London, England, is home to some of the country’s biggest pro sports teams. The city regularly puts on some amazing spectacles for football (soccer), rugby league, rugby union, cricket, tennis, and many other sports.
Some of the other big sports teams based in and around London are from various other notable sports disciplines, including American football, ice hockey, basketball, athletics, and rowing, to name a few.
That’s not forgetting major international sporting events like the Summer Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, the Paralympics, and various other major events.
The capital boasts some of the world’s biggest and best stadiums, many of which can cater to a wide range of sporting events.
Let’s dive in to discover the names of five major London-based sports teams you may want to watch when you next visit the city.
Top 5 London-based sports teams to watch when you next visit the city
As mentioned, London hosts various sporting events throughout the year. However, the most popular sport with the biggest and most well-known teams is men’s professional football (soccer).
If you enjoy playing or watching football and want to take in a game during your next trip to London, the five most notable teams you may want to try and find tickets for are the following clubs:
Other London-based football teams you may also want to try and get tickets for are QPR (Queens Park Rangers), Brentford, Fulham, and Charlton Athletic. That’s not forgetting Millwall and Watford F.C. although technically, Watford is close but not located IN London, but is an easy train ride from London central.
At the time of writing, you can now find numerous free bets at bookmakers licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. In other words, when you sign up to any UK-licensed iGaming site with sports betting services, you can claim a free bet to place on some of these teams.
If you prefer cricket, the two major Test grounds you may want to visit in the capital are The Oval, and Lords, the latter of which is often referred to as the ‘Home of Cricket.’
Some of the biggest cricket teams based in and around London are Middlesex County Cricket Club, Essex County Cricket Club, and Surrey County Cricket Club.
What big rugby teams are London-based?
One of the biggest rugby teams in London is the London Irish, who play at the Madejski Stadium. The Harlequins play at The Stoop, and the Saracens play in Hendon at the Allianz Park. The other notable London-based rugby union team is the London Welsh.
London’s biggest rugby league team is the London Broncos, who play at Trailfinders Sports Ground in West Ealing.
Honourable mentions
If you like rowing, don’t forget to check out The Boat Race on the River Thames. London is also home to the iconic All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, which is home to the iconic Wimbledon Tennis Championship.
The most notable London-based basketball team playing in the British Basketball League are the London Towers. You also have the Greater London Leopards and the London Broncos.
Some of the other popular sports in the City of London are netball, field hockey, bowls, snooker, swimming, and motor racing at Brands Hatch.
That’s not forgetting boxing matches, archery, wrestling, rink hockey, inter-county Gaelic hockey, horse racing at Epsom Downs, and the London Roller Derby, to name a few.
Final note
As you can see, there are many different sporting events in London, meaning there’s something to suit all types of sports fans of all ages and backgrounds.
If you plan on watching any of these major London-based sports teams when you next visit the capital, remember to book your tickets (and accommodation, if needed) well in advance, and only book through reputable sources.
