The forward, 25, helped Manchester City win the domestic treble.
Sterling scored 25 goals as Man City became the first English club to win all three major domestic trophies in the same season.
Sterling has scored eight goals for England in 2019, including a hat-trick against Czech Republic.
Team-mates and pundits have praised Sterling.
England manager Gareth Southgate praised Sterling's impact off the pitch.
England and Man City forward Ellen White revealed Sterling's Sports Personality nomination.
Sterling is a vocal opponent of racism and was named on a list of Britain's most influential black footballers.
"I grew up next door to Wembley and dreamt of one day playing a cup final or representing England there."
The last footballer to win Sports Personality was Ryan Giggs, in 2009.