The biggest sporting events of 2025

The biggest sporting events of 2025

The new year has begun and 2025 promises to be a busy one for sportsbook operators.

While the next 12 months may not have quite as many large global events as we enjoyed in 2024, there is still plenty for betting enthusiasts to look forward to.

We take a look at some of the biggest sporting events in 2025 which could be a major factor in increasing a brand’s revenue.

ICC Champions Trophy (Cricket)

Cricket lovers are in for a treat with 15 matches taking place over 19 days as Pakistan and Dubai host the ninth edition of the eight-team tournament. The group stage gets under way on February 19 and promises some crunch clashes, with England facing Australia in Lahore on February 22 and India taking on defending champions Pakistan the following day. New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are the other teams taking part.

Riyadh Season (Boxing)

Boxing fans do not have long to wait until another blockbuster fight card takes place in Saudi Arabia on February 22. All seven fights are championship bouts, including the light heavyweight rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, while Daniel Dubois will aim to defend his IBF heavyweight title when he meets Joseph Parker.

Super Bowl LIX (American football)

The Super Bowl is one of the highlights of the global sporting calendar due to the popularity of NFL around the world as well as the amazing spectacle which is guaranteed. The Big Game this year will be staged at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, while Kendrick Lamar is the performer for the famous half-time show.

FIFA Club World Cup (Football)

Previously contested annually by just seven teams, the Club World Cup has been rebranded and now features 32 teams, with the event to be staged every four years. The first edition of the expanded tournament takes place in the United States from June 15 to July 13 and will feature teams from each of the six international football confederations. The teams are divided into eight groups of four, with two teams from each group progressing to the knockout stages. 

Women’s European Championship (Football)

The women take centre stage when it comes to international football this summer in Europe, with 16 teams heading to Switzerland to battle for continental glory from July 2-27. This is the 14th edition of a tournament which has continued to grow in popularity in line with the growth of the women’s game, with Euro 2022 attracting a record total attendance of 574,875.    

Esports World Cup

The inaugural Esports World Cup will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and should ensure greater focus on esports than ever before. The final schedule is yet to be confirmed but the event in July and August will be a multi-game tournament featuring the leading titles such as Dota 2, Counter-Strike, Rocket League, Crossfire and many more. Some may argue this is not sport, but sportsbook operators can expect plenty of betting revenue from this increasingly key vertical.

Ryder Cup (Golf)

The bi-annual Ryder Cup is arguably the highlight of the golfing calendar, with the cream of the crop from either side of the Atlantic going head-to-head in three days of intense competition. Luke Donald’s Europe team are looking to retain the trophy but the United States will hope to make the most of home advantage at the Bethpage Black Course in New York on September 26-28.

Ashes (Cricket)

England’s rivalry with Australia is intense and an Ashes Test series is not to be missed for fans of the longer format of the sport. The five-match series has produced some of the most iconic moments in cricket history and there will be plenty of betting opportunities available when the action gets under way in Perth on November 21, with the series ending on January 8, 2026.

Africa Cup of Nations (Football)

The biennial international tournament has moved date again and will this year kick off on December 21, with the final scheduled for January 18. Morocco are the hosts and 24 teams will take part, with six groups of four which will be confirmed when the draw is made on January 27. This is the first time the tournament has taken place over Christmas, which could prove popular with punters if not European clubs. The schedule has not yet been confirmed but there is potential for live football on Christmas Day!

Is your sportsbook ready for 2025? Come and meet our team at ICE in Barcelona to learn how we can help your brand grow this year and beyond.

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