Some people say that these days, Christmas decorations and Christmas music make their appearance in everyday life too early in the year. Not us, because as soon as we see those twinkling lights and hear the soaring vocals of Ms Mariah Carey, we know the start of the PDC World Darts Championship is drawing near. The 2026 edition is the biggest competition to date, and in reigning champ Luke Littler, it has arguably the biggest individual star in British sport right now. Can he claim the title again? It all begins on 11 December.

For football fans the month ahead is like, well, Christmas, with dozens of live matches from the Premier League, Scottish Premiership, EFL, WSL and more. And cricket fans will be in heaven too, with exciting T20 matches (live from warmer climes) throughout the festive period, while in the US the NFL is heading towards the all-important play-offs. Read on for your comprehensive guide to the best of the sporting action in the coming month.

Virgin TV 360 and Stream viewers can make the most of Sky Sports+ on their box with the red button or watch on the Sky Sports app. If you watch on a TiVo^® or V6 box (powered by TiVo^®), you can watch on the app or upgrade your package. Find out all you need to know here.

Don’t forget to bookmark this page for monthly updates – and remember you can follow all the live action on Sky Sports wherever you are in the UK, as long as there’s WiFi, 3G or 4G, thanks to Virgin TV Go. Simply download the free app, which is available to all Virgin TV customers and is compatible with Android, Apple iOS, Windows 10 and PC/Mac.

Here’s all the action you can enjoy live on Sky Sports this month.

If you love what you see but don’t have Sky Sports as part of your package, it’s easy to upgrade.

Here’s all the action you can enjoy live on Sky Sports this month.

Twenty action-packed days, 128 participants (the most ever), 36 brilliant sessions, and just one champion lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy at the end of it all. Will it be Luke Littler again? The defending champ can sometimes look unbeatable, but he’s definitely not infallible. He and Luke Humphries crashed out in the first round of this year’s World Cup, for example, while he followed up his victory at the 2025 World Grand Prix by losing to Beau Greaves in the World Youth Championship.

Greaves is at this tournament too, one of five women to qualify – the first time so many have featured – and perhaps the best placed to make an impact, although she faces a tough first-round match against Daryl Gurney. There’s plenty more talent taking a tilt at Littler, too, including 2024 champ Humphries, who’ll be looking to bounce back from his disappointing fourth-round exit last year. Michael van Gerwen can never be counted out, while the man they call the People’s Champion, Stephen Bunting, reached the semis last year.

But there’s no doubt the unassuming Cheshire teenager is the one to beat, and he’s got the chance to reaffirm his place at the very top of the sport this month. Can he go all the way again and defend his title? There’s a fantastic month of darts ahead and it’s all live on Sky Sports Darts (which you’ll find on CH 516/506 for the duration of the championship).

Day 1 – Round 1
Thursday 11 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 2 – Round 1
Friday 12 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 3 – Round 1
Saturday 13 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 4 – Round 1
Sunday 14 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 5 – Round 1
Monday 15 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 6 – Round 1
Tuesday 16 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 7 – Round 1
Wednesday 17 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 8 – Round 1
Thursday 18 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 9 – Round 1
Friday 19 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 10 – Round 2
Saturday 20 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 11 – Round 2
Sunday 21 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 12 – Round 2
Monday 22 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 13 – Round 2
Tuesday 23 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 14 – Round 3
Saturday 27 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 15 – Round 3
Sunday 28 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 16 – Rounds 3 + 4
Monday 29 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 17 – Round 4
Tuesday 30 December, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 18 – Quarter-finals
New Year’s Day, 12.30pm + 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 19 – Semi-finals
Friday 2 January, 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Day 20 – Final
Saturday 3 January, 7pm, Sky Sports Darts/HD (CH 516/506)

Sky Sports expanded its live Premier League coverage to at least 215 matches this season, and a glance at this month’s schedule might make you think most of them are on over the next few weeks. There are a HUGE number of games over the Christmas period, from five on Sunday 14 December all the way to a full midweek programme on 6-8 January. That includes the Boxing Day match between Man Utd and Newcastle – two unpredictable teams who seem unable to find any consistency.

There’s a vital clash between title contenders when Manchester City host Chelsea on the first Sunday of 2026, while if you want to check on the form of top-four crashers Crystal Palace, you can see them against Man City, Leeds, Spurs, Fulham, Newcastle AND Aston Villa this month. Villa, who put an end to Arsenal’s unbeaten run in early December, also feature six times including the return match at the Emirates and a tricky trip to Chelsea – they’ll need to dig deep to keep up their impressive form.

Table-toppers Arsenal travel to Everton and Bournemouth as they attempt to maintain their lead – and then they entertain Liverpool, who must improve fast if they’re going to qualify for Europe this season, let alone defend their title. Enjoy all this Premier League action over the festive period on Sky Sports.

Burnley v Fulham
Saturday 13 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Crystal Palace v Manchester City
Sunday 14 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

West Ham United v Aston Villa
Sunday 14 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520)

Nottingham Forest v Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday 14 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Sunderland v Newcastle United
Sunday 14 December, 1pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Brentford v Leeds United
Sunday 14 December, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Manchester United v Bournemouth
Monday 15 December, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
Saturday 20 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Leeds United v Crystal Palace
Saturday 20 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Everton v Arsenal
Saturday 20 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports

Aston Villa v Manchester United
Sunday 21 December, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Fulham v Nottingham Forest
Monday 22 December, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Manchester United v Newcastle United
Boxing Day, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Chelsea v Aston Villa
Saturday 27 December, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Sunderland v Leeds United
Sunday 28 December, 1pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday 28 December, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Chelsea v Bournemouth
Tuesday 30 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Arsenal v Aston Villa
Tuesday 30 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Nottingham Forest v Everton
Tuesday 30 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion
Tuesday 30 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

Burnley v Newcastle United
Tuesday 30 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520)

Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Tuesday 30 December, 7.15pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Liverpool v Leeds United
New Year’s Day, 4.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Crystal Palace v Fulham
New Year’s Day, 4.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Sunderland v Manchester City
New Year’s Day, 7pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur
New Year’s Day, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest
Saturday 3 January, 11.30am, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Bournemouth v Arsenal
Saturday 3 January, 4.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Fulham v Liverpool
Sunday 4 January, 2pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Newcastle United v Crystal Palace
Sunday 4 January, 2pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland
Sunday 4 January, 2pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Everton v Brentford
Sunday 4 January, 2pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

Manchester City v Chelsea
Sunday 4 January, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

West Ham United v Nottingham Forest
Tuesday 6 January, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Fulham v Chelsea
Wednesday 7 January, 6pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur
Wednesday 7 January, 6pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Wednesday 7 January, 6pm, Sky Sports F1®/HD (CH 516/506)

Brentford v Sunderland
Wednesday 7 January, 6pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wednesday 7 January, 6pm, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520)

Manchester City v Brighton & Hove Albion
Wednesday 7 January, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Newcastle United v Leeds United
Wednesday 7 January, 7pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/505)

Burnley v Manchester United
Wednesday 7 January, 7.15pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Arsenal v Liverpool
Thursday 8 January, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Hearts’ promising title challenge looked like it might have hit the skids after they endured a run of one win in six, allowing Celtic to draw level on points. But then Derek McInnes’ side went to Celtic Park and came away with a win, putting a gap between themselves and the Glasgow club once again. With the midseason break looming, they’ll want to keep that in place, especially if it involves beating city rivals Hibs at Easter Road in the Christmas fixtures.

In the final matches before the interval, Hearts go to Dundee and Aberdeen host Rangers. There’s also the traditional Hogmanay Old Firm match on 3 January, live on Sky Sports; as ever, nothing less than a win will satisfy either set of supporters.

Falkirk v Heart Of Midlothian
Saturday 13 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Dundee United v Celtic
Wednesday 17 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Heart Of Midlothian v Rangers
Sunday 21 December, 1pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Hibernian v Heart Of Midlothian
Saturday 27 December, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Livingston v Celtic
Saturday 27 December, 2.45pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Celtic v Rangers
Saturday 3 January, 11.30am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Dundee United v Dundee
Saturday 3 January, 2.45pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Rangers v Aberdeen
Tuesday 6 January, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Dundee v Heart Of Midlothian
Sunday 11 January, 1pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Aberdeen v Rangers
Sunday 11 January, 3.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Chelsea were already looking less assured than usual in the WSL before their shock loss at home to Everton – their first league defeat since May 2024 – handed the initiative in the title race to Man City. Both teams will be eager to score wins in the final match before the winter break, when City host Aston Villa and Chelsea travel to Brighton – where the Blues struggled last season, rescuing a draw after going 2-1 behind. Will this be another tough trip for the champions?

It’s winless Liverpool’s last chance to pick up a victory before the winter break too, as they face trips to fellow strugglers Villa and West Ham. But if there’s a good season to finish bottom, this is it. Automatic relegation has been scrapped to allow expansion of the WSL top flight, so the team that finishes 12th will play off against the third-placed club in WLS2. Don’t miss the final action of 2025 on Sky Sports – or the first matches of 2026 when the league resumes on 10 January.

Aston Villa v Liverpool
Thursday 11 December, 6.50pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Everton v Arsenal
Saturday 13 December, 11am, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 513/503) + Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Brighton & Hove Albion v Chelsea
Sunday 14 December, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Manchester City v Aston Villa
Sunday 14 December, 11am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

West Ham United v Liverpool
Sunday 14 December, 11.50am, Sky Sports+

Leicester City v London City Lionesses
Sunday 14 December, 11.50am, Sky Sports+

Arsenal v Manchester United
Saturday 10 January, 11.30am, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 513/503)

Manchester City v Everton
Sunday 11 January, 11am, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 513/503)

Chelsea v West Ham United
Sunday 11 January, 11am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Aston Villa v Brighton & Hove Albion
Sunday 11 January, 11.55am, Sky Sports+

Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City
Sunday 11 January, 11.55am, Sky Sports+

They’re well clear at the top and setting all sorts of scoring records, but don’t be fooled – Coventry aren’t doing this the easy way. In the past month, they went 2-0 down at home to West Brom before goals from Victor Torp, Josh Eccles and Ellis Simms rescued the win; then they let a 2-0 lead slip at Middlesbrough and needed late goals from Liam Kitching and Simms to keep their winning run going. Then, though, they went to Ipswich and were walloped 3-0. It’s seat-of-the-pants stuff for Sky Blues fans at times, but Frank Lampard has obviously instilled huge belief in his squad. It’s real “we’re gonna score one more than you” stuff, and it’s thrilling.

You can see their swashbuckling style in action five times over the busy festive period, when they’ll get a real test against some of the Championship’s form sides: Birmingham, Southampton and Ipswich (again), who have all recovered from slow starts and look ready to make a top-six charge. If Coventry, who also face Swansea at home and Charlton away, can come through this month with their lead intact, it seems very unlikely anyone can stop them winning the title… Who will accept the challenge of knocking them off the top? Enjoy all the action from this always entertaining league on Sky Sports.

Hull City v Wrexham
Wednesday 10 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Ipswich Town v Stoke City
Wednesday 10 December, 7.35pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Bristol City v Leicester City
Wednesday 10 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Derby County v Millwall
Wednesday 10 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Ipswich Town v Stoke City
Wednesday 10 December, 7.35pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

West Bromwich Albion v Sheffield United
Friday 12 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Norwich City v Southampton
Saturday 13 December, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Stoke City v Swansea City
Saturday 13 December, 12.25pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Oxford United v Preston North End
Saturday 13 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Sheffield Wednesday v Derby County
Monday 15 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Swansea City v Wrexham
Friday 19 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Southampton v Coventry City
Saturday 20 December, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Preston North End v Norwich City
Saturday 20 December, 12.25pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Blackburn Rovers v Millwall
Saturday 20 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Birmingham City v Derby County
Boxing Day, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Millwall v Ipswich Town
Boxing Day, 12.50pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Coventry City v Swansea City
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Leicester City v Watford
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Middlesbrough v Blackburn Rovers
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Norwich City v Charlton Athletic
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Oxford United v Southampton
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Portsmouth v Queens Park Rangers
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Sheffield Wednesday v Hull City
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Stoke City v Preston North End
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

West Bromwich Albion v Bristol City
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Wrexham v Sheffield United
Boxing Day, 5.15pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Coventry City v Ipswich Town
Monday 29 December, 5.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Leicester City v Derby County
Monday 29 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports+

Sheffield Wednesday v Blackburn Rovers
Monday 29 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports+

Birmingham City v Southampton
Monday 29 December, 8pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Blackburn Rovers v Wrexham
New Year’s Day, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Bristol City v Portsmouth
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Charlton Athletic v Coventry City
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Derby County v Middlesbrough
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Hull City v Stoke City
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Preston North End v Sheffield Wednesday
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Queens Park Rangers v Norwich City
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Southampton v Millwall
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Watford v Birmingham City
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Sheffield United v Leicester City
New Year’s Day, 5.15pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Birmingham City v Coventry City
Sunday 4 January, 11am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Queens Park Rangers v Sheffield Wednesday
Sunday 4 January, 11.55am, Sky Sports+

Sheffield United v Oxford United
Sunday 4 January, 11.55am, Sky Sports+

Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion
Monday 5 January, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

It’s still ultra-tight in League One, with no team able to achieve the consistency required to take charge of the division and establish a lead. That means a couple of good results are enough to push anyone into contention: at the time of writing, for example, Rotherham are 14th, but just four more points would put them just outside the top six. Bradford and Bolton have made themselves hard to beat, but have drawn too many to truly flourish; Cardiff are bagging plenty of goals and wins, but they’ve lost more matches than their rivals too.

No complaints from us, by the way – this unpredictability is just what we want to keep us glued to the action, and Sky Sports has plenty of live games from League One over the coming weeks, including full programmes on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Stockport v Lincoln catches the eye as a promotion six-pointer but keep an eye on Wycombe, who are the third tier’s form team and have been climbing the table steadily in recent weeks. They host Cardiff on New Year’s Day.

Rotherham United v Blackpool
Wednesday 10 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

AFC Wimbledon v Mansfield Town
Saturday 13 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Huddersfield Town v Wigan Athletic
Saturday 13 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Reading v Luton Town
Wednesday 17 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Stevenage v Burton Albion
Saturday 20 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Wigan Athletic v Blackpool
Saturday 20 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

AFC Wimbledon v Stevenage
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Barnsley v Mansfield Town
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Blackpool v Doncaster Rovers
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Bolton Wanderers v Rotherham United
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Bradford City v Wigan Athletic
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Burton Albion v Northampton Town
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Cardiff City v Exeter City
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Huddersfield Town v Port Vale
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Luton Town v Wycombe Wanderers
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Peterborough United v Leyton Orient
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Plymouth Argyle v Reading
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Stockport County v Lincoln City
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Bradford City v Port Vale
Monday 29 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports+

Plymouth Argyle v Wycombe Wanderers
Monday 29 December, 7.40pm, Sky Sports+

Wycombe Wanderers v Cardiff City
New Year’s Day, 2.45pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Doncaster Rovers v Bolton Wanderers
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Exeter City v Luton Town
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Leyton Orient v AFC Wimbledon
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Lincoln City v Huddersfield Town
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Mansfield Town v Bradford City
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Northampton Town v Stockport County
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Port Vale v Blackpool
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Reading v Burton Albion
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Rotherham United v Peterborough United
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Stevenage v Plymouth Argyle
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Wigan Athletic v Barnsley
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Bolton Wanderers v Northampton Town
Sunday 4 January, 11.55am, Sky Sports+

Lincoln City v Peterborough United
Sunday 4 January, 11.55am, Sky Sports+

Luton Town v Stevenage
Saturday 10 January, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Stockport County v Huddersfield Town
Saturday 10 January, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

When Ian Holloway was appointed Swindon Town boss in October last year, replacing Mark Kennedy with the club in the bottom three, it took him six games to get his first win and their Christmas programme was middling at best. But a victory over Colchester on New Year’s Day – thanks to a 99th-minute penalty – lit a spark and the Robins lost only four more games, finishing safely in 12th.

This season they’ve pushed on and with goals from Aaron Drinan and former Wrexham striker Ollie Palmer, their form has propelled them into the promotion places. A strong festive season – when they travel to Bristol Rovers and MK Dons, before hosting Gillingham on New Year’s Day – could see them tightening their grip on a top-three spot as they strive to return to League One for the first time since 2021.

Crewe Alexandra v Newport County
Wednesday 10 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Oldham Athletic v Walsall
Wednesday 10 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Bristol Rovers v Swindon Town
Saturday 13 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Salford City v Colchester United
Saturday 13 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Bromley v Grimsby Town
Saturday 20 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Notts County v Walsall
Saturday 20 December, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Accrington Stanley v Barrow
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Bristol Rovers v Bromley
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Cheltenham Town v Shrewsbury Town
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Chesterfield v Notts County
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Crawley Town v Colchester United
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Gillingham v Cambridge United
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Grimsby Town v Oldham Athletic
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Milton Keynes Dons v Swindon Town
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Newport County v Barnet
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Salford City v Harrogate Town
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Tranmere Rovers v Fleetwood Town
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Walsall v Crewe Alexandra
Boxing Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Grimsby Town v Shrewsbury Town
Monday 29 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Tranmere Rovers v Barrow
Monday 29 December, 7.45pm, Sky Sports+

Barnet v Crawley Town
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Barrow v Salford City
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Bromley v Newport County
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Cambridge United v Walsall
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Colchester United v Milton Keynes Dons
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Crewe Alexandra v Cheltenham Town
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Fleetwood Town v Grimsby Town
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Harrogate Town v Tranmere Rovers
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Notts County v Accrington Stanley
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Oldham Athletic v Chesterfield
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Shrewsbury Town v Bristol Rovers
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Swindon Town v Gillingham
New Year’s Day, 3pm, Sky Sports+

Cheltenham Town v Crawley Town
Sunday 4 January, 12pm, Sky Sports+

Milton Keynes Dons v Chesterfield
Sunday 4 January, 12pm, Sky Sports+

Swindon Town v Newport County
Friday 9 January, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503

Bristol Rovers v Walsall
Saturday 10 January, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

Gillingham v Milton Keynes Dons
Saturday 10 January, 12.30pm, Sky Sports+

The team claiming the title of Herbstmeister – the table-toppers as the winter break begins – go on to win the Bundesliga about two-thirds of the time. And when it’s Bayern, that figure is even higher: in fact, only once in the modern era have they failed to convert being autumn champions into being actual champions (that was 2012).

So is anyone going to stop the Harry Kane-inspired Bavarian juggernaut this season? RB Leipzig and 2024 champs Leverkusen are two of the contenders, and they meet at the Red Bull Arena in the final match before the pause. Tune in to see which is in the best shape to challenge. Leverkusen are also live on Sky Sports the previous Saturday, when they host Köln, and straight after the winter break against Stuttgart.

Bayer Leverkusen v Köln
Saturday 13 December, 5.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

RB Leipzig v Bayer Leverkusen
Saturday 20 December, 5.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Bayer Leverkusen v Stuttgart
Saturday 10 January, 5.20pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Borussia Dortmund v Werder Bremen
Tuesday 13 January, 7.20pm, Sky Sports+

Cardiff’s reward for seeing off Welsh rivals Wrexham in the previous round is a home quarter-final against Chelsea. The west London side may be riding high in the Premier League but they’re mercurial enough that the Bluebirds will fancy their chances of an upset, especially given the form that has taken them to the top of League One. With the Colwill brothers in midfield supplying striker Yousef Salech, they’re always going to create chances, and manager Brian Barry-Murphy will no doubt look to Leeds’ recent league win over Chelsea as a template for how they can grab a victory and reach the semi-finals.

Holders Newcastle host Fulham, who won’t relish travelling to north-east England for a midweek clash, while Man City face Brentford at home. Crystal Palace are at Arsenal a week later, after negotiating a postponement amid a punishing winter schedule.

Quarter-final: Cardiff City v Chelsea
Tuesday 16 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Quarter-final: Manchester City v Brentford
Wednesday 17 December, 7pm, Sky Sports Main Event/HD (CH 511/501)

Quarter-final: Newcastle United v Fulham
Wednesday 17 December, 7.15pm, Sky Sports+

Quarter-final: Arsenal v Crystal Palace
Tuesday 23 December, 7.30pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)

Semi-final 1st Legs
Tuesday 13/Wednesday 14 January, Sky Sports

It’s the men’s T20 franchise league that rivals the IPL for prestige and it’s back in December, starting straight after the conclusion of the women’s version (see below). There are lots of big names from Australian cricket involved, including David Warner, Adam Zampa, Marcus Stoinis and even 41-year-old seam bowler Peter Siddle, who’s signed on for another season with Melbourne Stars after switching from the Renegades last time around.

There’s international flavour too, with Pakistan quick Haris Rauf joining Siddle in the Stars squad, India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin playing for Sydney Thunder and New Zealand batter Tim Seifert in the Renegades squad. England white-ball stalwarts Chris Jordan and Sam Billings, alongside up-and-coming English talent like Rehan Ahmed and Jafer Chohan, are also expected to feature. It’s all set for another top-quality Big Bash competition so tune in (almost) every morning over the Christmas period for some top-quality cricketing entertainment.

Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers
Sunday 14 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Renegades v Brisbane Heat
Monday 15 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder
Tuesday 16 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Sixers v Adelaide Strikers
Wednesday 17 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes
Thursday 18 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Brisbane Heat v Perth Scorchers
Friday 19 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers
Saturday 20 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes
Sunday 21 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat
Monday 22 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars
Tuesday 23 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars
Boxing Day, 7am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Perth Scorchers v Hobart Hurricanes
Boxing Day, 10.15am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers
Saturday 27 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Stars v Sydney Thunder
Sunday 28 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades
Monday 29 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers
Tuesday 30 December, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Adelaide Strikers v Brisbane Heat
New Year’s Eve, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Renegades v Sydney Sixers
New Year’s Day, 7am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Hobart Hurricanes v Perth Scorchers
New Year’s Day, 10.15am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars
Friday 2 January, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Thunder v Hobart Hurricanes
Saturday 3 January, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Stars v Melbourne Renegades
Sunday 4 January, 7am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers
Sunday 4 January, 10.15am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat
Monday 5 January, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder
Tuesday 6 January, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Renegades
Wednesday 7 January, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers
Thursday 8 January, 10.15am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers
Friday 9 January, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder
Saturday 10 January, 7am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars
Saturday 10 January, 10.15am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Sixers v Hobart Hurricanes
Sunday 11 January, 7am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers
Sunday 11 January, 10.15am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades
Monday 12 January, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Melbourne Stars v Adelaide Strikers
Tuesday 13 January, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Hobart Hurricanes v Brisbane Heat
Wednesday 14 January, 8.10am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Hobart Hurricanes have set the standard in this year’s WBBL, helped by their trio of England stars. While national skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt has had a relatively quiet tournament (barring a scintillating 81 from 48 balls in a win over Perth), World Cup breakout star Linsey Smith has continued her good form by picking up crucial wickets with her left-arm spin, while Danni Wyatt-Hodge is among the league’s top run-scorers.

The Hurricanes have never won the title but were the first to secure their place in this year’s final on 13 December, while Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers are aiming to join them there. Watch the action on Sky Sports.

Challenger – Sydney Sixers v Perth Scorchers
Thursday 11 December, 8.05am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Final – Hobart Hurricanes v Challenger Winner
Saturday 13 December, 8.05am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

The United Arab Emirates isn’t a traditional cricketing hotbed so the International League T20 is part of a grand effort to establish it as such, and this month, the six participating teams face off in the ILT20 for the fourth time – and it’s live on Sky Sports. The squads feature a good sprinkling of up-and-coming players from the region, including 22-year-old UAE opener Alishan Sharafu as well as Kuwaiti and Saudi internationals, and anyone tuning in will also get a chance to see the likes of Sam Curran (Desert Vipers), Alex Hales (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) and James Vince (who captains Gulf Giants, city rivals of defending champions Dubai Capitals). Expect plenty of big hitting in a tournament that’s made a real impact since it began in 2023.

Gulf Giants v Sharjah Warriorz
Wednesday 10 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders v MI Emirates
Thursday 11 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Gulf Giants v Desert Vipers
Friday 12 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders v Dubai Capitals
Saturday 13 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

MI Emirates v Sharjah Warriorz
Sunday 14 December, 11.30am, Sky Sports+

Desert Vipers v Dubai Capitals
Sunday 14 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sharjah Warriorz v Gulf Giants
Monday 15 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders v Desert Vipers
Tuesday 16 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Dubai Capitals v MI Emirates
Wednesday 17 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders v Gulf Giants
Thursday 18 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sharjah Warriorz v Dubai Capitals
Friday 19 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders v MI Emirates
Saturday 20 December, 11.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Desert Vipers v Sharjah Warriorz
Saturday 20 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Dubai Capitals v Gulf Giants
Sunday 21 December, 11.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Desert Vipers v MI Emirates
Sunday 21 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders v Sharjah Warriorz
Monday 22 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Gulf Giants v MI Emirates
Tuesday 23 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Dubai Capitals v Sharjah Warriorz
Christmas Eve, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sharjah Warriorz v Desert Vipers
Boxing Day, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Dubai Capitals v MI Emirates
Saturday 27 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Gulf Giants v Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Sunday 28 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Qualifier 1 – 1st v 2nd
Tuesday 30 December, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Eliminator – 3rd v 4th
New Year’s Day, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Qualifier 2 – Qualifier 1 Loser v Eliminator Winner
Friday 2 January, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Final
Sunday 4 January, 2.25pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

If you’re a fan of T20 cricket, it’s probably a good idea to take some time off and devote yourself to it – because yes, there’s ANOTHER T20 franchise league taking place this month, this one in South Africa. As with the ILT20, it’s the fourth iteration of SA20, which also features six teams; Sunrisers Eastern Cape won the first two, with MI Cape Town taking the title last year.

Despite all the T20 cricket going on around the world, there’s still plenty of talent involved here, from veteran Proteas stars Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada and Quinton de Kock to English players including Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow and Saqib Mahmood, as well as more from around the cricket world. It all begins on Boxing Day, with the final in Cape Town on 25 January.

MI Cape Town v Durban’s Super Giants
Boxing Day, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Pretoria Capitals v Joburg Super Kings
Saturday 27 December, 11.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Paarl Royals v Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Saturday 27 December, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Durban’s Super Giants v MI Cape Town
Sunday 28 December, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sunrisers Eastern Cape v Pretoria Capitals
Monday 29 December, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Durban’s Super Giants v Joburg Super Kings
Tuesday 30 December, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Sunrisers Eastern Cape v Paarl Royals
New Year’s Eve, 11.30am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

MI Cape Town v Pretoria Capitals
New Year’s Eve, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Joburg Super Kings v Durban’s Super Giants
New Year’s Day, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Paarl Royals v MI Cape Town
Friday 2 January, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Joburg Super Kings v Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Saturday 3 January, 11.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Pretoria Capitals v Durban’s Super Giants
Saturday 3 January, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

MI Cape Town v Paarl Royals
Sunday 4 January, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Pretoria Capitals v Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Monday 5 January, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

MI Cape Town v Joburg Super Kings
Tuesday 6 January, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Durban’s Super Giants v Pretoria Capitals
Wednesday 7 January, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Joburg Super Kings v Paarl Royals
Thursday 8 December, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Durban’s Super Giants v Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Friday 9 January, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Paarl Royals v Pretoria Capitals
Saturday 10 January, 11.30am, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Joburg Super Kings v MI Cape Town
Saturday 10 January, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sunrisers Eastern Cape v Durban’s Super Giants
Sunday 11 January, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Pretoria Capitals v MI Cape Town
Monday 12 January, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Paarl Royals v Durban’s Super Giants
Tuesday 13 January, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Sunrisers Eastern Cape v Joburg Super Kings
Wednesday 14 January, 3.20pm, Sky Sports Cricket/HD (CH 514/504)

Any UK fans whose interest in the NFL began in the mid-80s, when the sport was first shown on British TV, will have fond memories of a Chicago Bears team that featured Walter “Sweetness” Payton (RIP) and William “The Refrigerator” Perry. That team claimed the Bears’ one and only Super Bowl triumph and since then success has been elusive; they’ve been in the play-offs just three times since 2006, and have finished with the league’s worst record for the past three years.

But under new head coach Ben Johnson, they’ve led the NFC North Division ahead of the more fancied Lions and Packers, with some impressive results including a Thanksgiving win over the Eagles, the reigning Super Bowl champs. Curiously they’ve done it without improving their numbers hugely: they still concede a lot of points, and their middling passing game hasn’t seen a big uptick. Many credit the charismatic Johnson with revolutionising the Bears’ culture and mentality – they now go into games believing they can win. Could this carry them to a championship?

You can see them live on Sky Sports this month as they strive for the big prize, among many more NFL games every weekend. The regular season finishes on 4 January, so get ready for those all-important play-offs.

Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Friday 12 December, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
Sunday 14 December, 5.30pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday 14 December, 5.30pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
Sunday 14 December, 9.15pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
Sunday 14 December, 9.15pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Game TBC
Sunday 14 December, 9.15pm, Sky Sports+

Minnesota Vikings @ Dallas Cowboys
Monday 15 December, 1.10am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Miami Dolphins @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Tuesday 16 December, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks
Friday 19 December, 12am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Games TBC
Sunday 21 December, 5.30pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507) + Sky Sports+

Games TBC
Sunday 21 December, 9.15pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507) + Sky Sports+

Cincinnati Bengals @ Miami Dolphins
Monday 22 December, 1am, Sky Sports Acton/HD (CH 517/507)

San Francisco 49ers @ Indianapolis Colts
Tuesday 23 December, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos
Boxing Day, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Games TBC
Sunday 28 December, 5.30pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507) + Sky Sports+

Games TBC
Sunday 28 December, 9.15pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507) + Sky Sports+

Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers
Monday 29 December, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Los Angeles Rams @ Atlanta Falcons
Tuesday 30 December, 1am, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507)

Games TBC
Sunday 4 January, 5.30pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507) + Sky Sports+

Games TBC
Sunday 4 January, 9.15pm, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507) + Sky Sports+

Play-offs
From Saturday 10 January, Sky Sports Action/HD (CH 517/507) + Sky Sports+

One good reason to become a pro golfer? In December, while we’re shivering and sheltering from grotty weather, they’re heading for the tees in decidedly more balmy places like Johannesburg, Mauritius and Naples, Florida. Watching them on Sky Sports might make us feel a tiny bit warmer. A strong South African contingent including former champions Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Shaun Norris and Ockie Strydom will be in the field for Joburg’s Alfred Dunhill Championship.

Then the winter weather gets removed from the equation altogether with the return of the TMRW Golf League, the indoor competition – devised by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy – that takes place at the state-of-the-art SoFi Center in Palm Beach, Florida. Atlanta Drive, led by Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay, won the inaugural event last year and we’re looking forward to another highly competitive TGL tournament featuring plenty of big stars, including England’s Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick. Don’t miss it on Sky Sports.

European Tour: Alfred Dunhill Championship
Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 December, from 10am, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

PGA Tour: Grant Thornton Invitational
Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December, from 6pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

European Tour: Mauritius Open
Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 December, from 10am, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

TGL: New York v Atlanta Drive
Sunday 28 December, 8pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

TGL: Boston Common v Los Angeles
Friday 2 January, 11.55pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

TGL: The Bay v Atlanta Drive
Tuesday 6 January, 10pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

TGL: Jupiter Links v New York
Tuesday 13 January, 11.55pm, Sky Sports Golf/HD (CH 515/505)

Some of last year’s play-off teams have continued their strong form into this season, like the Knicks and the Nuggets, while there have been some surprises: the Raptors, who haven’t reached the postseason since 2020, are looking like genuine contenders, while 2025’s beaten finalists the Pacers have had a dismal start. But every other team is playing a supporting role to the Oklahoma City Thunder. With a quarter of the season gone, the reigning champions are on track to break the NBA record for season wins – 73, held by the 2015/16 Golden State Warriors.

The Thunder’s triumvirate of superstars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are carrying all before them this term, and no-one would be surprised to see that 10-year-old record fall. And at the start of their championship season they had the youngest squad in the league, so they could dominate the NBA for years to come. It’s up to everyone else to stop them. This month, you can see the Grizzlies and Spurs attempt to do just that, as part of Sky Sports’ weekly live coverage of the NBA.

Charlotte Hornets @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Monday 22 December, 11.30pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Memphis Grizzlies @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Tuesday 23 December, 2.30pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Denver Nuggets @ Dallas Mavericks
Christmas Eve, 12.30am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Clippers
Christmas Eve, 4am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Cleveland Cavaliers @ New York Knicks
Christmas Day, 5pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

San Antonio Spurs @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Christmas Day, 7.30pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors
Christmas Day, 10pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Lakers
Boxing Day, 1am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets
Boxing Day, 3.30am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Cleveland Cavaliers @ San Antonio Spurs
Tuesday 30 December, 12.30am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Dallas Mavericks @ Portland Trail Blazers
Tuesday 30 December, 4am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Philadelphia 76ers @ Memphis Grizzlies
New Year’s Eve, 12.30am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Clippers
New Year’s Eve, 4am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Golden State Warriors @ Charlotte Hornets
New Year’s Eve, 6pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Miami Heat
Saturday 3 January, 10pm, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

New York Knicks @ Detroit Pistons
Tuesday 6 January, 12am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Denver Nuggets @ Philadelphia 76ers
Tuesday 6 January, 1.30am, Sky Sports+

Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Clippers
Tuesday 6 January, 3am, Sky Sports++/HD (CH 518/508)

Miami Heat @ Minnesota Timberwolves
Wednesday 7 January, 1am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

Dallas Mavericks @ Sacramento Kings
Wednesday 7 January, 4am, Sky Sports+/HD (CH 518/508)

New Orleans Pelicans @ Orlando Magic
Sunday 11 January, 8pm, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 510)

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Milwaukee Bucks
Wednesday 14 January, 1am, Sky Sports+

Portland Trail Blazers @ Golden State Warriors
Wednesday 14 January, 4am, Sky Sports+

After the December break, international tennis action starts up again in the Asia-Pacific region, where most players will have an eye on the Australian Open starting on 18 January. Last year, the ASB Classic in Auckland was an important step in the return of former world number one and four-time major winner Naomi Osaka, who had a baby in July 2023. She reached the final, her first since taking maternity leave, but retired hurt to allow Denmark’s Clara Tauson to win the title. Don’t miss any of the build-up to the first major of 2026, with plenty of big names in action in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.

Tennis: ATP Tour – Brisbane International
Monday 29 December to Monday 5 January, from 10.30pm, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

Tennis: ATP Tour – Hong Kong Open
Tuesday 30 December to Monday 5 January, from 10.30pm, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

Tennis: WTA Tour – Brisbane International
Sunday 4 to Sunday 11 January, from 10.30pm, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

Tennis: ATP/WTA Tour – ASB Classic, Auckland
Monday 5 to Sunday 11 January, from 10.30pm, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

Tennis: ATP Tour – Adelaide International
Tuesday 6 to Sunday 11 January, from 10.30pm, Sky Sports Tennis/HD (CH 537/520) + Sky Sports+

Virgin TV customers who subscribe to Sky Sports can watch on the go with the Sky Sports app. Not only will you be able to take your Sky packages with you, but you get in-depth sports coverage, as well as exclusive videos and interviews. On iPad and Android tablets you can also access Sky Sports’ cutting-edge second-screen functions. Download from the Apple app store for iPad or iPhone, or from Google Play.

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