The third largest city in Switzerland, Basel, has been selected by Host Broadcaster SRG SSR and the EBU to host the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in May 2025. 

SRG SSR will stage next year’s competition following Nemo’s win in Malmö on 11 May with “The Code”, giving their country its third win in the Contest, and first since Celine Dion took the prize in 1988.  

The Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest will be held on Saturday 17 May at the St. Jacobshalle with Semi-Finals earlier the same week on Tuesday 13 May and Thursday 15 May. 

Basel was chosen to welcome participating public broadcasters following a competitive city bid process that examined facilities at the venue, local infrastructure and the ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists from around the world, amongst other criteria.

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest said: “The EBU is thrilled that Basel has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The Contest was born in Switzerland in Lugano back in 1956 and it’s great to be bringing it back to its birthplace almost 70 years later.”

“Basel's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe makes it the ideal setting for an event that celebrates the power of music to connect people across borders.

“With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, Basel reflects the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest. The city's exceptional St. Jakobshalle venue and outstanding hospitality will ensure a memorable experience for delegations, artists and fans alike.

“Following Contests in the Italian and French speaking parts of the country in 1956 and 1989 we’re also excited to bring the Eurovision Song Contest to German Switzerland for the very first time.

"Together with Host Broadcaster SRG SSR and the city of Basel we will create a spectacular celebration of music on the banks of the River Rhine that resonates far beyond the stage."

Reto Peritz and Moritz Stadler, SRG SSR’s Joint Executive Producers of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, added:

"We were impressed by the quality of the cities' applications! All 4 cities, and especially Geneva and Basel in the final round, fought for the title of "Host City" with creative approaches and a very constructive approach. Such commitment is by no means a matter of course. Our thanks therefore go to all the cities that applied. And congratulations to Basel! We look forward to working with you to make the ESC an unforgettable experience for the whole population."

"It is a great honour for Basel to be able to host the world's biggest live music event,” said Conradin Cramer, President of the Government of Basel.

“We are looking forward to this fantastic opportunity to present Basel to the world as a cosmopolitan city of culture in the heart of Europe. As an open city in the border triangle of Germany, France and Switzerland, we overcome borders of all kinds every day. This fits in perfectly with the Eurovision Song Contest. We are already looking forward to welcoming our guests from all over Europe: welcome to Basel!"

Basel will be hosting the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time. Lugano played host to the inaugural Contest in 1956 when a mere 7 countries took part and “Refrain” by Lys Assia became the very first winner of the Contest – for Switzerland! 

When Lausanne hosted in 1989, following Celine Dion’s win with “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi” the year before, the Contest had grown to 22 participants. 

The full list of participating broadcasters will be released later this year. 

Tickets are expected to go on sale for 9 shows, including dress rehearsals, in the coming months. 

Further details about the shows and accompanying events will also be revealed in the coming weeks and months. 

A media conference from next year’s Host City can be watched here.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 can be found here.

Click here to download rights free images of Basel.  

Rights free video footage of the Host City can be found here.

Watch all three Swiss victories:
1956 - Lys Assia
1988 - Céline Dion  
2024 - Nemo  

Watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2024

Sign up to the Official Eurovision Song Contest Newsletter or WhatsApp channel to stay up to date. 

For more details check out eurovision.tv and follow the official Eurovision Song Contest Instagram, Threads, TikTok and Facebook channels.