- Luke Littler is 8/1 favourite for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2026 after retaining the World Darts Championship.
- George Russell (9/1) and Harry Kane (10/1) also feature prominently in a year packed with major sporting events.
- Rory McIlroy (16/1) could become a rare repeat winner following his 2025 SPOTY success.
Luke Littler Early Favourite for SPOTY
Luke “The Nuke” Littler is favourite to win the 2026 BBC Sports Personality of the Year after storming to a second consecutive World Darts Championship title over the weekend.
The 18-year-old prodigy thrashed Gian van Veen 7-1 at Alexandra Palace to kick off the year in style and Ladbrokes now have Littler priced at 8/1 to follow up his PDC dominance with Britain’s most prestigious individual sporting honour.
With a Men’s Football World Cup, Olympics, and Formula 1 shake-up on the horizon, the SPOTY race is wide open but Littler’s early-season statement puts him firmly in the spotlight.
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Sports Personality of the Year 2026 Odds
Here’s how the betting stands via Ladbrokes:
| Sports Personality of the Year 2026 | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Luke Littler | 8/1 | 11.1% |
| George Russell | 9/1 | 10.0% |
| Harry Kane | 10/1 | 9.1% |
| Lando Norris | 10/1 | 9.1% |
| Rory McIlroy | 16/1 | 5.9% |
| Jordan Pickford | 20/1 | 4.8% |
Littler Continues to Defy Expectations
Littler’s rise from teen sensation to back-to-back World Champion has been one of sport’s most compelling storylines and at just 18, the hype is matched by silverware.
With more darts majors and a Premier League Darts campaign still to come in 2026, Littler has ample opportunity to strengthen his SPOTY case, particularly if he dominates the season and transcends the sport in mainstream popularity.
If no England footballer or Commonwealth Games star stands out, he could be the voters’ clear pick come December.
What the expert says...
Russell & Kane Lead the Chasing Pack
Behind Littler, George Russell (9/1) is tipped to challenge if 2026’s new F1 regulations help Mercedes close the gap on McLaren.
The 27-year-old has long been earmarked as a future world champion and could have a big chance in the coming season.
Harry Kane (10/1) sits just behind, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place in the summer.
If England go deep and Kane delivers a Golden Boot-worthy performance, he will almost certainly be in the SPOTY mix.
F1 champion Lando Norris (10/1) and defending SPOTY champion Rory McIlroy (16/1) remain in the frame, while Jordan Pickford (20/1) is a notable outsider who could rise if England go on a run and he stars in goal again.
Where To Bet on SPOTY 2026
Betting markets on BBC Sports Personality of the Year are a staple among the best entertainment and sports betting sites, with Ladbrokes currently offering an early 2026 outright market.
For those looking to get involved, check out our guide to the best entertainment betting sites.
You can also explore the latest free bets across UK betting sites to boost your first wager.
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