The West Midlands’ sporting calendar is always bursting with world-class fixtures and thrilling matches, and 2025 is no different, bringing an action-packed and energetic year of sport to our courts, pitches and arenas. 

Here are just some of the sporting highlights over the year where you can cheer along your favourites:
 

  1. Super League Basketball Trophy Finals at Utilita Arena (Sunday 26 January)  

Slam dunking its way into January, the Super League Basketball Trophy Finals is the first chance in the season for the best hoopers in the country to win silverware. Four of the biggest professional teams in the UK battle it out in front of a crowd of 10,000 in a sensational afternoon of sport, music and entertainment.  

 

  1. Aston Villa v Celtic at Villa Park (Wednesday 29 January) 

The UEFA Champions League returns to Villa Park at the end of January with Aston Villa taking on Celtic in their bid to make it through to the final 16. It’s been over 40 years since Villa have competed at this level in Europe so it will no doubt be another tense and exciting match.  

 

  1. UK Athletics Indoor Championships at Utilita Arena (Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 February) 

At this year’s Indoor Championships, alongside the national titles, athletes will be competing for hotly-contested places on the Great Britain & Northern Ireland team for the European Championships in the Netherlands. Major athletics then return to Birmingham in the summer with the UK Outdoor Championships at the Alexander Stadium on 2 & 3 August.  
 

  1. YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships at Utilita Arena (Tuesday 11 – Sunday 16 March) 

The world’s oldest and most prestigious badminton tournament, the All England, attracts the best players in the world and serves up six days of world-class action. Birmingham has been home to the event for over 30 years and always creates an electric atmosphere for players and fans alike.

  1. PaddyPower Kabaddi World Cup at various venues in Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Walsall and Coventry (Monday 17 – Sunday 23 March) 

Coming to the West Midlands in the spring, this is the first time the Kabaddi World Cup has ever been staged outside Asia. Kabaddi is an exciting, fast-paced game with over 4,000 years of history and is now one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. Don’t miss your chance to get involved.
 

  1. Birmingham Panthers v Manchester Thunder at bp pulse LIVE (Friday 21 March)  

Birmingham’s very own Panthers team are the UK’s newest professional netball team and this is their highly-anticipated first match in the Netball Super League. More than a game, this will be a whole evening of family entertainment and a celebration of Midlands sporting pride.   

 

  1. RLCS 2025 Birmingham Major at bp pulse LIVE (Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 March)  

A key date in the esports calendar, the world’s best Rocket League players descend on Solihull to compete for the first trophy of the RLCS 2025 Season in front of an electrifying live audience.  

 

  1. British Open Squash Championship at Birmingham Rep (Sunday 1 – Sunday 8 March)  

Considered the ‘Wimbledon of squash’, the British Open is the sport’s longest-running tournament and has become the most distinguished event on the PSA Squash Tour calendar. A host of world-class talent will be on display over eight days including England number 1s, Mohamed El Shorbagy and Georgina Kennedy.  

 

  1. England v India Test Match at Edgbaston Stadium (Wednesday 2 – Sunday 6 July)  

Be bowled over this summer by this blockbuster five day fixture when two of the best teams in cricket go head to head with Ben Stokes’ side taking on Rohit Sharma’s lineup. Tickets are already few and far between.  

 

  1. Betfred British Masters at The Belfry Hotel & Resort (Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 August)  

Welcoming the best players the DP World Tour has to offer, the British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo is a must for golf fans. Taking place on the iconic Brabazon Course at the Belfry, this is one of the most renowned courses in the UK. 

 

  1. Horse of the Year Show at bp pulse LIVE (Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 October)  

The pinnacle of the equestrian calendar, the Horse of the Year Show brings the very best in equestrian excellence to the West Midlands. The programme is packed with showing finals and showjumping competitions, and is truly spectacular to watch.   

Discover more sporting events in Birmingham and the West Midlands in 2025.