BBC confirm Gary Lineker’s Match of the Day replacements as Kelly Cates shares host role with two Beeb favourites
The BBC has confirmed that next season’s Match of the Day will be led by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with the three-man team replacing the outgoing Gary Lineker.
The broadcaster shared a post on social media confirming the news, which was first announced exclusively by Mail Sport last month.
‘New selection for next season! (emoji drawing),” the company shared.
“We are excited to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share the Match of the Day presentations from 2025 to 2026.”
Cates was excited about the announcement and said she couldn’t wait to sink her teeth into the role.
“I can’t wait to get started,” the presenter said in a statement shared by the BBC. “I keep thinking about that moment when I’m sitting in the chair and the music starts, and I can’t wait for it to happen.”
Kelly Cates (left) leaves Sky Sports to join the BBC as she prepares to join a three-person hosting team with Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan for next season’s Match of the Day
Cates’ departure is believed to be deeply felt after he became one of Sky Sports’ veteran Premier League hosts
Both Chapman and Logan have long-standing ties with the national broadcaster
It is believed that Cates, Chapman and Logan will split presenting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 between the three of them when they start their new roles following Lineker’s departure.
Sky bosses are said to be deeply saddened by the loss of the 49-year-old, who was a regular in their live Premier League coverage.
Lineker, who took over presenting duties on the flagship BBC show from Des Lynam in 1999, will bring down the curtain after 26 years. The 63-year-old is also set to leave the BBC entirely after the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico and Canada.
It is understood executives, led by new sporting director Alex Kay-Jelski, want to move the show in a new direction and, as Mail Sport revealed, are considering adding a news element to the show.
It is believed that Logan, Cates and Chapman are close, and are happy sharing the role between the three of them.
In Chapman’s case, this will also allow him to continue his BBC radio commitments, which is believed to have been a big boost in securing him the showpiece role.
Chapman hinted at the arrangement just two days ago when he appeared on his podcast with Logan, The Sports Agents, this week.
Cates will soon take over Logan’s hosting duties while the podcaster goes on vacation, and the trio appeared on air to tease the temporary switch — and seems to hint at upcoming news.
The pair already know each other well and work together on the podcast The Sports Agents
“Depending on what happens in the next few weeks, this could be my life for the next three or four years, who knows?” said Chapman.
Logan responded: “I don’t know what you’re talking about” – before laughter could be heard off camera.
Lineker confirmed his departure from the program he has led for more than twenty years in November, after months of speculation.
The veteran broadcaster will continue to present coverage of the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the World Cup next year, but said it was the “right time” to leave the role for which he has become best known.
Lineker called the experience “an absolute pleasure and privilege” in his first statement since his departure was confirmed, but stressed that “all things must come to an end.”
‘It got to a point where actually the BBC and Match Of The Day have the rights for another three years, the cycle starts from next season, so it felt like it would be a bit weird if I did it for another year. ‘
Gary Lineker confirmed his departure from the long-running program in November last year
The 63-year-old former England striker later added: ‘I gave up my football career when I felt it was the right time. I feel now is the right time.
“I think they want to do something different with the next Match Of The Day contract, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take over.”
Cates, the daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, has worked for the BBC’s radio department, where she co-presented Radio 5 Live’s 606 programme, the weekday sports show 5 Live Sport, with former Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright presented and covered several World Cups, including the 2022 final.
Logan also has longstanding ties with the national broadcaster. He first presented the channel’s FA Cup coverage in 2007 and has fronted major events such as the Olympic Games, the London Marathon and the Women’s Six Nations.