Anthony Joshua is the odds-on favourite to take the award after a year that saw him win add the WBA world heavyweight title to his IBF strap by beating Wladimir Klitschko in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley.
The main contender to the former Olympian are F1 World Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton, who won his fourth crown 12 months after agonisingly losing out to Nico Rosberg.
The next best are likely to be Mo Farah, Harry Kane and Jonathan Rea but the final decision will go down to a public vote – so here’s how to cast yours.
How can I vote for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017?
Voting for the award will open during the live show on December 17, which starts at 6.45pm.
Those wanting to vote will need to register for a BBC account and sign in.
Once you are signed in, you’ll be able to vote through the BBC website Sports Personality hub page.
Online votes are capped at one vote per account.
Who has been nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017?
The 12-person shortlist is as follows:
Elise Christie, Mo Farah, Chris Froome, Lewis Hamilton, Anthony Joshua, Harry Kane, Johanna Konta, Jonnie Peacock, Adam Peaty, Jonathan Rea, Anya Shrubsole, Bianca Walkden
When is SPOTY 2017?
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year show will get underway at 6pm on Sunday December 17.
However, the action will no be televised until 6.45pm.
Which TV channel will show SPOTY 2017?
When the coverage starts at 6.45pm, it will be shown on BBC 1 and presented by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan.
How can I stream SPOTY 2017 online?
The action will all be available to stream live via the BBC website.
Viewers are still required to hold a valid TV licence and may be required to log into the website.